Versos Del Alma: Verses of the Soul

Hello my wonderful friends! Salut! Mar7aba! Oi! Hej! How has life been for you all? I am doing well and with my fair share of new challenges, fun times and a bit of insanity! I must tell you about my latest visit to Sweden and England. I was in Stockholm for a few days in late October and I truly experienced a fairytale stay. Everything was just so calm, clean and beautiful. I didn’t have a care in the world, as I roamed the historic streets. I constantly found myself visiting little cafes and having a slice of that famous green “Princess cake”. I did all the touristy things, such as visiting the Palace and indulging in Sweden’s famous meatballs-- all while trying to keep up with the stylish Swedes. I even dressed up and went to the opera to see “Madame Butterfly”. It was really good and I felt so cultured, although it was a tad too long for my attention span. Overall, it was a charming and brief stay, which made me ponder the world and destiny itself. Why was I there? No specific reason, except for, why not?

This was also my first time to London, England and it won’t be my last! I stayed close to Soho Square and I frequently walked to see Buckingham Palace and the London Eye in the mornings, before work. It was more crowded than I thought it would be and I would sometimes be overwhelmed, but everyone was always kind and many locals wouldn’t mind a brief chat. There is this store, Fortnum & Mason, that I became obsessed with. This store is not only chic, but a wonderland in itself! How can everything be so polished and organized in a store of this size? And how many varieties of tea and champagne can possibly fit in there? Many, that’s for sure! I did over indulge here, but it was on gifts for my friends and family!  

Soon, I was back in my lovely California, where I recently celebrated my birthday on November 12th. I became 26 years old and it’s as if every birthday that passes, the celebrations keep getting sweeter and sweeter. I had dinners, lunches, cupcakes and cookies with my friends and some family for the past few days. The highlight was celebrating at the usual cool-cat Cigar Bar in SF, with nothing but Cohibas, tequila and champagne! My friends had a special Crème brûlée for me and after they sang to me, they patiently waited for me to make a wish before I blew out the candles. Instead of making a wish, I closed my eyes, and I thanked the Universe for such amazing people in my life.

Unlike the past few years, I did not need to spend the next whole day recovering, as I made a promise to myself...to wake up at a good hour and visit an elderly friend who was turning 90 years old the next day. I knew she would be sad and lonely if I didn’t make it and I could never forgive myself. Even though the libations were never ending, I stayed hydrated and focused more on the cigars (and food). My friends and I stayed together until dawn and I somehow managed to get a bit of sleep and be on time for the visit. I even had extra time for brunch with my cousin, Dalme. And that’s not even the end of the birthday celebrations! My immediate family will be having a party for me in a few days when I visit for Thanksgiving; Stop by if you’re near the Central Coast!  

Although my life and the people in it are seemingly peaceful, I do spend time contemplating our current world events and drafting up actions plans to contribute for the better of it. With all of the political turmoil these days (or has it always been regarded as this way since the beginning of time?), I have been putting much thought into my community and my country. You already know that my favorite lawyer and President of all time is Abraham Lincoln, because his philosophies seem to be relevant now, as much as they were then. He famously and so wisely said, “A house divided against itself, cannot stand.”, which was in regard to the slavery division in the mid 1800s. That concept can apply to us today; We are continuously divided on so many issues (women’s reproductive rights, immigration and healthcare to name a few items) that I even began to ponder, “Does this house even deserve to stand?”.

Then it hit me, yes, it does! We must not give up or give in! We have been given only one life as ourselves, so why not put all of our efforts in to making our lives and those of our neighbors better? We deserve it! Yes, it will take time and we have much to learn and understand about one another. Yet, I know we can become an astute country with justice and liberty, truly for all. I do think the biggest issue in the Universe is the human ego and I speak from experience. In the past, I have end up hurting myself, for the sake of nonsense. Has this happened to you? How so? For me, it’s usually been with interpersonal relationships with family or significant others, where I try to be wise and communicative, but sometimes I’d rather not for the sake of my pride. Let’s stick together and pick ourselves up when we’re down because that’s how we become invincible!

Well, my friends, it’s been a few wonderful years writing to you all. I started this blog in 2012, with the purpose to express my thoughts and feelings, in hopes that others would be able to relate to them. I desired to let others know that we are similar-- that we experience various emotions and thoughts in life, which unites us as the human race. I did not plan to have set topics and wrote about what was occurring in my life. Since 2012, I have traveled to 25 countries, made new friends, experienced romance--both the bitter and sweet kind and above all, I have ignited a passion to serve the world. I am concluding my blog to further devote myself to my studies, as I have enrolled in Neuroscience courses for the Spring to complement my previous Artificial Intelligence studies. Also, I am still working hard and making that cheddar! And above all, I am brewing up something new--something swell and grand! I hope to make you all and my late Grandpa Lilo, proud of me. I want my future accomplishments to help raise the world’s standard of living and most importantly to make people smile, a true smile that comes from the soul. 

Do not fret! Perhaps I will return soon to share the fruit that my dreams have produced. In the meantime, expect to find me enjoying the beauty of Cuba, Spain or even moving to Paris (come on, let me dream!). Maybe we will have a nice chat over some tacos and tequila in Mexico too? Thank you for reading about my growth as an individual, both in mind and soul. I am forever grateful for you, for having read and cherished los versos de mi alma, “the verses of my soul”. And thank you for not questioning the sadness and hope in my eyes, for you already understand my story. I wouldn’t be who I am today or who I am striving to be, without your support and even those who challenge me, as you all have taught me something in some way. Whenever I feel blue, I remember you all because you make striving for a better society worth it for me. The world has always been good to me, even when times were tough...what did I do, to deserve such kindness? 

Stay sane and humble, my friends!