Early bird ride with valley geeks

I left my base after a nervous wait for my cab which was 10 min late. For a German like me, who is used to have taxis arrive 10 min early, it was a bit of a challenge. Especially, since I didn’t know how thick Oakland morning rush hour was. It was quite a fast freeway ride to the Amtrak station. The driver was in a jolly good mood and I arrived on time at 6. a.m. Jack London Square.

Along with me were countless geeks boarding the train. Their flash bikes and casual clothes couldn’t conceal the grouchiness and tired look on their commute to some Silicon Valley corporation. Some guys look better in suits. Most sipped on their morning coffee or took a nap on the one hour journey to San Jose. It is quite a scenic drive as the train crosses plains under early sunlight. I had my last breakfast burrito in the little cafeteria at the airport and boarded at 9.00 am.

I had a magnificent view over the Silicon valley after we took off and the pilot circled to reach height. Unfortunately, he took the inland route and we didn’t cross San Francisco and the coast up North on our way to Seattle. Nevertheless, I was fascinated as we landed in Seattle. A scenic bay area with lakes and harbor graced by the snow caps of spectacular Mount Rainier. This was unexpected beauty and made me curious to visit this city that has a lot surrounding forests and mountains.

The flight from Seattle to Paris was strenuous. I feel every time the leg space is getting smaller. At least this time I had a personal video screen with a great selection of films. I watched “Precious” directed by Lee Daniels after the novel by Sapphire. A heart breaking abuse story set in NYC. Its simply told from the perspective of the main protagonist Claireece Jones, who was abused and beaten by her own family. She made her way out of the ghetto through education. The director used some poetic devices to show the characters ambitions and dreams, but the subject matter of incest and brutality was overshadowing the style of the film. The end was abrupt as one expects the kind of feel good resolution. She simply walks off, taking charge of her two children. Great acting, including Mariah Carey, who actually can act and looks so strange without make up.

I just didn’t understand why the white lady who sat next to me for 12 hours and spoke very friendly first and then suddenly dried up without saying goodbye. She must have seen disturbing parts of the film and entered a world that she probably would never want to enter. I guess it disturbed her romantic feelings as she watched a Meryl Streep movie. Well, I thought she was a bit funny, cause she had wiped her seat with disinfectant before she sat down. But can you disinfect your life by punishing your fellow man for watching an indie movie?

3 years ago  /  0 notes

Soulfood & Dorothy’s Juke Joint

Met up with Annemarie who picked me up. We drove downtown to Jack London Square. Straight into the Soul-food HQ of Everett & Jones. The owner Dorothy was there and served me a pint of tasty beer with some finger licking barbecue chicken, brown beans and sweet yam on the side. Oh, my lord that sauce was thick and creamy. Still got that flavor on my taste buds after 5 hours.

We chilled and chatted. I heard about the legendary November election night where the road was blocked till midnight. They had concerts and the place was so packed that Dorothy couldn’t get back inside her own bar. First she was a strong Obama fan, but she fell out with Obama’s policy, shortly after his move to bail out the Wall street bankers and car manufacturers. You can sense her frustration by looking at the huge banner that she posted outside her place. A sentiment that is shared by many independents and liberals that voted Obama into power. Can you dig?

Annemarie was more enthusiastic about what is happening in the country and plans to continue her work with the campaign. We organized a family screening for Dorothy and her (adult) kids in the back room of the restaurant. It was fun to see them discuss and remember things as we watched GO-BAMA together. I had a little extra sight seeing tour through Oakland, before we said farewell and promised to organize a public screening next time.

3 years ago  /  0 notes

The bay is grey

After a politicized Sunday afternoon with the rebels and anarchists, it was time to say good bye to Santa Cruz. I sold my last 2 copies at a business breakfast in my friends house on Monday.

Fired up, ready 2 go. A last drive on the beach. A last farewell lunch and ready to hit Oakland. It was a curvy ride through the Lexington hills. I admired the bus driver who had all the coolness in the world as we drove down some steep hills.

Rain swept over the bay and the lush green hills are gone now. Urban jungle. Rat racing.

3 years ago  /  0 notes

Hiking with crowds

We went hiking with countless others inside Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park. The tallest tree in the park is about 285 feet tall, and about 16 feet wide. The oldest trees in the park are about 1400 to 1800 years old. It feels like some ancient spirit is swallowing up our human ego and splashes it up in those branches and streams. The self-importance that I normally carry in every conversation has to subside and I have to shut up…I was listening in awe to what those elves were bubbling…

As I trailed along the path where Zayante Indians once lived, and where they found shelter, water and game; I could hear a whisper that reminded me: I am on this planet for a blink of an eye. 

3 years ago  /  0 notes