Lunch with the Aymara Indigenous Indian Community

We are now in Southern Peru, after flying to Lima, and a second flight to Puno. Stretching across the borders of Bolivia and Peru, Lake Titicaca is located in the Andes mountain. Our hotel San Antonio faces it. It is said to be the birthplace of the Inca, whose ruins still litter its shores. Today, it is the home to indigenous, UNESCO-protected communities. We enjoyed the azure waters of the lake as we as we walked along its northern shore. According to Andean legend, a pair of gods rose from the waters to found the Inca empire.

Our next destination, Chucuito, a small Aymara town just south of Puno. After the introduction were made we had lunch with an indigenous tribe. They had prepared a banquet of food. Our guide, Salvador Torres brought bananas, bread, wafers and surprisingly quarts of Coca Cola which the elders especially took a liking to—especially the men. Salvador played a modern dance song and danced to the music drawing laughs from this gentle community. The Aymara were conquered in the mid-fifteenth century and incorporated into the Incan empire.

Award-Winning Baker in Oropesa in Cusco Peru Designs a Bread With My Name on It

On Sunday morning we explored the Southern Valley of Cusco beginning with a bus ride to Oropesa. This small town is known for a special eucalyptus-scented spongy-like bread called pan chuta, made in loaves as a big as a wheel and traditionally offered as a gift to the host when visiting a home in the Cusco area. We visited a small bakery operated by an innovative award-winning baker.

She gave us an introduction to how she goes about making her bread and told us that everything is fresh and natural and is baked in their domed adobe oven. We had the opportunity to ask her questions with help of our guide Salvador who translated. She told us she has been baking since she was ten years old. In spite of the fact she works long hours everyday, she said she loves her work.

She demonstrated how she also makes bread for children on special occasions and adds a doll like figure to her creations (i.e., a doll for a girl and a horse for boy, though these days motorbikes area becoming more popular. She often is asked to add the child’s name on the bread and used my name as an example. Before leaving, a photo was taken of me and the baker, and another was taken of Saundra and the baker, where they switched hats.

Saundra, who used to live in California is a Jersey girl who used to live in the same town of Hoboken, NJ as I did as a kid. The baker gave our guide two breads for us to share on our way back.

Shaman Blessing & Purification Ceremony that Brought us into a State of Tranquility

“Shamanism explores an area that contemporary Western science knows little about—the mind.

—Jonathan Miller Welsberger

On Friday afternoon Jason and I, and our group were transported to a spiritual setting in Chinchero, Peru, to participate in a blessing and purification ceremony deeply rooted in the ancient traditions involving sacred rituals performed by a shaman. Our guide, Salvador Torres who is well acquainted with the shaman did the translation. The shaman opened by invoking the mountain spirits, Mother Earth (Pachamama) and other spiritual entities to sit in a circle. Coca leaves, herbs, small offerings like flowers, grains, seeds, and other items were used in the ceremony.

Three coca leaves were handed to each participant and were asked to hold them together, and blow on them three times while making a silent wish or prayer. One by one, we were asked to place them on the small altar in front of the shaman, who offered them to the spirits, asking for blessings and guidance. The shaman wrapped the offerings in paper, than placed them a small, colorful, weaved covering over them. He then brushed the package over the arms and legs of each person, and when he brought it up towards our chin we blew into it three times.

A small fire was lit and the shaman removed the weaved covering and placed the paper wrapped offerings (flowers, grains, seeds), into the fire expressing—on our behalf—the intentions, wishes, or whatever we wished to be released. The shaman then sprinkled chichi (beer made from corn) and other sacred liquids onto the fire as part of the offering. He then blessed water and gently sprinkled it over participants offerings for additional purification.

The shaman closed the ceremony by thanking the spirits and closes the sacred space, releasing the invoked energies back to the universe.

Postscript: I had participated in such ceremonies previously with shaman, Brant Secunda of Dance of the Deer Foundation and in other venues.

Exploring Colonial Cuzco Peru that the Inca's Called the "Navel of the World"

We made our way back to the Aguas Clientes train station for our return journey to Ollantaytambo through the spectacular Urubamba Gorge. Upon arrival, we boarded a bus bound for the Casa Adina Hotel in Cuzco. After lunch we set out on a walking tour. Cuzco was called “the naval of the world” by the Incas. It was shaped like a puma, a sacred beast in Inca lore.

We visited the site of the Sun Temple (Qoricancha), Cuzco’s most important ceremonial structure during the Inca era. Historical records show that the walls were once covered with 700 sheets of gold studded with emeralds and turquoise. When the sunlight streamed through the windows, the reflection of light off the precious metals was blinding.

We strolled through the heart of the city at the Plaza de Armas. When the Spanish conquistadors arrived here, they often built atop Inca structure, leaving behind a blend of architecural styles. At the Plaza de Armas, we viewed the outside of the 17th century cathedral that was built on the foundation of an Inca palace. The massive structure is one of the significant colonial buildings in the city. Many believe it is one of the most beautiful churches in Latin America.

In the evening Jason and I, two other members of our tour group, and our tour guide went out to see a cultural folkloric song and dance performance followed by pizza and beer.

A Pilgrimage to Machu Picchu: The Lost City of the Incas with My Son Jason

“Step by step, moment by moment, Machu Picchu isn’t just a destination; it’s a journey through history, culture, and incredible landscapes."

