Long ago, I had made a promise to visit an old friend who had relocated to Chicago. As chance would have it, I finally made good on the promise after man years and spent a few days in the Windy City.
Blowing through the Windy City
The melting-pot of modernity
With rare exception, again I make the yearly pilgrimage to pay homage to Manhattan, the cosmopolitan capital of the world, and showcase highlight of modern civilization at its ostensible zenith: The massive edifices stand imposingly glistening in the sun, the masses in fine couture and accessories roam the streets; where, by day, multi-billion dollar commerce is transacted in split-second, and by night, myriad lights ignite the skyline in suffused halos. Having just returned from the Third World, this unapologetic show of wealth is in grand contrast to, say, the El Alto district in La Paz, Bolivia. Yet most of the middle and upper class in First World societies as represented by 5th Ave. of New York are largely oblivious to the suffering of the vast majority of the earth. For all the charitable hearts amongst the people here, sadly there are also many who feel a sense of superiority and entitlement over their fellow citizens of this earth merely due to disparity in material advantage. Surely, this is against the natural order of things, and I suspect, as history has proven time and again, the poor shall revolt one day. Somewhere in the distance, ever assuredly, the tocsin tolls of impending decline, presaging an ineluctable end to this conspicuous consumption to excess. Seemingly, the foundations of the entire institutionalized system seems to be trembling at the foundation.
However, cynicism aside, this is a beautiful city with infinite charms. To a mind at ease there seems New York should just be enjoyed for what it is: a lot of things going on, but nothing is happening. All the beautiful and the ugly of humanity can be found in one small little place, a mere dot on the map bulging with massive foot traffic.
Small pleasures in the city by the bay
Unable to settle in one place for long, again I’ve been beckoned by the splendid city by the bay. The pass few days I’ve wandered the cities that dot the Bay Area in visit of friends, and mostly just to absorb the vibe and allure of its environs simply because I miss San Francisco (which has ever ranked first in my estimation among US cities). There is no more simple pleasure than roaming her hilly streets, sipping scented coffee and random cafes, and watching the spring blooms sway with the bay breezes. Such are the small pleasures that balance the confusion of this world.
Six days in the Bay afford a chance to visit and re-connect with some people. A friend, who had moved here a few years back, showed me her favorite secret haunts around the city. Though SF is no more “home” to me than any other city, all the same I cherish its unique charms.
All morning yesterday whilst wondering the small neighborhoods in the city, the words famously celebrated in song by Simon and Garfunkel came to mind:
I’ve got no deeds to do,
No promises to keep.
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
Life, I love you
With the burden of the rat-race lifted, one tends to view the world from a more refreshing perspective. Having no schedule to meet, life flows at peace more when the politics and posturing of the world at large are forgotten. Freed from worldly worries for now, I wander with the spring petals blown in the wind and all is at peace for nothing is happening (in the most profound sense).
The remaining few days were spent picnicking with friends in the park, lounging at cafes to catch up on the news, and here and there, capturing a photo of the city’s steady pulse of life happening. Being neither a stranger to the town, nor a local resident, I come and go unnoticed by the tourists and residents alike. So it’s said, “Wherever you go, there you are!”… might as well enjoy it.
