It's kind of an eerie feeling. It's almost as if time has stopped, at least temporarily, as oxymoronic as that is. I've been alone here in Tia Zahyra's house for about the past two hours. Besides the phone ringing just once, it has been a nearly uninterrupted stagnation.
Of course, as I write this though, Mita and Tia Zahyra are walking in the door. Mita is a little upset for some reason: either because Jessica may be alone this Christmas, or that Jessica is not with us here, or that Mita is not here with Jessica, any or all of the above. For better or for worse, I have to admit that I'm surprised; Mita seemed so wrapped up in being here, barely paying me any attention. I figured that everything left in the United States was for the most part out of sight, out of mind.
But when I think about it, I believe Mita's putting on something of a front, for the purpose of convincing herself that Costa Rica is better than the United States in every possible way. But under that surface, there are apparently deeper currents. I remember being depressed when I spent Christmas here in Costa Rica two years ago. It was very difficult to be apart from my close family and friends for Christmas, and it made it even more difficult to be in a warm climate for the holidays. I felt like a stranger in a strange land. It's not a good feeling.
I hope for Jessica's sake that Pito is spending Christmas with her. So far I've been pretty stoic about the holidays this time around. Perhaps I'm putting up my defenses after my experience two years ago. Or maybe it's easier because Mita is here. I don't think it's really the latter, but I could be wrong. Or maybe it's the difference that in only 8 days Cherise will be here. I think that makes a huge difference; to look forward to something in the short-term.
Well, I should have some coffee and socialize now that there's some life here, some reassurance of time and reality.
Friday, December 24, 2004
Thursday, December 23, 2004
San Jose, Costa Rica -- afternoon
I really shouldn't be surprised, but I'm sick. It's such a pain in the ass that - it seems - every time I come to Costa Rica, I get sick. And this time I took precautions like washing my hand frequently and getting to bed early while sleeping-in in the morning. I think I would have been fine if not for the fact that Yorlen was sick on the day we got here. Then, a couple days later, with Yorlen still sick, Mita got sick too. Mita's defenses were definitely down since she didn't sleep for two nights prior to getting here, and she was barely sleeping when we got here. So I guess just being around two sick people, and since the bacteria/viruses here are different than those in the States, I also inevitably got sick. I had a terrible fever last night, sweating so much in bed that my body was stuck to the sheets. Talk about a shitty feeling, feeling trapped like that.
Today I also feel like shit, but I think its already breaking up since I've got a lot of mucus coming out of my nose, and I have that gut feeling that I really am getting better, despite - or perhaps because of - the symptoms. So on account of my sickness, I've done nothing but hang around Zahyra's house. The only thing to speak of is that yesterday morning Yorlen and I went to the Mercado Central in San Jose to buy a bunch of vegetables and other ingredients for her to make tamales navidenos. I went along to keep her company and to help her carry the ton of stuff we picked up. It was towards the end of that outting that I really started feeling sick and weak. I paid for a taxi, which was less than $3, and since then I've been holed up here like a hermit.
Mita is having a blast here. She seems to be the happiest I've seen her in a long while. Even now that she's here she continues to talk about buying property here in Costa Rica. And it seems like every five minutes she's making a comparison with the United States, where of course Costa Rica is better, or else she'll just make a general, disparaging comment about some aspect of life in the United States. I think half the time she's exaggerating, but I don't say anything.
She changed her mind, though, about wanting to live in Alajuela once she saw how steep the roads are there. Then when I told her that she would have to learn to drive stick if she lived in Alajuela, she gave up the idea. But even despite an obstacle like that, I think she's better off living down here. In the U.S., I live only half-an-hour from her, and there's no way for her to visit me unless Jessica picks her up. And that's not a realistic option any more now that Jess lives two hours north of Mita. I just get the impression that Mita's condition would be much subdued here in Costa Rica. Even though she's seemingly between a rock and a hard place, I think the choice - although difficult - is obvious. But I've gotta try not to say anything; Mita's a grown woman who has to make her own decisions.
In the meantime, I'm gonna take a backseat on this trip. Everyone is excited to see Mita, so I'll just come along for the ride.
Today I also feel like shit, but I think its already breaking up since I've got a lot of mucus coming out of my nose, and I have that gut feeling that I really am getting better, despite - or perhaps because of - the symptoms. So on account of my sickness, I've done nothing but hang around Zahyra's house. The only thing to speak of is that yesterday morning Yorlen and I went to the Mercado Central in San Jose to buy a bunch of vegetables and other ingredients for her to make tamales navidenos. I went along to keep her company and to help her carry the ton of stuff we picked up. It was towards the end of that outting that I really started feeling sick and weak. I paid for a taxi, which was less than $3, and since then I've been holed up here like a hermit.
Mita is having a blast here. She seems to be the happiest I've seen her in a long while. Even now that she's here she continues to talk about buying property here in Costa Rica. And it seems like every five minutes she's making a comparison with the United States, where of course Costa Rica is better, or else she'll just make a general, disparaging comment about some aspect of life in the United States. I think half the time she's exaggerating, but I don't say anything.
She changed her mind, though, about wanting to live in Alajuela once she saw how steep the roads are there. Then when I told her that she would have to learn to drive stick if she lived in Alajuela, she gave up the idea. But even despite an obstacle like that, I think she's better off living down here. In the U.S., I live only half-an-hour from her, and there's no way for her to visit me unless Jessica picks her up. And that's not a realistic option any more now that Jess lives two hours north of Mita. I just get the impression that Mita's condition would be much subdued here in Costa Rica. Even though she's seemingly between a rock and a hard place, I think the choice - although difficult - is obvious. But I've gotta try not to say anything; Mita's a grown woman who has to make her own decisions.
In the meantime, I'm gonna take a backseat on this trip. Everyone is excited to see Mita, so I'll just come along for the ride.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
San Jose, Costa Rica -- evening
Here I am, once again in Costa Rica. Back where this journal began. I guess maybe that's how life operates: in cycles. The biggest difference, I suppose, is that I'm two years older. Of course I don't really know if I feel like I'm 27 years old as compared to 25 years old. But then again, when I came last time, I was drinking a shitload of alcohol. Life was a party for me then. Anything that happened in between drinking sessions was simply an intermission. Now I've become greatly accustomed to not drinking at all, or at least drinking very infrequently. Every once in a blue moon, I get the itch to drink my ass off, but I think that's okay as long as it really is once in a blue moon. I drank a bunch of Concha y Toro red wine last night; it gave me just enough of a kick. It was just what the doctor ordered and gave Tia Zahyra's crazy comments an extra dimension.
However, it seems that even if I wanted to go out, it really wouldn't be happening. That's because Carlos is working from 10am to 10pm, 7 days per week. That leaves him with no time and even less energy to hit the town. I don't even expect to see him until the reunion on the 25th.
A second difference from my last visit is perhaps just as important as the first. That is, I'm here with Mita this time, whereas I was alone last time. In other words, last trip was mine, this trip is hers. Of course, my disposition resents any type of impediment on my independence. For better or for worse, I've resigned myself to keeping my mouth shut and just going with the flow. Only when I'm in a one-on-one situation do I really engage in conversation. That'll likely be the status quo until Cherise arrives here on January 1st. I'll keep my spending to a bare minimum until then, then we'll blow it out for 6 days, 5 nights.
Being here has already helped me to appreciate the relationship. I'll be really happy to see Cherise on the 1st. But for now, I'll hold off on that aside.
To continue on the second point above, I also has much less time here and much less money. For all intents and purposes, that means I'm basically attached to Mita, at least until Cherise gets here. Its tough, too, because I can only take so much of Mita at a time. She never seems to be paying attention to what she's doing, it seems to me that she sometimes puts on a 'clueless' act for whatever reason, and she's constantly trying to put on a comedy show. I guess she's having fun, and that's great. But I can only take so much.
Enough about that, though. The reality is that this trip will be different. Besides seeing family and getting some time in a comfortable climate, this trip is a much-needed break from Temple Law, which sucks most of my energy, and not even because of the studies. The social atmosphere at Temple is still so repressive to me that it drains me sometimes. I began to feel a tiny bit more comfortable at the end of the semester. Nevertheless, I definitely needed a break. I have to make a concerted effort to keep up with my work, especially early in the semester, and set an early standard of class participation, albeit at a moderate level. I need to be more assertive at the outset. I think that will make me more accessible to my classmates. And my confidence will feed off of both the cause and the effects.
For now, though, I'll try to chill out down here. Law school has only crossed my mind a couple of times, and only to give me appreciation of my temporary repose. So despite any difficulties (e.g. American Airlines losing our luggage for one day) and annoyances, this trip is just what I needed.
In the short-term, I'm looking forward to the 25th to see more family. Then I'll look forward to what will hopefully be a good 31st. Then, of course, I'll really be excited to see Cherise. Of course I'm already looking forward to seeing her.
And finally, to review really quickly, today we drove all the way into the mountains of Alajuela, near Volcan Poas, to pick-up Tia Tere, then drive back to the town-center of Alajuela. I should say that I drove the whole day. For what it was worth, it felt good to actually be in control of something. And I got to see much of the countryside.
Alright, I'll write again soon, probably tomorrow, since writing gives me a chance to be left alone to my own thoughts and reflections. This and reading allow me my only real methods of enjoying the independence that I normally enjoy back home.
However, it seems that even if I wanted to go out, it really wouldn't be happening. That's because Carlos is working from 10am to 10pm, 7 days per week. That leaves him with no time and even less energy to hit the town. I don't even expect to see him until the reunion on the 25th.
A second difference from my last visit is perhaps just as important as the first. That is, I'm here with Mita this time, whereas I was alone last time. In other words, last trip was mine, this trip is hers. Of course, my disposition resents any type of impediment on my independence. For better or for worse, I've resigned myself to keeping my mouth shut and just going with the flow. Only when I'm in a one-on-one situation do I really engage in conversation. That'll likely be the status quo until Cherise arrives here on January 1st. I'll keep my spending to a bare minimum until then, then we'll blow it out for 6 days, 5 nights.
Being here has already helped me to appreciate the relationship. I'll be really happy to see Cherise on the 1st. But for now, I'll hold off on that aside.
To continue on the second point above, I also has much less time here and much less money. For all intents and purposes, that means I'm basically attached to Mita, at least until Cherise gets here. Its tough, too, because I can only take so much of Mita at a time. She never seems to be paying attention to what she's doing, it seems to me that she sometimes puts on a 'clueless' act for whatever reason, and she's constantly trying to put on a comedy show. I guess she's having fun, and that's great. But I can only take so much.
