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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?
