Paris Je t'aime

Why do I love Paris? Let me count the ways. Old book stores; cafes open till late at night; worn out doors that are no less than art; beautiful, stylish  people walking by while speaking French; neighborhood markets; the promise of finding something spectacular at every turn.

I have always considered myself an old soul. And this place makes me feel alive more than any other place. All my life, I have felt like an outsider. But Paris makes me feel welcome even if I am an outsider. I don't have to stand and stare through the window. I can blend in with all my strangeness and feel invisible, yet present.

This is my second short visit after July. I have no shame in admitting that I will be back again. Soon. 

I remember

I remember..

You walking through the snow in the winter of Boston. We were poor graduate students who seldom had the money to go on dates. Sometimes, we went to the movies together. You bought the tickets while I got the popcorn. We shared a buttery or caramelly kiss depending on the flavor. Then we burped from drinking too much soda and laughed.

We were young and in love.

Compensation by David Perez

My first open mic at Caffe Frascati, San Jose

The audience was super responsive. Hopefully, this is the first of many.
Someone shouted, 'Welcome home!' after I finished. 
It sure felt like home