Enough about that, though. The reality is that this trip will be different. Besides seeing family and getting some time in a comfortable climate, this trip is a much-needed break from Temple Law, which sucks most of my energy, and not even because of the studies. The social atmosphere at Temple is still so repressive to me that it drains me sometimes. I began to feel a tiny bit more comfortable at the end of the semester. Nevertheless, I definitely needed a break. I have to make a concerted effort to keep up with my work, especially early in the semester, and set an early standard of class participation, albeit at a moderate level. I need to be more assertive at the outset. I think that will make me more accessible to my classmates. And my confidence will feed off of both the cause and the effects.
For now, though, I'll try to chill out down here. Law school has only crossed my mind a couple of times, and only to give me appreciation of my temporary repose. So despite any difficulties (e.g. American Airlines losing our luggage for one day) and annoyances, this trip is just what I needed.
In the short-term, I'm looking forward to the 25th to see more family. Then I'll look forward to what will hopefully be a good 31st. Then, of course, I'll really be excited to see Cherise. Of course I'm already looking forward to seeing her.
And finally, to review really quickly, today we drove all the way into the mountains of Alajuela, near Volcan Poas, to pick-up Tia Tere, then drive back to the town-center of Alajuela. I should say that I drove the whole day. For what it was worth, it felt good to actually be in control of something. And I got to see much of the countryside.
Alright, I'll write again soon, probably tomorrow, since writing gives me a chance to be left alone to my own thoughts and reflections. This and reading allow me my only real methods of enjoying the independence that I normally enjoy back home.
Saturday, October 23, 2004
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- night
It's been over two months since I last wrote, but I've thought often of writing. So much seems to have happened in the last two months.
First and foremost, I started law school and now I'm in full-swing with less than two months until my last exam for the semester. The experience has been a challenging one. Despite the difficulties - or perhaps because of them - I am very grateful. I can say that my dream to be a student at Temple Law has materialized, although the day-to-day doesn't seem or feel like a dream. I occasionally remind myself of why I wanted to do this: to help other people. It seems like most of the time that I dislike my five classes, although there are occasional moments of interest and even rarer moments of pleasure.
But I believe that moving consciously and intentionally in the direction of one's dreams is one of the two purposes of life. In that respect, I have to believe I'm succeeding. The second purpose of life is complementary to the first. Each positively effects the other. From my present perspective, then, I am lagging a bit in the second: one must face one's fears and, quite similarly, move consciously and intentionally to overcome them. For reasons that are somewhat vague to me, I have feared speaking in front of my class. Being conscious of this, it sometimes effects my interactions with my classmates individually, although I feel that this is improving. I hope that the positive movement of the first purpose continues to strengthen me in my desire to achieve the second purpose, whether little-by-little or by leaps and bounds.
Law school has been difficult for other reasons. It has been a constant, daily struggle to keep up with the large amount of reading, and more difficult, the comprehension and retention of that reading. After ordering a notebook computer at the end of August, I finally got it in mid-September. It has helped me tremendously to get organized. Nevertheless, the struggle continues.
Another difficulty has been my schedule's effect on my relationship with Cherise. Since I am so busy from Monday through Friday, and even to a degree on Saturday and Sunday, it has left me with little time to do anything else. The little time I do have remaining, I usually choose to just resting and relaxing. At times, this has put a strain of the relationship. Cherise has a lot of free time, so she naturally gets bored sometimes. It is at times like these that she misses my companionship. There have been times where I have made compromises (not always smart), but they have been admittedly few. The pressure of school just seems to be something always on my mind, with very infrequent repose.
A related issue is my occasional envy of Cherise's schedule, especially when she isn't here, but she's out having fun. I miss that very much. But realistically, now that Corey is gone to Armenia, I think it would be difficult to recreate my early days in Philadelphia. So maybe its better that I'm in school, to use that as a weak justification - or convenient excuse.
My short-term light at the end of the tunnel is a trip to Costa Rica this December. If time permits, I want to see the Panama Canal. I'm very hopeful that it's the type of escapist experience that I'll be likely to need at the end of the semester. To relieve stress, to be able to breathe fresh air, to be able to enjoy warm weather, to be able to party and have fun, to be able to travel on new roads to new places, to love life - these are my hopes and aspirations.
And my long-term light at the end of the tunnel, of course, is to obtain a position as a result of my legal education to help other people in a positive, tangible way. Well, as mentioned I'm very busy these days, so I don't know when I'll write again. Maybe next time I'll be on a beach in Central America.
First and foremost, I started law school and now I'm in full-swing with less than two months until my last exam for the semester. The experience has been a challenging one. Despite the difficulties - or perhaps because of them - I am very grateful. I can say that my dream to be a student at Temple Law has materialized, although the day-to-day doesn't seem or feel like a dream. I occasionally remind myself of why I wanted to do this: to help other people. It seems like most of the time that I dislike my five classes, although there are occasional moments of interest and even rarer moments of pleasure.
But I believe that moving consciously and intentionally in the direction of one's dreams is one of the two purposes of life. In that respect, I have to believe I'm succeeding. The second purpose of life is complementary to the first. Each positively effects the other. From my present perspective, then, I am lagging a bit in the second: one must face one's fears and, quite similarly, move consciously and intentionally to overcome them. For reasons that are somewhat vague to me, I have feared speaking in front of my class. Being conscious of this, it sometimes effects my interactions with my classmates individually, although I feel that this is improving. I hope that the positive movement of the first purpose continues to strengthen me in my desire to achieve the second purpose, whether little-by-little or by leaps and bounds.
Law school has been difficult for other reasons. It has been a constant, daily struggle to keep up with the large amount of reading, and more difficult, the comprehension and retention of that reading. After ordering a notebook computer at the end of August, I finally got it in mid-September. It has helped me tremendously to get organized. Nevertheless, the struggle continues.
Another difficulty has been my schedule's effect on my relationship with Cherise. Since I am so busy from Monday through Friday, and even to a degree on Saturday and Sunday, it has left me with little time to do anything else. The little time I do have remaining, I usually choose to just resting and relaxing. At times, this has put a strain of the relationship. Cherise has a lot of free time, so she naturally gets bored sometimes. It is at times like these that she misses my companionship. There have been times where I have made compromises (not always smart), but they have been admittedly few. The pressure of school just seems to be something always on my mind, with very infrequent repose.
A related issue is my occasional envy of Cherise's schedule, especially when she isn't here, but she's out having fun. I miss that very much. But realistically, now that Corey is gone to Armenia, I think it would be difficult to recreate my early days in Philadelphia. So maybe its better that I'm in school, to use that as a weak justification - or convenient excuse.
My short-term light at the end of the tunnel is a trip to Costa Rica this December. If time permits, I want to see the Panama Canal. I'm very hopeful that it's the type of escapist experience that I'll be likely to need at the end of the semester. To relieve stress, to be able to breathe fresh air, to be able to enjoy warm weather, to be able to party and have fun, to be able to travel on new roads to new places, to love life - these are my hopes and aspirations.
And my long-term light at the end of the tunnel, of course, is to obtain a position as a result of my legal education to help other people in a positive, tangible way. Well, as mentioned I'm very busy these days, so I don't know when I'll write again. Maybe next time I'll be on a beach in Central America.
Thursday, August 12, 2004
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- early morning
Simultaneously a lot has happened while not much has happened since the last entry. But I won't get into that now.
Just now I was lying in bed with Cherise lying next to me. As usual, I let my mind roam free; this sometimes leads me to interesting thoughts although it also sometimes leads me to dwell on other subjects better left alone. Tonight was no different and my mind was lead to thoughts and memories of my first meeting with Cherise, the night when she first walked into the door to the apartment here at 2124 Spruce. There were two main thoughts that materialized.
The first was a funny one: Cherise and her half-sister, Myesha, were either too scared or too uncomfortable to do anything but remain standing near the front door to the apartment. In fact, they didn't move the whole time we were here before going out that night. Of course, the irony is that Cherise now lives and sleeps here. She is just as comfortable now as I am to be here.
The second general thought that came to my head was not as light. In remembering that night it would seem to validate the idea of love at first sight: we saw each other immediately, our eyes met, we began a one-on-one conversation in my bedroom, we went out dancing, she grabbed my hand to go out on the dancefloor, we began kissing during the second song, and the night continued with dancing, kissing, and hand-holding until we exchanged numbers and said "good night."
Unfortunately, the set-up for love at first sight may not hold up since another, later weekend seems to disprove that possibility. I think it was either two or three weekends later that I invited Cherise to come with me to New York City. We held hands during most of the car ride there. When Paul and Corey went out to get food, Cherise came out of the shower to kiss me and massage me. When we all went out, Cherise was only with me for less than an hour before she left me for the night. I didn't see her again during that trip to New York; she didn't come back with Corey and me to Philadelphia. I found out later that she had sex with her ex-boyfriend in Brooklyn that night. Despite the complexities of it, that act basically opened the door to my decision to have sex with Tyette in Baltimore after Evan's wedding. Maybe each of us needed to sow our wild oats one last time before settling into a relationship. But the whole story makes it difficult to call our initial meeting 'love at first sight.'
Just now I was lying in bed with Cherise lying next to me. As usual, I let my mind roam free; this sometimes leads me to interesting thoughts although it also sometimes leads me to dwell on other subjects better left alone. Tonight was no different and my mind was lead to thoughts and memories of my first meeting with Cherise, the night when she first walked into the door to the apartment here at 2124 Spruce. There were two main thoughts that materialized.
The first was a funny one: Cherise and her half-sister, Myesha, were either too scared or too uncomfortable to do anything but remain standing near the front door to the apartment. In fact, they didn't move the whole time we were here before going out that night. Of course, the irony is that Cherise now lives and sleeps here. She is just as comfortable now as I am to be here.
The second general thought that came to my head was not as light. In remembering that night it would seem to validate the idea of love at first sight: we saw each other immediately, our eyes met, we began a one-on-one conversation in my bedroom, we went out dancing, she grabbed my hand to go out on the dancefloor, we began kissing during the second song, and the night continued with dancing, kissing, and hand-holding until we exchanged numbers and said "good night."
Unfortunately, the set-up for love at first sight may not hold up since another, later weekend seems to disprove that possibility. I think it was either two or three weekends later that I invited Cherise to come with me to New York City. We held hands during most of the car ride there. When Paul and Corey went out to get food, Cherise came out of the shower to kiss me and massage me. When we all went out, Cherise was only with me for less than an hour before she left me for the night. I didn't see her again during that trip to New York; she didn't come back with Corey and me to Philadelphia. I found out later that she had sex with her ex-boyfriend in Brooklyn that night. Despite the complexities of it, that act basically opened the door to my decision to have sex with Tyette in Baltimore after Evan's wedding. Maybe each of us needed to sow our wild oats one last time before settling into a relationship. But the whole story makes it difficult to call our initial meeting 'love at first sight.'
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Vatican City -- morning
I'm sitting in the shade on the cobblestone leaning back against a wall facing St. Peter's Basilica. It's almost noontime so it's starting to heat up. But right now it's not so bad in the shade.
