Where have I been, you ask?
I am wrapping up the two weeks out in California and have done an incredible amount of travelling and visiting.
My father who lives in the peaceful and scenic town of Pasadena has been the focus of my home base of operations. This inviting town of historical architecture, wonderful art museums, combined with quaint coffee houses and delicious restaurants offers a comfortable and relaxing lifestyle one would not expect giving the close proximity from a bustling metropolis such as Los Angeles. A visit to the local Norton Simon Art Museum whereby an afternoon of exploring Picasso and learning much of what the artist had in mind, was conducted via a nice class. The small group of seven had professor David’s attention as the story of the famous artist was told with actual examples of his work! Thank you to David.
Adding music to the mix, I learned of more from my culture as I looked on in excitement while attending a concert put on in an outdoor setting in downtown Los Angeles by a famous Algerian “rai” singer, Rashid Taha. The atmosphere was almost electrically charged as young and old, along with a large group of seemingly fanatics from all cultures who were in attendance as we listened in to the eclectic beats of this North African pop star. In fact, I believe I even witnessed a brief flash of lightning as there was a distant yet, rare summer electrical storm in the mountains to the North. Everything seemed magical that night, and even with the company that joined my father and step mother, it made all the difference. Thank you to Patty and Steve.
Among other activities while in California during the past fortnight, I’ve paid visits to both mentors who were responsible in offering their knowledge and expertise by directing me into my career as I know it, today. To both Michael and Claude and to their respective wives, a huge thank you for setting aside time during these days while in sunny California to catch up on life. I also want to thank the few childhood friends whom I was able to spend some precious and most rare times chatting about the good ol’ days and reminiscing with. In this particular case, I hadn’t seen my friend in close to eight years. Kenji, it was incredible having the chance to spend time with your children and seeing their expressions as hot Chinese dim sum was gobbled up in no time, was priceless.
I made a trip to San Francisco Bay during last weekend and through the beginning of the week. An overnight stay on board a fifty-one foot sailboat was one of my favorite moments, while in Sausalito. Sipping on a beverage and enjoying fromage topped onto fresh french bread as we watched from safety, the invading fog in the distance, as it crept onto the city of San Francisco from the Pacific Ocean off to the West. Thank you Ari and Sylve for your generosity and overnight accommodations, on board.
Continuing with the bay area tour, I was invited to attend a dinner with longtime friends in Napa as Kelly and David hosted the dinner along with their son, Adrian in attendance. The combination of a fancifully made dinner with a melody of fresh vegetables and tasty barbequed fish and meats, and decadent ice cream dessert, afterwards was just the right ticket to end such a pleasant visit. Adrian, your musical talent as your riffs on the guitar was just absolutely amazing. I see a rock star, in the making!
The adventure didn’t stop as a drive through the wine country above Napa and Sonoma which eventually ended in Sebastapol, just to the West and North of Santa Rosa could make even the most selfish person cry as the scenic spread of trees and rolling hills were almost too perfect for anyone to fathom. There, my friend Ang, along with his wife, Annette, invited me to a rare peek at their hidden ranch tucked in the hills just inland from Bodega Bay as they showing off their corral full of horses and goats watching them enjoy the peacefulness of the countryside with working dogs peering off to the side. Thanks guys!
I want to thank most of all, my family; to my mom and dad and respective step dad, Clair, and step mom Sharon and to my dearest brother, Lyes and sister-in-law, Kathy. A special thank you to my tata Joyce, as well. Good to see you’re keeping house well and enduring the summer heat!
The ability to take this most important trip back West means a lot to me. You see, it had been over three years since I made the journey back to California as my Summers had mostly involved working abroad on board ships during these typical sweltering months. Instead, the setting was changed as steel decks were replaced with the more familiar wooden floors and carpeting from homes I’ve grown up walking on. Tours through old neighborhoods and seeing how much the streets and homes have changed, or not, made me recount how life continues even when paths we take, send us on roads to far away places from those we once knew.
I’ve tabulated close to twelve hundred miles on my northern-southern California stay during these past two weeks. I’ve met up with near two dozen close friends and family throughout this epic period. A big thank you to my father for loaning me his most efficient handling car and to my step mother for becoming his chueffer as a result.
If there are any people whom I forgot to mention, by no means does this symbolize my lack of gratitude towards them and so forgive me. For my time spent off the ship involves great restful periods to recoup the energy lost during those peak workdays of busy shipping due the utmost attention, it requires..My friends and family are never forgotten as any chance I get to reward myself with a visit shall be acted upon.
I am flying back to Flint, Michigan on Saturday and will end the stay with a brief layover and a visit with a cousin while in Salt Lake City as he has been living their within the last couple of years.
Have a great day and eventful weekend everyone!
Discussion Area - Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.