With my head held high and dressed without any regard to impress I walked from my quickly disposed bike almost as easily as walking away from a bad relationship. All she ever wanted from me was more effort and more of my time, I spent all day with her and barely made any progress, though her only great aspect was that she was so ugly and useless that nobody would take her from me. Our relationship ended when she was no use to me any longer we went through some rough spots and a few hills and right when we were so close to our goal she gave out on me the weight of our baggage was to much. She broke down and cried a terrible squealing cry an could barely continue straight I never knew I would be the one to break her so easily. She had to do it when other people were around they crowded and watched as I tried to make it work between us but I couldn't fix her I was the one to walk out of the relation ship because she just couldn't handle me I was too much.
I walked like a man with a purpose, but in truth I was in no rush I was happy listening to the French chatter and finding my way around. I arrived in a town and talked to some local guys trying to figure how to get to Paris the train was a few blocks away and with a few connections I was halfway there. I had a little layover in arras my favorite snack ended up being a doner or kebab depending on the country I was in, and here it was kebab. Finding my bus was like finding a grain of sand in the desert with my name on it and every body swears they saw it some where. I ended up at the right place looking as confused as possible when I guy asked where I was going, turns out he was headed the same way. The bus driver must have thought it was the end of the world because he drove the whole way without stoping and maneuvering the bus as though it was a go cart. I arrived at my destionation confused at how big the town was Beauvais was supposed to be a small town but ended up being more than I expected. I found the local park and began the routine, nervously because there was voices around I was genuinely confused it's 11pm and people are out in the park. I later discovered the next day I had come across a local refugee makeshift camping spot people running from war and family struggles were seeking asylum in this park. Their stories were all different but they had to sleep and wait for the day they got help from the French government, what I experienced for the past week were these guys reality forced upon them for the next couple months. I met with a guy named DePaul from Africa and he was explaining how he was waiting for his papers so he can work in France. In the morning he told me there's a place to go for a shower and I almost jumped with excitement, for the past three days I was riding my bike without showers so one sounded like heaven on earth. I agreed for him to take me there in the morning and set up my tent with the other refugees. Quite aware of the possibility of danger I was convinced no harm was present unless I appeared to have money wich they were convinced I wasn't and they scratched their heads in disbelief that an American was sleeping besides them. For everyone's dream seemed to be to go to America. There was chatter and laughing an singing till late on the night which is partly was attracted me to the crowd searching for what I missed back in the states. Family. 
We woke early and went to the place he had told me about. I attracted a lot of double takes and raised eyebrows. I took my spot in line and grabbed a hot chocolate quite content. After the shower one of the staff approached me and asked me to join him. I went to his office confused, and realized he thought I was in a situation and needed help. I corrected him and told him part of my story and resolved to help out around the place for the shower I received 
After looking around I found my place in the kitchen, get this, making burger patties for lunch. I was happy I could help and was busy washing and setting tables though I didn't feel comfortable eating with my friends I decided to swallow my inhibitions and join with a smile. The girl next to me complained in her native tougne about the food and I admit it was terrible they had to be reduced to this level of living for the time being but others made the most of it laughing and complaining in the same breath.
After lunch I headed out into the city intent on trying to get to Paris by train with a return ticket that same day.
It's so funny to hear how similar our life's happenstance is in the moment. My 10-speed girl broke a nail in the way to work (rear spoke) last week. She had a flat this morning, and last night Dania and I went to a graduation ceremony for people who spent a year in rehab. Event took place at LA Mission in Skid row. I promised a security guard friend I met at Pershing Square Park I would attend the event because he too was a drug-dealing pimp back in Memphis Tn and after practically being killed, he got his life back together.
ReplyDeleteI got the phone number of a woman who coordinates for volunteers and will make point of volunteering in kitchen and other places at the mission in the very near future. Amazing coincidence really.
The beauty of being relatable is you're neither moved by great wealth nor modest surroundings. Most people feel great discomfort moving from high to low places and back, but you've acquired the ability to do so with an ease that most people will never understand. People are just people. We are often confused and distracted by the props around them, be they race, wealth or impoverishment. Find something to love, learn and enjoy about everyone you encounter. Interested people and interesting people. Listen intently.
I asked Liz if you arrived to Italy OK, she said "Yes." We have family there, though I'll have to narrow the city down with Bryan. Cheryl, Untie Kay's sister, lives there. I'll update you with info in next few days.
I'm glad you arrived well. Winter will arrive soon. All the best in finding a good place to hunker down when the snows come. It may not even snow in Italy's southernmost spots, so you may be able to winter without too much difficulty. I'll write you again soon.
Ciao!
-Dad
Good morning son.
ReplyDeleteThe ole heart always speeds a bid before loading your page to hear updates on your globe trotting expedition. I hope all is well in Italy. its a country of passion, beauty and great history.
Enjoy...and share when the occasion arrives.
All my love,
- Dad
Hey son. It's been a minute since I wrote you last. I bought the house and land next door Montana Av place. Our holdings in South Dakota have expanded agreat deal since November 2008. Both properties will be paid off next month. You can live there but will have to pay rent of ($12 a year). It needs a little work, and furniture, of course, but I will start working on it when I get there next month.
ReplyDeleteYou've lived in a great many places, and sharred lots of spaces. I just want you to know there's a place for you in South Dakota....Just don't be late on RENT!!
All my love son. Be well
-Dad