We've been in Rome since Sunday morning (today is Wednesday), but we haven't done much for a couple of reasons. First, it gets so hot in the afternoons that it is just too difficult to do anything outside. That clearly effects sightseeing.
Second, I have been sick since writing the last entry, since last Thursday in Granada. Last Friday, I had diarrhea and vomiting one after the other, on top of a 39* Celsius fever. So I felt I had no choice but to be safe and go to the hospital. They prescribed me antibiotics and it has taken until today to have a bowel movement that could be called reasonably close to normal. But as a result of the long sickness, I have lost weight, and hence strength. That also made any sightseeing a practical impossibility.
Lastly, the whole ordeal has forced me to end the trip prematurely, as Cherise and I are flying out of Rome Ciampino first thing tomorrow morning to arrive in London with the hopes of coming off the waitlist for Air India to fly back to New York. We shall see.
Over the past few nights, we have done some walking, though, seeing the Colosseum and the impressive Vittoriale by night. We also saw the Roman Forum and many other similar ruins right in the center of the city. Most of the streets in Rome are cobblestone, adding to the feeling of history and antiquity. Well, it's high noon, the bells having just rung, so I think we'll go inside now to tour the Basilica.
We've been in Rome since Sunday morning (today is Wednesday), but we haven't done much for a couple of reasons. First, it gets so hot in the afternoons that it is just too difficult to do anything outside. That clearly effects sightseeing.
Second, I have been sick since writing the last entry, since last Thursday in Granada. Last Friday, I had diarrhea and vomiting one after the other, on top of a 39* Celsius fever. So I felt I had no choice but to be safe and go to the hospital. They prescribed me antibiotics and it has taken until today to have a bowel movement that could be called reasonably close to normal. But as a result of the long sickness, I have lost weight, and hence strength. That also made any sightseeing a practical impossibility.
Lastly, the whole ordeal has forced me to end the trip prematurely, as Cherise and I are flying out of Rome Ciampino first thing tomorrow morning to arrive in London with the hopes of coming off the waitlist for Air India to fly back to New York. We shall see.
Over the past few nights, we have done some walking, though, seeing the Colosseum and the impressive Vittoriale by night. We also saw the Roman Forum and many other similar ruins right in the center of the city. Most of the streets in Rome are cobblestone, adding to the feeling of history and antiquity. Well, it's high noon, the bells having just rung, so I think we'll go inside now to tour the Basilica.
Wednesday, July 14, 2004
Granada, Spain -- night
I sit now by a fountain just down the hill from the Alhambra. The air is pleasant, now that the sun has set after a hot, dry day.
Before writing this entry, I looked back in this journal to realize that it was a little over a year ago that I was in Granada, Nicaragua, the other Granada on the other side of the Atlantic.
It's really peaceful here now, with the sound of water flowing gently behind me. This is exactly what I need right now after a tiring day. Cherise and I got up early, after a late night last night, to walk with backpacks to the Gran Via of Madrid to pick-up the rental car. Unfortunately, it took us a while to locate the place to pick-up the car. Once we got going, it was already 9:30 a.m. Four and a half hours later and we were eating lunch at a diner on the outskirts of Granada.
As an aside, in case I didn't mention earlier, we decided to rent a car to meet our transportation needs for the rest of the trip in Spain, first for financial reasons as a rental car is actually cheaper, and second, to avoid another mess like the one in the bus station at Barcelona.
So getting back to today, we drove into the city after leaving the diner. We stopped and parked near a small building that was marked as tourist information. When we arrived, though, we realized it was closed for siesta. But as luck would have it, there was a young man sitting at a bus stop across the street from the closed tourist building. We approached him and asked for directions to the area of hostels. Since he was waiting for a bus to go into town, he offerred to come with us to give directions into the city. He was very nice and helped us with a brief tour of the city. When we parted ways in the center of town, he invited us to his bocadilleria, called Piccadilly Circus.
Cherise and I drove back on to la Gran Via of Granada, parked, and compared four different hostels to eventually choose one for 25 euros total per night, with parking included. After checking in and dropping off our backpacks, we walked down into town. We stopped in a few souvenir shops, then saw a double-decker sightseeing bus. Since we were both tired, we decided this would be a good option to see the city. Towards the end of the tour, I began to feel really exhausted. After a night of little sleep then driving for nearly five hours, I needed a nap. We went back to the room and slept for almost three hours, longer than we expected.
We left to go out at about 10 p.m., dinner time. We walked back on to the street behind the hostel and randomly I saw a sign for Piccadilly Circus. Of course we went in and we saw our friend Mohammed, who hooked us up with a falafel for Cherise and a shawarma de pollo for me. It was so coincidental. The food was great and Mohammed was once again very nice. I ordered another shawarma for the road, we walked back to the Gran Via to catch a mini-bus up to the Alhambra and here we are. And here I am writing, finishing this entry.
Before writing this entry, I looked back in this journal to realize that it was a little over a year ago that I was in Granada, Nicaragua, the other Granada on the other side of the Atlantic.
It's really peaceful here now, with the sound of water flowing gently behind me. This is exactly what I need right now after a tiring day. Cherise and I got up early, after a late night last night, to walk with backpacks to the Gran Via of Madrid to pick-up the rental car. Unfortunately, it took us a while to locate the place to pick-up the car. Once we got going, it was already 9:30 a.m. Four and a half hours later and we were eating lunch at a diner on the outskirts of Granada.
As an aside, in case I didn't mention earlier, we decided to rent a car to meet our transportation needs for the rest of the trip in Spain, first for financial reasons as a rental car is actually cheaper, and second, to avoid another mess like the one in the bus station at Barcelona.
So getting back to today, we drove into the city after leaving the diner. We stopped and parked near a small building that was marked as tourist information. When we arrived, though, we realized it was closed for siesta. But as luck would have it, there was a young man sitting at a bus stop across the street from the closed tourist building. We approached him and asked for directions to the area of hostels. Since he was waiting for a bus to go into town, he offerred to come with us to give directions into the city. He was very nice and helped us with a brief tour of the city. When we parted ways in the center of town, he invited us to his bocadilleria, called Piccadilly Circus.
Cherise and I drove back on to la Gran Via of Granada, parked, and compared four different hostels to eventually choose one for 25 euros total per night, with parking included. After checking in and dropping off our backpacks, we walked down into town. We stopped in a few souvenir shops, then saw a double-decker sightseeing bus. Since we were both tired, we decided this would be a good option to see the city. Towards the end of the tour, I began to feel really exhausted. After a night of little sleep then driving for nearly five hours, I needed a nap. We went back to the room and slept for almost three hours, longer than we expected.
We left to go out at about 10 p.m., dinner time. We walked back on to the street behind the hostel and randomly I saw a sign for Piccadilly Circus. Of course we went in and we saw our friend Mohammed, who hooked us up with a falafel for Cherise and a shawarma de pollo for me. It was so coincidental. The food was great and Mohammed was once again very nice. I ordered another shawarma for the road, we walked back to the Gran Via to catch a mini-bus up to the Alhambra and here we are. And here I am writing, finishing this entry.
Madrid, Spain -- early morning
This is my second night in Madrid. And in a matter of hours, we'll be leaving Hostal Prado to pick-up a rental car to drive to Granada.
Madrid has been a tale of two cities: one very bright and sunny but less lively during the day and pleasant and livelier almost rowdy by night. As far as Madrid goes during the day, it is not a world-class city like London, Paris, and Barcelona have been. There are no major monuments and it seems as if there is little to do during the day except walk around and get a feel for the city; which isn't such a bad thing except for my shins.
Despite the overall dullness, last night was surprisingly one of the best, if not the best night of this trip. We came upon a restaurant just a few blocks from the Plaza de Espana where there was a great deal of the common 'menu del dia' for only 7.50 euros. We went in and we were the only patrons, which was great since we sat right up at the bar and got great service and good conversation from the owner and cook, Ricardo. The food was delicious, from a Russian salad to a main dish of Iberian ham cooked with mushrooms and cognac (or perhaps it was white wine). Also included was a glass of red wine. The meal was excellent, and for a very reasonable price. Ricardo and I got into a conversation about music, football (soccer), and the history of Spain.
Immediately afterwards, we rushed to a flamenco performance at Las Tablas restaurant right off of the Plaza de Espana. There were two guitarists, two singers, and three dancers, and the crowd was only about twenty. It was a very cozy environment, with a complimentary glass of red wine. The music and dancing was very entertaining, due especially to the fact that all the performers had a lot of great energy. By the time we walked back to the hostel, it was after one in the morning.
Earlier in the day, we arrived in Madrid after an enormous mess at the bus station in Barcelona the night before. We somehow missed our bus that was to go direct to Madrid, so we had to argue to get onto a later bus to Zaragoza, where we again argued (or more accurately, had a Spaniard aruge on our behalf) to get on the only two empty seats on a bus to Madrid. The whole system at the bus station in Barcelona was a chaotic mess. After the whole fiasco though, and a long bus ride through the arid north of Spain, we arrived bright and early in Madrid yesterday.
We undertook an arduous walk across much of Madrid to eventually locate the area where I had researched there would be hostels. We found the area and visited three other hostels before finding Hostal Prado at a reasonable price of 28 euros total per night. The owner, Pepe, was very nice, and has been nice our entire stay here.
After checking in, we walked our own tour of Madrid, seeing la Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, and la Plaza de Espana, which I already mentioned. We took a walk through el Palacio Real, which was very regally decorated, the throne Room being the most outstanding.
Earlier today, after sleeping in very late, then dealing with changing our flight tickets with Air India, we walked to el Parque del Retiro, which was serene and beautiful. There we saw el Angel Caido and el Palacio de Cristal, with a small lake of fish, ducks, turtles, and pigeons. Unfortunately there were no signs for la Plaza de Costa Rica, which I wanted a photo of.
Alright, I've gotta get up early tomorrow morning, so time now for lights out. I'm excited to move on from Madrid to Granada and the south of Spain.
Madrid has been a tale of two cities: one very bright and sunny but less lively during the day and pleasant and livelier almost rowdy by night. As far as Madrid goes during the day, it is not a world-class city like London, Paris, and Barcelona have been. There are no major monuments and it seems as if there is little to do during the day except walk around and get a feel for the city; which isn't such a bad thing except for my shins.
Despite the overall dullness, last night was surprisingly one of the best, if not the best night of this trip. We came upon a restaurant just a few blocks from the Plaza de Espana where there was a great deal of the common 'menu del dia' for only 7.50 euros. We went in and we were the only patrons, which was great since we sat right up at the bar and got great service and good conversation from the owner and cook, Ricardo. The food was delicious, from a Russian salad to a main dish of Iberian ham cooked with mushrooms and cognac (or perhaps it was white wine). Also included was a glass of red wine. The meal was excellent, and for a very reasonable price. Ricardo and I got into a conversation about music, football (soccer), and the history of Spain.
