March--Spain, Trains, and Christo Gates

This is the first report of 2005; yet I will begin with a story from last year—which many of you have been asking about.

Spain: I had never been to Europe but as part of my goal to introduce positive change in my life I decided to visit Spain. The trip lasted two weeks and covered six cities. I spent my time in Museums, Churches, Mosques, Bars and walking—lots of walking—and trains. I was moved by Goya’s “Pinturas Negras” series at the Prado Museum and Picasso’s Guernica; fascinated by the architectural wonders of Gaudi in Barcelona (especially the Sagrada Familia cathedral, which is still under construction since 1821); and mesmerized by the transmogrified Muslim buildings such as the Mezquita in Cordoba and the Alhambra in Granada. I made a pilgrimage of the famous bullrings al a Don Quixote. And made many friends in Flamenco bars. But most importantly, I had time to reflect.

Spain is a survivor due to its adapting nature. It has seen many wars and many rulers. Its traditions are an accumulation of the best its many citizens had to offer. Some of its buildings are over 800 yrs old, yet they endure because they accepted change when it came--Mosques became Christian Churches or forts became palaces. Spain still has a siesta so time runs at a different pace—a pace that lets you enjoy life. America is only 200 yrs old. I think we have a lot to learn about adapting to life, instead of trying to commercialize it. Last year was a time of great change for me and I adapted, without accepting it. My trip helped put me in the right frame of mind to close the loop.

I learned I am very fortunate to have the life and friends I do. But I am fortunate because I work so hard at it. I try not to get stagnant so I constantly introduce change and new experiences and friends. Sometimes I get discouraged, but I persevere because it is the way of life. The details of Spain are too immense to put in one email but the lessons are not. On my last day in Madrid, while returning from visiting the bullring, I happened upon a procession or parade with sheep and horses. It is a tradition as old as the city. And I thought it a fitting end to such a great trip because as much as I experienced, drank, walked and lived, I realized that in the end, we can either choose to be sheep or shepards.

Final thought: Some of you know about the Christo Gates. It is an enormous art installation in Central Park. It has sparked a lot of controversy regarding its value as art. My take it that it is a testament to one couple’s vision that took nearly 30 years to fulfill. It is important to live your dreams today because tomorrow may never come, yet we must always keep in mind that some dreams are worth waiting for.

As a parting gift, I give you an original poem:

Reflection on Walking in a Crowded Street

There’s a leaf
moving through
the streets.

It moves west
then moves east
some times stops
to look around.

Nobody notices.
It has no name.

The wind blows
so it moves,
west, then east,
then stops.

The sky is bright
but so far away.
The ground, however,
is so warm and close.

Nobody notices.

The wind blows.
The leaf moves
west, then east,
some times south,
and sometimes north,
but nobody notices.