December skies

Its almost the end of the year. I've been staying in a lot - recovering from a cold and taking cover from the grey skies and rain here.

Watched "Motorcycle Diaries" today, which I really enjoyed. It made me think about some of the small transformations I underwent after travelling for a while. I wondered whether I should go back to work soon or pursue something new and impractical/idealistic altogether. It also made me realise how muted some of my idealism has become with age.

Wednesday, I hung out with Michael, with whom I worked with in Vietnam who is also back in the New York area. It also happened to be an anniversery for John Lennon's assasination. We stopped by the little memorial in Central Park near the Dakota apartment building. People were gathered around, singing Lennon and Beatles tunes. In the inner circle, a few people played bass, and strummed along on guitars. I saw what looked like older New Yorkers who were likely hippies during the 60's and 70's. New York needs more hippies. A policeman stood by to watch under a floodlight that was provided for the gathering. A Japanese newsman spoke into the glare of a camera for the fans back home.

Speaking of Vietnam, the first direct service from San Francisco to Saigon commenced this week. A part of me wished I was on that plane.