Immediately afterwards, we rushed to a flamenco performance at Las Tablas restaurant right off of the Plaza de Espana. There were two guitarists, two singers, and three dancers, and the crowd was only about twenty. It was a very cozy environment, with a complimentary glass of red wine. The music and dancing was very entertaining, due especially to the fact that all the performers had a lot of great energy. By the time we walked back to the hostel, it was after one in the morning.
Earlier in the day, we arrived in Madrid after an enormous mess at the bus station in Barcelona the night before. We somehow missed our bus that was to go direct to Madrid, so we had to argue to get onto a later bus to Zaragoza, where we again argued (or more accurately, had a Spaniard aruge on our behalf) to get on the only two empty seats on a bus to Madrid. The whole system at the bus station in Barcelona was a chaotic mess. After the whole fiasco though, and a long bus ride through the arid north of Spain, we arrived bright and early in Madrid yesterday.
We undertook an arduous walk across much of Madrid to eventually locate the area where I had researched there would be hostels. We found the area and visited three other hostels before finding Hostal Prado at a reasonable price of 28 euros total per night. The owner, Pepe, was very nice, and has been nice our entire stay here.
After checking in, we walked our own tour of Madrid, seeing la Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor, Palacio Real, and la Plaza de Espana, which I already mentioned. We took a walk through el Palacio Real, which was very regally decorated, the throne Room being the most outstanding.
Earlier today, after sleeping in very late, then dealing with changing our flight tickets with Air India, we walked to el Parque del Retiro, which was serene and beautiful. There we saw el Angel Caido and el Palacio de Cristal, with a small lake of fish, ducks, turtles, and pigeons. Unfortunately there were no signs for la Plaza de Costa Rica, which I wanted a photo of.
Alright, I've gotta get up early tomorrow morning, so time now for lights out. I'm excited to move on from Madrid to Granada and the south of Spain.
Friday, July 9, 2004
Barcelona, Spain -- early morning
I'm actually writing this in the afternoon, despite the caption. Cherise and I distracted each other last night before I had the chance to write.
Now I'm sitting on a beach just ten meters from the water of the Mediterranean Sea. We arrived on a flight from Beauvais, France to Girona, Spain yesterday morning at about 10:30 a.m. We then took an hour-long bus ride to Barcelona. We began walking in the direction of the main plaza, Place de Catalunya, in order to get our bearings to find a hostel that had been propagandized to us by a Honduran woman waiting at the bus stop. Along the way, however, we found the hostel that we've ended up staying at, for 20 euros each per night.
Before getting there, we saw the Arc de Triomf, Barcelona's version of Paris' momument of the same name. After checking in to our room, we took the rest of the afternoon to explore the downtown, old section of Barcelona. We did a lot of walking, and I absolutely loved the city of Barcelona. We walked down the main street, Las Ramblas, where we saw what looked at first to be a statue of Che. But then it started moving, so I realized it was a man who bore a very striking resemblance to Che. It was crazy. After a little coercion from Cherise, I got a photo with him.
We continued walking throughout the stone streets of old Barcelona. The buildings around us were all about five stories, with balconies. Each balcony had plants or clotheslines. The streets were arranged in a random fashion, so the whole thing was a maze. It was also nice to see that the streets were so clean. Each street had various shops and cafes, and restaurants.
The climate is warm enough here that there are many palm trees. Last night, after so much walking, not only yesterday but since arriving in Europe, we decided to see a movie. It was a great relief to get off our feet and just be entertained for a couple of hours. For the same reasons, it is good to be at the beach today. But getting back to the movie, we saw the third installment of Harry Potter. The movie was broadcast in Spanish, without any subtitles. Since Cherise effectively knows no Spanish, I had to whisper to her at key moments throughout the whole movie.
After the movie, we walked around for a while looking for a decent place to eat dinner. We finally settled on a restaurant on Las Ramblas, where I ate a paella de pollo. Tonight, I'll try the more typical paella de mariscos. We ate dinner after midnight. So it isn't a surprise that we slept in this morning. When we got up, we started our long walk to eventually arrive here at Playa Bogatell. So far, I love Barcelona. I could live here if I got an opportunity, or make one.
As for Paris, which I really didn't write about due to our non-stop schedule there, it was good to see and good to visit. While there, I went to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, where I used their bathroom to take a piss. We also went to the Louvre, where we saw the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. We walked underground to see the six million bones of Les Catacombes. We saw the Notre Dame, which was so intricate in its architecture and very beautiful in appearance. We walked along the River Seine. We ate a lot of good bread and sat for hours at several sidewalk cafes. The coffee there was very strong, as a "cafe" is really a cafe espresso. We also walked along the Canal St. Martin, which was very nice too. Similarly we walked the Champs Elysses to the end, the Arc de Triomphe. Two nights, we went to the Bastille, which is a very hip area for restaurants and bars.
All in all, Paris was beautiful for its sights. But the French language was difficult, and so it frustrated me to be unable to effectively communicate. Paris also surprised me for not being very clean and for its citizens' bland style of clothing. In fact, the Metro stops reminded me of the Philadelphia subway, not so impressive.
Well, I done a lot of writing in trying to catch up. And now the sun is starting to go down. If I want to take another dip in the Mediterranean, I've got to do it now.
Now I'm sitting on a beach just ten meters from the water of the Mediterranean Sea. We arrived on a flight from Beauvais, France to Girona, Spain yesterday morning at about 10:30 a.m. We then took an hour-long bus ride to Barcelona. We began walking in the direction of the main plaza, Place de Catalunya, in order to get our bearings to find a hostel that had been propagandized to us by a Honduran woman waiting at the bus stop. Along the way, however, we found the hostel that we've ended up staying at, for 20 euros each per night.
Before getting there, we saw the Arc de Triomf, Barcelona's version of Paris' momument of the same name. After checking in to our room, we took the rest of the afternoon to explore the downtown, old section of Barcelona. We did a lot of walking, and I absolutely loved the city of Barcelona. We walked down the main street, Las Ramblas, where we saw what looked at first to be a statue of Che. But then it started moving, so I realized it was a man who bore a very striking resemblance to Che. It was crazy. After a little coercion from Cherise, I got a photo with him.
We continued walking throughout the stone streets of old Barcelona. The buildings around us were all about five stories, with balconies. Each balcony had plants or clotheslines. The streets were arranged in a random fashion, so the whole thing was a maze. It was also nice to see that the streets were so clean. Each street had various shops and cafes, and restaurants.
The climate is warm enough here that there are many palm trees. Last night, after so much walking, not only yesterday but since arriving in Europe, we decided to see a movie. It was a great relief to get off our feet and just be entertained for a couple of hours. For the same reasons, it is good to be at the beach today. But getting back to the movie, we saw the third installment of Harry Potter. The movie was broadcast in Spanish, without any subtitles. Since Cherise effectively knows no Spanish, I had to whisper to her at key moments throughout the whole movie.
After the movie, we walked around for a while looking for a decent place to eat dinner. We finally settled on a restaurant on Las Ramblas, where I ate a paella de pollo. Tonight, I'll try the more typical paella de mariscos. We ate dinner after midnight. So it isn't a surprise that we slept in this morning. When we got up, we started our long walk to eventually arrive here at Playa Bogatell. So far, I love Barcelona. I could live here if I got an opportunity, or make one.
As for Paris, which I really didn't write about due to our non-stop schedule there, it was good to see and good to visit. While there, I went to the very top of the Eiffel Tower, where I used their bathroom to take a piss. We also went to the Louvre, where we saw the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. We walked underground to see the six million bones of Les Catacombes. We saw the Notre Dame, which was so intricate in its architecture and very beautiful in appearance. We walked along the River Seine. We ate a lot of good bread and sat for hours at several sidewalk cafes. The coffee there was very strong, as a "cafe" is really a cafe espresso. We also walked along the Canal St. Martin, which was very nice too. Similarly we walked the Champs Elysses to the end, the Arc de Triomphe. Two nights, we went to the Bastille, which is a very hip area for restaurants and bars.
All in all, Paris was beautiful for its sights. But the French language was difficult, and so it frustrated me to be unable to effectively communicate. Paris also surprised me for not being very clean and for its citizens' bland style of clothing. In fact, the Metro stops reminded me of the Philadelphia subway, not so impressive.
Well, I done a lot of writing in trying to catch up. And now the sun is starting to go down. If I want to take another dip in the Mediterranean, I've got to do it now.
Monday, July 5, 2004
Paris, France -- morning
Well, things don't always go according to plan. Cherise and I have a room together at Mary's Hotel in Paris. The hotel has begun renovations, and we're in a newly-renovated room. The rate is 50 euros per night. Cherise's mother, brother, and sister have a room next door.
We arrived in Paris early yesterday morning. The bus didn't even stop at a station or terminal; it just dropped us off on the side of the road. We referred to a map on a nearby board that listed over a hundred hotels in the area, each classed by price range. In an attempt to locate the closest cheap hotel, we stumbled upon a hostel, whose owner was sleeping on a cot inside the window. We walked in and someone woke him up. He said he was full but recommended another hotel to us: Mary's Hotel. We told him we preferred to walk the twenty minutes. Unfortunately, as we found out twenty minutes later, he had sent us in the opposite direction. I really don't think this was malicious in any way. To get back on the right course, we got on the Metro to arrive in the vicinity of the hotel. From there, we navigated the haphazard streets of Paris to eventually arrive and reserve our rooms at about 10:00 a.m.
We arrived in Paris early yesterday morning. The bus didn't even stop at a station or terminal; it just dropped us off on the side of the road. We referred to a map on a nearby board that listed over a hundred hotels in the area, each classed by price range. In an attempt to locate the closest cheap hotel, we stumbled upon a hostel, whose owner was sleeping on a cot inside the window. We walked in and someone woke him up. He said he was full but recommended another hotel to us: Mary's Hotel. We told him we preferred to walk the twenty minutes. Unfortunately, as we found out twenty minutes later, he had sent us in the opposite direction. I really don't think this was malicious in any way. To get back on the right course, we got on the Metro to arrive in the vicinity of the hotel. From there, we navigated the haphazard streets of Paris to eventually arrive and reserve our rooms at about 10:00 a.m.
Saturday, July 3, 2004
London, England -- night
I just realized in answering a question that Cherise just asked me that I have been giving a standard response that I don't care. More specifically, Cherise asked me if I was excited to be going to Paris. As I write this, I'm sitting on a bus that will take me to Paris. I said that I don't care. Reflecting on my response, I realize that I say this because I won't be sharing my experiences with anyone. This really saddens me. All of my photos have been of major sites, but I haven't been in any of those photos. They're basically postcards. I have nothing to show that I was actually here in London. I hope that Paris is different. I have to risk going off on my own in Paris. It'll be more money, but its worth my happiness and independence.
