Zombie Apocalypse Is Beginning Now—in Staten Island, New York!

The Zombie Apocalypse? In Staten Island, New York?

Yup.

No, this is not one of my Random Travel Moments. It’s something a bit different. Although there is a tour involved–a Zombie Jeep Tour–this is somewhat of a deviation from my regular travel pieces. Note: It’s not recommended for all readers and I advise you to read the disclaimer carefully. (More below.)

My Role in This Madness

So how’d I get involved with this in the first place? Well, I happen to know someone (his true identity will be revealed below) who adores Halloween (every day of the year). He’s decorated his car, a Jeep, with zombies and mannequin-style victims. Recently, he took his ‘zombie show’ on the road. To a mall in Staten Island, in fact.

And I joined him for the afternoon.

Believe it or not, he was well received by men, women and yes, children. Shoppers and innocent bystanders.

Halloween is definitely this man’s favorite holiday, but I must tell you…he loves this stuff year round.

See how happy he looks?

So, here’s my special photo/video essay about our quirky afternoon at a mall in Staten Island. I’ve broken it into two parts to make it easier to view—just pick and choose the (body) part you’d like to digest! Ha, ha!

**DISCLAIMER**
Please be forewarned…if you’re squeamish and don’t like to see blood, guts, organs and/or skinless mannequins, I suggest you click away from this page. Now!

And don’t even think about watching the videos. They’re very graphic!!

If you don’t take my advice and then complain or act like a troll, your comment will be eaten up by the Aksimet Zombie. And I’ll send the zombies after you, too!

Zombie Jeep Tour

Let’s start out with something simple. A tour of the Zombie Mobile. (Note: this man also has a nice/normal, sporty Nissan.) He decorated it himself, and I have no idea where he bought the ‘props.’ I know he hangs out in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, a lot. Perhaps he shopped there?

Scenes from the Mall

(This photo has type on it because I was planning to use it in a video as a title page.)

So…Who the Heck Is This Zombie??

Before you watch the videos–if you’re brave or crazy enough to do so–I want you to know who the zombie actually is and how I really got involved with this.

Well, there are actually four reasons.

1. He asked me to do it.
2. He’s my father.
3. I thought it would be a fun adventure since it’s Halloween (and a nice break from the Hurricane Sandy doom and gloom).
4. Photography (and shooting video) are creative activities I enjoy.

Yes, I know—#2 may be a bit shocking. Most people’s parents aren’t like this. Well, my Dad–Gil–is a unique guy. He’s a hairdresser who’s super creative, funny and someone who really lives in the moment. And right now, he’s really into the current zombie fad.

PS: He’s been married a few times (my mom was the first) and he loves to make jokes about ex-wives. All in fun, of course!

Videos

Jeep

This video will show you all the zombies and props on the Jeep. Note: Some of these things are there all year round. I kid you not! His neighbors often laugh when they pass by. Some, not sure what to say, simply look away.

Glad he has a second car!

Zombie Show at Mall

I must, once again, put out a disclaimer. This, of everything in this post, is the MOST graphic and gory. Please click off the page if you think you can’t handle it. Thanks!

If you can handle it, then I think you’ll be in for some fun–a few laughs, for sure. The reactions of the people, kids included, are quite entertaining. And oh yeah, watching my father be a zombie is quite hilarious, too. Also, I’m in the video.

Thoughts/Reactions?

Are you into horror movies? Do you enjoy those that include zombies? If so, are there any movies that you recommend? If not, why not? Do you think it’s silly? Or are you squeamish?

Also, what’s up with this Zombie Apocalypse? It seems like you hear about it everywhere now. And it’s just about become mainstream. Why do you think that is?

Thanks for joining me on the Zombie Tour. It’s been fun having you!