London, England -- afternoon
Things seem to be coming to a head with Cherise and me. Since arriving in London, I have been very aloof from Cherise and her family. Cherise told me that her family has noticed, as I'm not surprised.
In the weeks leading up to our trip, and especially since we've been here, I realize in high definition that most of who Cherise is and what she does actually irritates me. Very simply, we are not compatible. I think what has kept us together this long is out opposite schedules, and so the fact that we see each other for only short periods of time, and our physical-sexual attraction for each other, which undoubtedly exists.
Unfortunately, it has become apparent to me that Cherise has little to no interest in anything historical or political, which are my two main areas of interest. Conversely, I have little to no interest in the world of musical productions, which is Cherise's main area of interest. Last night's viewing of Chicago solidified that belief.
Also, Cherise's sense of humor really irritates me. She likes to do dramatic impersonations of the people around her. The dramatic way in which she does them really annoys me. Conversely, Cherise has told me that she doesn't appreciate my sometimes sarcastic sense of humor.
Cherise just came with our flight information from Paris to Barcelona, and she wants me to get the flight information from Barcelona to Rome. I should really write this out, think out this whole situation. I'll come back to this very soon.
In the weeks leading up to our trip, and especially since we've been here, I realize in high definition that most of who Cherise is and what she does actually irritates me. Very simply, we are not compatible. I think what has kept us together this long is out opposite schedules, and so the fact that we see each other for only short periods of time, and our physical-sexual attraction for each other, which undoubtedly exists.
Unfortunately, it has become apparent to me that Cherise has little to no interest in anything historical or political, which are my two main areas of interest. Conversely, I have little to no interest in the world of musical productions, which is Cherise's main area of interest. Last night's viewing of Chicago solidified that belief.
Also, Cherise's sense of humor really irritates me. She likes to do dramatic impersonations of the people around her. The dramatic way in which she does them really annoys me. Conversely, Cherise has told me that she doesn't appreciate my sometimes sarcastic sense of humor.
Cherise just came with our flight information from Paris to Barcelona, and she wants me to get the flight information from Barcelona to Rome. I should really write this out, think out this whole situation. I'll come back to this very soon.
London, England -- afternoon
So here I am, another day. Look's like we're getting a late start. I really can't control when we leave since I'm following the group. I actually woke up much earlier today, but no one was awake, so I decided to just fall asleep.
Cherise's mother just came back to the room with bus tickets to Paris. We'll be leaving later tonight. Right now, I have no idea what we're doing today. Although I have a few ideas, I'll just follow along with everyone else. We'll have to carry our backpacks today since we'll have to check-out of the hotel in just a little bit.
The weather here has been cool, windy, and sometimes rainy. The very stereotype of London. Paris will be a change of temperature, as well as culture, language, and environment. I'm looking forward to the change, as much as I'd like to do some exploring of my own in London. As with any world-class city, I'm sure there's so much more to see. At least I can say that I saw all of the major sites in London.
The one thing that I need to figure out is how to reimburse Cherise's mother for the bus ticket, which was L32. All I have left is about L17. And I don't want to change one of my traveller's checks for pounds when we'll be leaving England in less than twelve hours. I'll just give her what I have, then give her some euros when we get to Paris and I can change a traveller's check for euros.
I'll make some brief reflections of London now while I have a chance. London is a very clean city despite having very few trash cans in public. The architecture is very noticeably Old World, very intricate, very beautiful. The city reminds me of Philly in that it is a generally flat city, that is very few high-rises. The difference is that all of Philly's high-rises are concentrated in center-city, whereas here in London they are dispersed. The tube is easy to understand and easy to use. It is also very clean and user-friendly, unlike the subways of New York and Philly. The tube rides very smoothly. I only saw two mice in the tube here, and they were much smaller than those in New York. All in all, London has been great. I wouldn't mind living here if I could deal with the weather. But now time for Paris.
Cherise's mother just came back to the room with bus tickets to Paris. We'll be leaving later tonight. Right now, I have no idea what we're doing today. Although I have a few ideas, I'll just follow along with everyone else. We'll have to carry our backpacks today since we'll have to check-out of the hotel in just a little bit.
The weather here has been cool, windy, and sometimes rainy. The very stereotype of London. Paris will be a change of temperature, as well as culture, language, and environment. I'm looking forward to the change, as much as I'd like to do some exploring of my own in London. As with any world-class city, I'm sure there's so much more to see. At least I can say that I saw all of the major sites in London.
The one thing that I need to figure out is how to reimburse Cherise's mother for the bus ticket, which was L32. All I have left is about L17. And I don't want to change one of my traveller's checks for pounds when we'll be leaving England in less than twelve hours. I'll just give her what I have, then give her some euros when we get to Paris and I can change a traveller's check for euros.
I'll make some brief reflections of London now while I have a chance. London is a very clean city despite having very few trash cans in public. The architecture is very noticeably Old World, very intricate, very beautiful. The city reminds me of Philly in that it is a generally flat city, that is very few high-rises. The difference is that all of Philly's high-rises are concentrated in center-city, whereas here in London they are dispersed. The tube is easy to understand and easy to use. It is also very clean and user-friendly, unlike the subways of New York and Philly. The tube rides very smoothly. I only saw two mice in the tube here, and they were much smaller than those in New York. All in all, London has been great. I wouldn't mind living here if I could deal with the weather. But now time for Paris.
London, England -- early morning
Today was a stereotypical day in London: rainy. Fortunately, though, it didn't rain all day.
We started the day by seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Afterwards, we walked to the Houses of Parliament, and stood in line for about forty-five minutes in the rain to get into the House of Lords. But we couldn't get in, so I just got really wet. Then, we walked past another long line for Westminster Abbey, which was a very impressive structure.
Before I forget, I have to rewind. Immediately after leaving Buckingham Palace, we crossed over the River Thames to look at what I think is called the London Eye, a very-tall ferris wheel. It looked impressive, but it was too expensive to be worth going onto.
Fast-forwarding back to Westminster Abbey, we waited out the rain, then walked through Swiss Court and over to Piccadilly Circus. Cherise's family went into a lot of stores, but each time I waited outside and watched people walk by. Piccadilly Circus reminded me of a much smaller version of Times Square, New York. We also went into the London Trocadero, which is actually a mall, and so nothing like the Troc in Philly.
After a few hours of that, we took the tube back to the hotel to rest for a couple of hours. I actually took a nap, which was much-needed.
After the rest, we rode back to Strand Street to watch a production of Chicago. This experience solidified my belief that I do not like musicals.
I'm going to wrap this up now since it's late and time to wind down to sleep. If I have time to write in the morning, I should mention that Cherise got really angry at my apathy toward her, and by proxy, her family. I can explain my reaction and the rest of the day.
We started the day by seeing the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Afterwards, we walked to the Houses of Parliament, and stood in line for about forty-five minutes in the rain to get into the House of Lords. But we couldn't get in, so I just got really wet. Then, we walked past another long line for Westminster Abbey, which was a very impressive structure.
Before I forget, I have to rewind. Immediately after leaving Buckingham Palace, we crossed over the River Thames to look at what I think is called the London Eye, a very-tall ferris wheel. It looked impressive, but it was too expensive to be worth going onto.
Fast-forwarding back to Westminster Abbey, we waited out the rain, then walked through Swiss Court and over to Piccadilly Circus. Cherise's family went into a lot of stores, but each time I waited outside and watched people walk by. Piccadilly Circus reminded me of a much smaller version of Times Square, New York. We also went into the London Trocadero, which is actually a mall, and so nothing like the Troc in Philly.
After a few hours of that, we took the tube back to the hotel to rest for a couple of hours. I actually took a nap, which was much-needed.
After the rest, we rode back to Strand Street to watch a production of Chicago. This experience solidified my belief that I do not like musicals.
I'm going to wrap this up now since it's late and time to wind down to sleep. If I have time to write in the morning, I should mention that Cherise got really angry at my apathy toward her, and by proxy, her family. I can explain my reaction and the rest of the day.
Friday, July 2, 2004
London, England -- morning
As I expected, I am able to write this morning. This is good because I'm taking advantage of the free time. This is also good because I can keep my interaction to a minimum. In this way, I can keep to myself.
Now, as I see looking back to yesterday's entry, I had walked across the Tower Bridge. We crossed to the other side of the Thames to try going to the Globe Theater. It took a little bit of walking (including passing a long line for the London Dungeon) before we eventually arrived at the Globe. Although most museums in London are free, this was another site that had an entrance fee. So we only went into the gift store.
At that point, I went off on my own, being told that Cherise's mother and sister would actually go into the Globe (I found out later that they didn't actually go in). I walked along the Thames and then went up a path leading away from the river to find a bench with a rubber covering. I took the opportunity to lie down and relax. Finally I had a chance to be alone. The sun was out at first so it felt very good. But then the winds became blustery, and I even started getting cold. I think this probably has something to do with the fact that I'm eating very little, in an attempt to keep expenses down in this very expensive city. The dollar-pound exchange rate is horrible, being nearly two to one. I'm sure I'm already losing weight. But I'm not complaining since I expected as much.
Right now, I'm sitting in front of a mirror. My hair is buzzed, slightly shorter on the sides and the back. My eyes look tired and a little red. My facial hair is growing out to stubble right now, and I'll let it keep growing. My mouth seems smaller than usual. All in all, I don't look too happy. The reason for this is that I am almost constantly irritated by Cherise. Her sense of humor consists of impersonations, not the celebrity kind, but just re-enacting, in an exaggerated sort of way, someone else's behavior. I find it really quite annoying. When I speak, she doesn't seem to listen or pay attention over half the time. She doesn't seem to have any sense of appreciation for the historical, becoming animated only when we got to Oxford Circus, the main shopping district in London. She initiates very little conversation with me, unless she wants to try to hold my hand. But by that point, I don't want to have anything to do with her. I'm not going to hold hands with someone who doesn't talk with me most of the time. And I believe the reason we don't talk is because our interests are so divergent. We just don't appreciate the same things and so there a not many common topics of conversation. For example, if I try to give a historical background of something, she just nods her head then immediately moves on to the next thought. I realize very clearly in this type of situation that Cherise is not really a friend. She's a good person, but I'm beginning to realize that we are not compatible.
And this, as I wrote briefly yesterday, puts me in a very uncomfortable position to be with her and her family. I'm not one to put on a front. Since I'm not happy with Cherise, I'm not going to pretend to be happy to be with her. I'm absolutely certain that her family is aware of this since I barely talk at all to anyone unless I'm spoken to first, I'm not holding Cherise's hand, I'm not walking next to her, I'm not laughing with her, and I'm not having much of any kind of contact or interaction with her. Now it seems that everyone is coming along to Paris this Sunday. This only reinforces my anticipation of arriving in Spain. Although I will focus on my surroundings and enjoying the reality of being in London and Paris, I think I will consider my trip really beginning once I get to Spain. It will be the type of trip I want: sleeping in hostels not on the floor of a nice hotel, having independence in exploring a city, being happy and smiling. For now, I'll bide my time. I'll be as civil as possible, even though I won't put on any fronts. As much as possible, I'll remain in the shadows. Nevertheless, I look forward to getting out of this hotel room and seeing more of London. I came here to see this part of the world.
Now, as I see looking back to yesterday's entry, I had walked across the Tower Bridge. We crossed to the other side of the Thames to try going to the Globe Theater. It took a little bit of walking (including passing a long line for the London Dungeon) before we eventually arrived at the Globe. Although most museums in London are free, this was another site that had an entrance fee. So we only went into the gift store.
At that point, I went off on my own, being told that Cherise's mother and sister would actually go into the Globe (I found out later that they didn't actually go in). I walked along the Thames and then went up a path leading away from the river to find a bench with a rubber covering. I took the opportunity to lie down and relax. Finally I had a chance to be alone. The sun was out at first so it felt very good. But then the winds became blustery, and I even started getting cold. I think this probably has something to do with the fact that I'm eating very little, in an attempt to keep expenses down in this very expensive city. The dollar-pound exchange rate is horrible, being nearly two to one. I'm sure I'm already losing weight. But I'm not complaining since I expected as much.
Right now, I'm sitting in front of a mirror. My hair is buzzed, slightly shorter on the sides and the back. My eyes look tired and a little red. My facial hair is growing out to stubble right now, and I'll let it keep growing. My mouth seems smaller than usual. All in all, I don't look too happy. The reason for this is that I am almost constantly irritated by Cherise. Her sense of humor consists of impersonations, not the celebrity kind, but just re-enacting, in an exaggerated sort of way, someone else's behavior. I find it really quite annoying. When I speak, she doesn't seem to listen or pay attention over half the time. She doesn't seem to have any sense of appreciation for the historical, becoming animated only when we got to Oxford Circus, the main shopping district in London. She initiates very little conversation with me, unless she wants to try to hold my hand. But by that point, I don't want to have anything to do with her. I'm not going to hold hands with someone who doesn't talk with me most of the time. And I believe the reason we don't talk is because our interests are so divergent. We just don't appreciate the same things and so there a not many common topics of conversation. For example, if I try to give a historical background of something, she just nods her head then immediately moves on to the next thought. I realize very clearly in this type of situation that Cherise is not really a friend. She's a good person, but I'm beginning to realize that we are not compatible.
And this, as I wrote briefly yesterday, puts me in a very uncomfortable position to be with her and her family. I'm not one to put on a front. Since I'm not happy with Cherise, I'm not going to pretend to be happy to be with her. I'm absolutely certain that her family is aware of this since I barely talk at all to anyone unless I'm spoken to first, I'm not holding Cherise's hand, I'm not walking next to her, I'm not laughing with her, and I'm not having much of any kind of contact or interaction with her. Now it seems that everyone is coming along to Paris this Sunday. This only reinforces my anticipation of arriving in Spain. Although I will focus on my surroundings and enjoying the reality of being in London and Paris, I think I will consider my trip really beginning once I get to Spain. It will be the type of trip I want: sleeping in hostels not on the floor of a nice hotel, having independence in exploring a city, being happy and smiling. For now, I'll bide my time. I'll be as civil as possible, even though I won't put on any fronts. As much as possible, I'll remain in the shadows. Nevertheless, I look forward to getting out of this hotel room and seeing more of London. I came here to see this part of the world.
Thursday, July 1, 2004
London, England -- night
Today was simultaneously good and bad. The good part was that I saw many of London's well-known sites. The bad part was that I was not happy to be with Cherise.
I may not have much time to write now since I'm sleeping on the floor in Cherise's family's hotel room, and they are now getting ready for bed.
First thing this morning, I was ready to leave on my own, but then Cherise got angry at that proposal. So, in order to show respect to her and her family, I decided to stay with her and her family. Although I ended up doing most of what I would have liked to have done, I would have preferred to be alone. That way Cherise could have spent time with her family without me, and I wouldn't have to deal with her in any way.
As for the sites, I saw the Monument, a 202 foot obelisk memorializing the Great Fire of 1666. Later, I actually climbed to the top, where I got a great photo of the Tower Bridge. From about 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we took one of the London walks, which led us through the narrow lanes (e.g. Pudding Lane, Lovat Lane) of old central London. We also saw the site of where the Great Fire began and the site of London's first-ever coffee-house. The tour ended at St. Paul's Cathedral, which is one of the tallest buildings in the city. Many business-people were eating their lunches on the grounds of the Cathedral when we arrived there. The end of our walk went through what seemed to be London's business/financial district. Most men were wearing really nice shirts and suits. Also during the tour, we went to the Guildhall, which is the center of London city government. For some reason, we couldn't go inside.
After the tour, we walked over to the Tower of London, which we decided not to enter since it was a bit expensive. From the outside, however, it looked impressive. It was a castle with a moat (sans water) around the perimeter, tall colonnades, and several drawbridges. It seemed to be a large complex, covering a lot of area. Adjacent to the Tower of London was the Tower Bridge, which we walked across.
Since everyone is now going to bed, I'll stop writing. I saw many other sites, and I want to write too of the negative aspects of the day to sort through the causes and effects. I'll do some writing tomorrow morning when everyone is getting ready. Now it's time to sleep on the floor, and escape to my dreams, where I'll be happy.
I may not have much time to write now since I'm sleeping on the floor in Cherise's family's hotel room, and they are now getting ready for bed.
First thing this morning, I was ready to leave on my own, but then Cherise got angry at that proposal. So, in order to show respect to her and her family, I decided to stay with her and her family. Although I ended up doing most of what I would have liked to have done, I would have preferred to be alone. That way Cherise could have spent time with her family without me, and I wouldn't have to deal with her in any way.
As for the sites, I saw the Monument, a 202 foot obelisk memorializing the Great Fire of 1666. Later, I actually climbed to the top, where I got a great photo of the Tower Bridge. From about 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., we took one of the London walks, which led us through the narrow lanes (e.g. Pudding Lane, Lovat Lane) of old central London. We also saw the site of where the Great Fire began and the site of London's first-ever coffee-house. The tour ended at St. Paul's Cathedral, which is one of the tallest buildings in the city. Many business-people were eating their lunches on the grounds of the Cathedral when we arrived there. The end of our walk went through what seemed to be London's business/financial district. Most men were wearing really nice shirts and suits. Also during the tour, we went to the Guildhall, which is the center of London city government. For some reason, we couldn't go inside.
After the tour, we walked over to the Tower of London, which we decided not to enter since it was a bit expensive. From the outside, however, it looked impressive. It was a castle with a moat (sans water) around the perimeter, tall colonnades, and several drawbridges. It seemed to be a large complex, covering a lot of area. Adjacent to the Tower of London was the Tower Bridge, which we walked across.
Since everyone is now going to bed, I'll stop writing. I saw many other sites, and I want to write too of the negative aspects of the day to sort through the causes and effects. I'll do some writing tomorrow morning when everyone is getting ready. Now it's time to sleep on the floor, and escape to my dreams, where I'll be happy.
London, England -- early morning
I arrived in London earlier today at about 7:30 a.m. local time. Cherise and I made the flight from JFK in New York. I've been exhausted for most of the day, especially after a brief visit to the British Museum. It didn't help that we arrived on a day when the Tube was shut down due to a strike. Fortunately, its set to re-open tomorrow.
I'm not going to write too much now. I want some time to just relax, think, and develop a plan for tomorrow. I want to get an early start, and I'm not sure to what extent I'll be with Cherise's family. I prefer to have my independence and freedom, but I have to spend some time with Cherise's family. I need to find the most delicate balance to show respect, while maintaining a great degree of autonomy to enjoy my choices.
I'm not going to write too much now. I want some time to just relax, think, and develop a plan for tomorrow. I want to get an early start, and I'm not sure to what extent I'll be with Cherise's family. I prefer to have my independence and freedom, but I have to spend some time with Cherise's family. I need to find the most delicate balance to show respect, while maintaining a great degree of autonomy to enjoy my choices.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
Reflection, Gratitude, and Anticipation
Friday, June 25, 2004 is my last day as a Legal Services paralegal. Later this summer, I will begin my next challenge as a law student at Temple University, Beasley School of Law.
Since I began this term of service on February 5, 2001 (minus a four-month hiatus in early 2003 for a trip to visit family in Costa Rica), I have met with 1700 clients. That is 1700 low-income, economically-disadvantaged men and women of Philadelphia. They come from all backgrounds: Americans of African or European or Asian or Latino descent; immigrants from all parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Although the great majority spoke English (or perhaps the Philadelphia version of it), I used interpreters to communicate with other clients in French, Creole, Amharic, Arabic, Vietnamese, Polish, Russian, Thai, and other languages. I even met with a couple of deaf clients who needed a Sign interpreter to communicate.
Through my position at Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA), I was able to directly experience the beauty of our country: the diversity of languages, cultures, ethnicities, and even different Philadelphia neighborhoods, and all the pride that comes along with each of those "ingredients." If we lined up all of my clients, we would see a reflection of the polychromatic world we live in, made up of men and women each striving for a better life for themselves and their children.
Many times, people focus so much on another's socioeconomic status that they jump to automatic conclusions about the values and personality of the other person. That error in logic applies in both directions, as much from low-income to upper-income as from upper-income to low-income. Aside from my primary professional responsibility to give quality legal advice and assistance, it was this human tendency to judge others that I intended to combat through daily direct interaction with the low-income people of Philadelphia. How often does a poor man or poor woman of Latino or African-American descent (those two demographics are the majority of the clients that come to our office) meet for a one-on-one conversation in a closed room with a "white, tie-wearing guy from the suburbs" (all political correctness and my actual background aside)?
There are two themes that guided my work, and will continue to guide me through life, regardless of time, place or surroundings. Each one can be embodied in a quote.
First, throughout my term at PLA I kept a quote posted on the file folder on top of my desk; the printed quote was easily in view during interviews with clients, and I would sometimes take advantage of that by glancing at it during an interview. The quote is from Ernesto "Che" Guevara: "Let me say, with the risk of appearing ridiculous, that the true revolutionary is guided by strong feelings of love. It is impossible to think of an authentic revolutionary without this quality."
The second quote is something I read just yesterday evening, but it applies to the work we do at PLA: "[...] for this little boy whom you have met, his life is just as important, to him, as your life is to you. No matter how insufficient or how shabby it may seem to some, it is the only one he has [...]". This quote comes from Amazing Grace: Children's Lives and the Conscience of a Nation, by Jonathan Kozol.
The two themes embodied in those quotes, and which I hope I have emulated in my work, are those of love and respect.
For those reading this who are not familiar, the work we do at Legal Services is very important work. In fact, without it, the premise upon which the United States of America was founded simply does not exist in reality. That premise is justice, and the equal access to justice. Justice is what sets this country apart from the many corrupt governments of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Justice is what sets this country apart from the plutocracies in many parts of the Middle East. Justice based on 'the rights of man' (as Thomas Paine so passionately wrote) is what makes this country so special.
Our objective at Legal Services is not one of correcting the misfortune of poverty, nor is it one of providing charity to those who do not have. Our work, and the work of any true public servant, is not a matter of misfortune or charity, but is one of working actively against injustice.
Working in the trenches of family law, injustice appears on a microcosmic, case-by-case basis; for example, an unjust relationship based on the power and control of domestic violence, or the injustice of a parent not providing child support for a child born into an already unfortunate socioeconomic environment, or the injustice of a parent denying a child contact with that child's other parent purely due to the spite and resentment of a failed relationship.
In addition to providing legal assistance, I tried to infuse clients with the two themes of love and respect to prevent a civil war of emotions between (or sometimes within) parents, between whom was caught a child or children. Although many clients are already conscious of this, I hope that my method provided a positive example.
I will provide individual gratitude in a direct, more personal environment on my last day at PLA, but be assured that I have the deepest gratitude to everyone there. For now, I will offer individual thanks to my mother and my father, without whose example and love I would not be who I am today.
I end with two final quotes: "My lawyer is a rebel, a revolutionary who is alienated fundamentally from the status quo, probably with as great an intensity, conviction, and irretrievability as I am alienated from it -- and probably with more intelligence, compassion, and humanity" (Eldridge Cleaver, Soul on Ice). My only qualification of this quote is that I do not intend to be alienated from the reality of life and the world we live in. Instead, replace "alienated fundamentally from the status quo" with "opposed fundamentally to the injustices of the status quo." I will consider myself successful if my clients use this quote one day to describe me.
Finally, any reference to revolution is only meant in the literal sense of 'turning over' a new example and form of human interaction; a revolution in the social sense, as people interact with each other in society, regardless of whether in a professional or an informal setting. This definition, and this hope for a better future, is easily summed up in a quote by someone who also began his career as a lawyer: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world": Mohandas K. Gandhi.
Thank you.
*
Since I began this term of service on February 5, 2001 (minus a four-month hiatus in early 2003 for a trip to visit family in Costa Rica), I have met with 1700 clients. That is 1700 low-income, economically-disadvantaged men and women of Philadelphia. They come from all backgrounds: Americans of African or European or Asian or Latino descent; immigrants from all parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Although the great majority spoke English (or perhaps the Philadelphia version of it), I used interpreters to communicate with other clients in French, Creole, Amharic, Arabic, Vietnamese, Polish, Russian, Thai, and other languages. I even met with a couple of deaf clients who needed a Sign interpreter to communicate.
Through my position at Philadelphia Legal Assistance (PLA), I was able to directly experience the beauty of our country: the diversity of languages, cultures, ethnicities, and even different Philadelphia neighborhoods, and all the pride that comes along with each of those "ingredients." If we lined up all of my clients, we would see a reflection of the polychromatic world we live in, made up of men and women each striving for a better life for themselves and their children.
Many times, people focus so much on another's socioeconomic status that they jump to automatic conclusions about the values and personality of the other person. That error in logic applies in both directions, as much from low-income to upper-income as from upper-income to low-income. Aside from my primary professional responsibility to give quality legal advice and assistance, it was this human tendency to judge others that I intended to combat through daily direct interaction with the low-income people of Philadelphia. How often does a poor man or poor woman of Latino or African-American descent (those two demographics are the majority of the clients that come to our office) meet for a one-on-one conversation in a closed room with a "white, tie-wearing guy from the suburbs" (all political correctness and my actual background aside)?
There are two themes that guided my work, and will continue to guide me through life, regardless of time, place or surroundings. Each one can be embodied in a quote.
First, throughout my term at PLA I kept a quote posted on the file folder on top of my desk; the printed quote was easily in view during interviews with clients, and I would sometimes take advantage of that by glancing at it during an interview. The quote is from Ernesto "Che" Guevara: "Let me say, with the risk of appearing ridiculous, that the true revolutionary is guided by strong feelings of love. It is impossible to think of an authentic revolutionary without this quality."
The second quote is something I read just yesterday evening, but it applies to the work we do at PLA: "[...] for this little boy whom you have met, his life is just as important, to him, as your life is to you. No matter how insufficient or how shabby it may seem to some, it is the only one he has [...]". This quote comes from Amazing Grace: Children's Lives and the Conscience of a Nation, by Jonathan Kozol.
The two themes embodied in those quotes, and which I hope I have emulated in my work, are those of love and respect.
For those reading this who are not familiar, the work we do at Legal Services is very important work. In fact, without it, the premise upon which the United States of America was founded simply does not exist in reality. That premise is justice, and the equal access to justice. Justice is what sets this country apart from the many corrupt governments of Latin America, Africa, and Asia. Justice is what sets this country apart from the plutocracies in many parts of the Middle East. Justice based on 'the rights of man' (as Thomas Paine so passionately wrote) is what makes this country so special.
Our objective at Legal Services is not one of correcting the misfortune of poverty, nor is it one of providing charity to those who do not have. Our work, and the work of any true public servant, is not a matter of misfortune or charity, but is one of working actively against injustice.
Working in the trenches of family law, injustice appears on a microcosmic, case-by-case basis; for example, an unjust relationship based on the power and control of domestic violence, or the injustice of a parent not providing child support for a child born into an already unfortunate socioeconomic environment, or the injustice of a parent denying a child contact with that child's other parent purely due to the spite and resentment of a failed relationship.
In addition to providing legal assistance, I tried to infuse clients with the two themes of love and respect to prevent a civil war of emotions between (or sometimes within) parents, between whom was caught a child or children. Although many clients are already conscious of this, I hope that my method provided a positive example.
I will provide individual gratitude in a direct, more personal environment on my last day at PLA, but be assured that I have the deepest gratitude to everyone there. For now, I will offer individual thanks to my mother and my father, without whose example and love I would not be who I am today.
I end with two final quotes: "My lawyer is a rebel, a revolutionary who is alienated fundamentally from the status quo, probably with as great an intensity, conviction, and irretrievability as I am alienated from it -- and probably with more intelligence, compassion, and humanity" (Eldridge Cleaver, Soul on Ice). My only qualification of this quote is that I do not intend to be alienated from the reality of life and the world we live in. Instead, replace "alienated fundamentally from the status quo" with "opposed fundamentally to the injustices of the status quo." I will consider myself successful if my clients use this quote one day to describe me.
Finally, any reference to revolution is only meant in the literal sense of 'turning over' a new example and form of human interaction; a revolution in the social sense, as people interact with each other in society, regardless of whether in a professional or an informal setting. This definition, and this hope for a better future, is easily summed up in a quote by someone who also began his career as a lawyer: "You must be the change you wish to see in the world": Mohandas K. Gandhi.
Thank you.
*
Friday, June 18, 2004
Saw the Y100 Feztival, featuring Beastie Boys as headliner, at the Tweeter Center, Camden for $35.50.
Thursday, May 13, 2004
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- night
Everything is pointing toward my attendance at Rutgers-Camden School of Law this coming August. Not only did they offer me admission as a full-time day student, but they are allowing me New Jersey in-state tuition by using Mita's address as my own permanent residence. The clincher, however, is their offer of a scholarship which will reduce the tuition by $4000 each year, as long as I maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. I'm honored they offered the scholarship, but I'm just as happy that it presents me with a very real challenge. That makes me even more excited for law school.
So Corey leaves the United States on June 6 for Armenia. Over the past three years, he's definitely become my best friend. When we hang out, its always a guaranteed good conversation, and its never a bad time. I think its fortunate that Cherise and I are leaving for a month in Europe on June 28. And then, shortly after my return, I'll be tackling the challenge of law school. I anticipate that those two events will ease the transition to my life in Philly without having Corey to hang out with.
But its obvious that a new chapter of my life is about to begin. Just as my trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua last December through March 2003 was an interlude between two well-defined chapters of my life, so will my impending trip to Europe seem to be another interlude between two chapters in my life. I embrace the opportunity and privilege to encounter challenges and hence new chances for development and personal improvement. Fear arises from the unknown. But the confrontation with the unknown will force me to step-up; it will be a test of myself and my personality traits. I consider myself fortunate to be in a position to travel, to be in a position to further my education, and to be in a position to move onward and upward toward new horizons, new challenges, and new successes.
So Corey leaves the United States on June 6 for Armenia. Over the past three years, he's definitely become my best friend. When we hang out, its always a guaranteed good conversation, and its never a bad time. I think its fortunate that Cherise and I are leaving for a month in Europe on June 28. And then, shortly after my return, I'll be tackling the challenge of law school. I anticipate that those two events will ease the transition to my life in Philly without having Corey to hang out with.
But its obvious that a new chapter of my life is about to begin. Just as my trip to Costa Rica and Nicaragua last December through March 2003 was an interlude between two well-defined chapters of my life, so will my impending trip to Europe seem to be another interlude between two chapters in my life. I embrace the opportunity and privilege to encounter challenges and hence new chances for development and personal improvement. Fear arises from the unknown. But the confrontation with the unknown will force me to step-up; it will be a test of myself and my personality traits. I consider myself fortunate to be in a position to travel, to be in a position to further my education, and to be in a position to move onward and upward toward new horizons, new challenges, and new successes.
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania -- afternoon
It's beautiful outside. Today is the first day of 2004 that is forecast to have a high temperature of 70*F or higher. I'm happy that spring seems to be arriving for good. I'm also happy to be looking forward to going to law school this coming fall.
There's a few important things that have changed since I last wrote almost four months ago. But there is another feeling that has impelled me to write this early afternoon. I just received a letter this morning from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, which denied my application for admission. Since the beginning of the application process, I had mixed feelings about applying to Penn Law. But I ended up applying since it had the best reputation of the ten law schools I applied to. I did this despite my reservations regarding the high tuition, and more significantly, the impression of Penn Law students and graduates. More specifically, with few exceptions, Penn Law students and grads are arrogant and unfriendly (moreso the former), either because they come from upper class families or because they are excessively proud of their academic achievement. The record, however, shows that there are a significant number of Penn Law students that are some combination of incompetent, clueless, and unmotivated. Add to these traits the arrogance mentioned above, and it becomes plain the disgust which I feel derives from being rejected from Penn Law.
But then, I step back and listen to what I just said, and then explore my original sentiments. Did I really want to go there? Yes and no. My only hope for Penn Law was its reputation; I would only have used it for that reason. I believe I would have been discontent in every other way. So when its all said and done, as always, I must have faith that it happens for a reason. It's reasonable to assume that it would have brought me much unhappiness, at least for three years. I don't need that; I never need to accept unhappiness.
Furthermore, I keep in mind that those who make history, who make a difference in this world, are not those who attend premier colleges and universities; they are not those who score highest on standardized tests; and quite often they are not those who come from the upper economic echelon of society. Those people that make a positive, lasting contribution to humankind are those that are determined, passionate, intelligent (in a general sense, not necessarily related to tests), moral, compassionate, and faithful. Once these positive characteristics translate into direct action, the world is never the same. It is this conviction, this truth, which maintains my faith.
There's a few important things that have changed since I last wrote almost four months ago. But there is another feeling that has impelled me to write this early afternoon. I just received a letter this morning from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, which denied my application for admission. Since the beginning of the application process, I had mixed feelings about applying to Penn Law. But I ended up applying since it had the best reputation of the ten law schools I applied to. I did this despite my reservations regarding the high tuition, and more significantly, the impression of Penn Law students and graduates. More specifically, with few exceptions, Penn Law students and grads are arrogant and unfriendly (moreso the former), either because they come from upper class families or because they are excessively proud of their academic achievement. The record, however, shows that there are a significant number of Penn Law students that are some combination of incompetent, clueless, and unmotivated. Add to these traits the arrogance mentioned above, and it becomes plain the disgust which I feel derives from being rejected from Penn Law.
But then, I step back and listen to what I just said, and then explore my original sentiments. Did I really want to go there? Yes and no. My only hope for Penn Law was its reputation; I would only have used it for that reason. I believe I would have been discontent in every other way. So when its all said and done, as always, I must have faith that it happens for a reason. It's reasonable to assume that it would have brought me much unhappiness, at least for three years. I don't need that; I never need to accept unhappiness.
Furthermore, I keep in mind that those who make history, who make a difference in this world, are not those who attend premier colleges and universities; they are not those who score highest on standardized tests; and quite often they are not those who come from the upper economic echelon of society. Those people that make a positive, lasting contribution to humankind are those that are determined, passionate, intelligent (in a general sense, not necessarily related to tests), moral, compassionate, and faithful. Once these positive characteristics translate into direct action, the world is never the same. It is this conviction, this truth, which maintains my faith.
Tuesday, March 30, 2004
Application for Edward V. Sparer Public Interest Law Fellowship -- Brooklyn Law School
1. Why are you interested in a public interest law career?
My mission is to serve that sector of society which is most vulnerable: those people with limited economic means, who oftentimes face other challenges due to their educational background, language skills, or ethnic/racial background. Assessing my own experiences, strengths, and skills, my goal is to be an effective lawyer working in the public interest.
As a Legal Services paralegal, it has become apparent that my hands are metaphorically tied behind my back. Like a carpenter who lacks a hammer, I lack the tool necessary to fulfill my ultimate commitment: a law degree, the symbol and culmination of a quality legal education. With this tool, I will honor my commitment to help those in need, and in doing so, effect immediate positive change in the low-income community. My admission into law school is a requisite for my continued integrity to those whom I serve, as well as to my own ambitions.
2. What experiences have shaped your interest and commitment to public interest law?
From February 2001 through the present, I have worked as a paralegal in the family law unit of Philadelphia Legal Assistance. My work entails interviewing low-income clients to analyze legal matters relating to various domestic relations matters. Upon gathering all pertinent information (including reviewing pleadings and notices) and analyzing the matter, I provide direct legal advice and assistance to the client. Appropriate and eligible cases for representation are referred to our staff of family law attorneys at the conclusion of each week.
In the spring of 2001, 2002 and 2004, I volunteered to prepare income tax returns at the Philadelphia Legal Assistance/Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program Low Income Tax Clinic in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The clinic prepares tax returns without cost to low-income clients. My fluency in the Spanish language was utilized since most of the clinic’s clients are Spanish-speaking farmworkers.
Through these experiences (and others), I have observed the vulnerabilities of the indigent associated with - and arising from - their low-income status, including a deficient education or difficulty with the English language. These difficulties exacerbate the average litigant’s ability to access justice.
The reward I receive is the satisfaction of a victim gaining protection from her abuser, a child’s parent receiving the support necessary to raise him properly, a hard-working farmworker receiving his due income tax return which he will send to support his wife and children. The reward I receive is the practical proof that my part in our justice system is helping to create a better, more just society, one family, or even one person at a time.
3. In what area(s) of public interest law are you particularly interested?
I am primarily interested in two areas of public interest law: immigration law and labor law. This interest is a response to the changing demographics of our country, in which there is an increasing number of Latino citizens and Latin American immigrants. Practice in either area of public interest law is important in order to protect the legal rights of an under-represented population, and to serve them within a justice system which - for many - is foreign, both literally and figuratively.
My mission is to serve that sector of society which is most vulnerable: those people with limited economic means, who oftentimes face other challenges due to their educational background, language skills, or ethnic/racial background. Assessing my own experiences, strengths, and skills, my goal is to be an effective lawyer working in the public interest.
As a Legal Services paralegal, it has become apparent that my hands are metaphorically tied behind my back. Like a carpenter who lacks a hammer, I lack the tool necessary to fulfill my ultimate commitment: a law degree, the symbol and culmination of a quality legal education. With this tool, I will honor my commitment to help those in need, and in doing so, effect immediate positive change in the low-income community. My admission into law school is a requisite for my continued integrity to those whom I serve, as well as to my own ambitions.
2. What experiences have shaped your interest and commitment to public interest law?
From February 2001 through the present, I have worked as a paralegal in the family law unit of Philadelphia Legal Assistance. My work entails interviewing low-income clients to analyze legal matters relating to various domestic relations matters. Upon gathering all pertinent information (including reviewing pleadings and notices) and analyzing the matter, I provide direct legal advice and assistance to the client. Appropriate and eligible cases for representation are referred to our staff of family law attorneys at the conclusion of each week.
In the spring of 2001, 2002 and 2004, I volunteered to prepare income tax returns at the Philadelphia Legal Assistance/Philadelphia Volunteers for the Indigent Program Low Income Tax Clinic in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. The clinic prepares tax returns without cost to low-income clients. My fluency in the Spanish language was utilized since most of the clinic’s clients are Spanish-speaking farmworkers.
Through these experiences (and others), I have observed the vulnerabilities of the indigent associated with - and arising from - their low-income status, including a deficient education or difficulty with the English language. These difficulties exacerbate the average litigant’s ability to access justice.
The reward I receive is the satisfaction of a victim gaining protection from her abuser, a child’s parent receiving the support necessary to raise him properly, a hard-working farmworker receiving his due income tax return which he will send to support his wife and children. The reward I receive is the practical proof that my part in our justice system is helping to create a better, more just society, one family, or even one person at a time.
3. In what area(s) of public interest law are you particularly interested?
I am primarily interested in two areas of public interest law: immigration law and labor law. This interest is a response to the changing demographics of our country, in which there is an increasing number of Latino citizens and Latin American immigrants. Practice in either area of public interest law is important in order to protect the legal rights of an under-represented population, and to serve them within a justice system which - for many - is foreign, both literally and figuratively.
Saturday, January 3, 2004
San Diego, California -- early morning
Well, reading over the last entry before writing this one, I can see that much has happened since then. As I write this, I sit in Cherise's bed at her mother's home in San Diego. I arrived in California (for the first time in my life) on December 27, 2003. I'll be flying out of San Diego to New York tomorrow night. So I've been here for a week.
I've met Cherise's entire immediate family. I believe my best connection has been with her mother, which I realize is really the most important connection that I need to make. But I've also definitely gotten along well with the rest of her family.
We've done so many things this week: Old Town, Balboa Park, the San Diego zoo, Mission Beach, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, University of California at Irvine, Seaport Village, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and downtown San Diego.
I've enjoyed my time here, but I'm looking forward to returning to Philly, primarily to get back on track with my foremost New Year's resolution: get into law school. I must take advantage of the week I'll have before Cherise returns to Philly in order to finalize the application process. This is imperative. Once this is complete, I will be freer to devote myself to my relationship with Cherise. I've fallen in love with her, and I really love being with her. The characteristics that I noticed early on were true. I now also realize too, though, that she will surely challenge me. As she is also a first-born with much experience of independence, our strong personalities may clash at times. As long as we communicate respectfully and effectively, this will only help us to grow. I can say so far, so good. And I am hopeful that we will continue to grow together. I know she feels the same way.
Now, looking back at the end of 2003, I can say that Evan is now married and Ethan is now engaged. And Cherise began living with me as of her last show in Atlantic City on Thanksgiving Day. And looking forward to 2004, I have already mentioned my commitment to my primary resolution, as well as continuing my relationship with Cherise. I also hope to travel to DC, Florida, and Europe, most certainly in that order. And come September, I sincerely and deeply hope to be beginning classes at a law school. My God hear my prayers. And may I serve God. I hope for a year of health and happiness, for myself and my loved ones. Perhaps I should resolve to write more often, but then again, I think I say that every time.
I've met Cherise's entire immediate family. I believe my best connection has been with her mother, which I realize is really the most important connection that I need to make. But I've also definitely gotten along well with the rest of her family.
We've done so many things this week: Old Town, Balboa Park, the San Diego zoo, Mission Beach, the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, University of California at Irvine, Seaport Village, Coronado Island, Point Loma, and downtown San Diego.
I've enjoyed my time here, but I'm looking forward to returning to Philly, primarily to get back on track with my foremost New Year's resolution: get into law school. I must take advantage of the week I'll have before Cherise returns to Philly in order to finalize the application process. This is imperative. Once this is complete, I will be freer to devote myself to my relationship with Cherise. I've fallen in love with her, and I really love being with her. The characteristics that I noticed early on were true. I now also realize too, though, that she will surely challenge me. As she is also a first-born with much experience of independence, our strong personalities may clash at times. As long as we communicate respectfully and effectively, this will only help us to grow. I can say so far, so good. And I am hopeful that we will continue to grow together. I know she feels the same way.
Now, looking back at the end of 2003, I can say that Evan is now married and Ethan is now engaged. And Cherise began living with me as of her last show in Atlantic City on Thanksgiving Day. And looking forward to 2004, I have already mentioned my commitment to my primary resolution, as well as continuing my relationship with Cherise. I also hope to travel to DC, Florida, and Europe, most certainly in that order. And come September, I sincerely and deeply hope to be beginning classes at a law school. My God hear my prayers. And may I serve God. I hope for a year of health and happiness, for myself and my loved ones. Perhaps I should resolve to write more often, but then again, I think I say that every time.
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