Jason, myself and our Overseas Adventures Travel (OAT) group led by Salvador Torres, made its way to the Ollantaytambo train station for a two and a half hour scenic train ride through the Sacred Valley. Upon arrival we boarded a bus bound for Machu Picchu. Like Lima and Cuzco, Machu Picchu is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city was a place little known not only to foreigners, but also to the Inca people.

Only a select few were ever allowed to visit this mysterious sanctuary. Even though it was “discovered” by Hiram Bingham in 1911, Machu remained inaccessible until the 1940s, when the Inca trail was found by an Archaeological expedition. We stayed overnight at Casa Adina in Aguas Calientes which allowed us to explore at a relaxed pace and return to continue our discoveries of this famous site the next morning.

Aside from its beauty, inching up to the edges of cliffs high above the Urubamba River, and seemingly, floating high above the clouds, this mystical stone city stretches boldly across a high ridge in the Andes Mountains. Much of the mystery surrounding Machu Picchu stems from the Inca’s remarkable engineering feats; without mortar, they somehow placed the stones so perfectly, and built underground foundations so strong, that, when an earthquakes hit, the stones simply “dance” and then fall right back into place. Pure genius!

A Day in The Life of a Peruvian Family Who Hosted us for Lunch: A Cultural Experience

Our Overseas Adventure Travel guide Salvador Torres, facilitated an intimate home-hosted lunch with a gracious, friendly, family. We had Andean quinoa soup, stuffed peppers, and rice. We even had a chance to help the family members prepare the stuffed peppers. It was festive and joyful. The main course was a Peruvian staple: roasted guinea pig. Before we sat down to eat. Aiden came around the table and personally said hello and shook our hands. I was impressed beyond measure.

Known for trying new things, Gordon Ramsey told his National Geographic Show audience, “You don’t know what you’re missing, after tasting a loin cut of guinea pig meat…I’m telling you it’s delicious "

Peru, the ancient heart of the great Inca Empire, is a country with an amazing history. Guinea pigs are not pigs and they don’t come from Guinea. Peruvians don’t keep them as pets. What they are is a delicious delicacy. Guinea pig has been served whole on special occasions since Inca times. The meat is low in fat but high in protein, perfect for people enjoying being on a Paleo diet. My intent is not to lobby for inclusion of guinea pigs in the American diet, but to share a cultural experience and affirm, “When in Rome…”

When dinner ended, one of our group, named Clare gifted two maps: National and International map to Aiden for school. All of us announced where we live, and pointed to it on the map. Clare also gave Aria some colorful gifts and Aria she spontaneously gave Clare a kiss on her cheek. I handed Mercedes, the matriarch of the family a gift from Jason and I.

A Rafting Adventure Adventure on the Urubamba River In the Sacred Valley of the Incas

"The Urubamba must have been the Garden of Eden, of which so much is spoken in the Bible.

—Antonio de Leon Pinedo

Our discoveries made an adventurous turn as Jason and I and our small group made our way to the banks of the Urubamba River to embark two inflatable rafts. Jose, our guide gave us a quick lesson in paddling. It was a perfectly enjoyable way to experience the enchanting Andean landscape. The Incas regarded the Urubamba sacred ground. It was here that their culture was born, and they found a true life source. The areas mild climate and fertile soil yielded an abundance of fruits and vegetables. As we floated along the river he had us go over some not so mild rapid, and since Jason and I were up front, we bore the brunt of the water splashing all over our paints.

As we continued to float along the river Jose pointed out the networks of terraces on either side, that amazingly was constructed entirely by hand, which transformed steep mountainsides into acres of arable land that helped feed a civilization, and remains in use to this day, centuries after their construction.

Following our excursion, we had some tea in front of a local bar and market that had some charming Peruvian novelties, carvings, himsical statures, dolls, and a charming and elegant talking parrot.

We flew to Cuzco Once the Capital of the Incas & Now a World Heritage Site

Our Overseas Adventure Travel group caught a morning flight to the mountain-ringed city of Cuzco which is situated at an elevation of 10,909 feet. Upon arrival our local tour bus driver took us to the Sacred Valley of the Urubamba River where the lower elevation eased our transition to the high altitudes of the Andes. We enjoyed a box lunch during the drive, and continued to the upper city of Pisac.

These mythic ruins are situated in a spectacular location atop a buttress ridge, with agricultural terraces—constructed by the ancient Inca people—curling around the hill in graceful curves and gorges on either side.

Upon arrival we took a short trek into the ancient city, where we explored its well-built stone dwellings and temples and enjoyed sweeping views, both up and downstream, in the Urubamba Valley.

On the way up to this area, our guide Salvador gave us an overview about the controversial topic of coca production in Peru, and the struggle to balance the plant’s traditional role in society with its high value on the black market as a key ingredient in cocain.

After we checked into the Villa Urubamba Hotel, and settling in a bit, we had a group dinner. This hotel has all the attributes of a quiet retreat center.

Mesmerized by Magic Water Circuit Show & Dinner at Cafe de la Paz in Kennedy Park in Lima

Our tour group of eleven led by Salvador Torres from Overseas Adventures Travel (OAT) went to the Magic Water Circuit at the Parque de la Reserva in Lima. It is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest water fountain park in the world. The 13 fountains that are in play throughout the evening aren’t your typical fountains. They incorporate lights, music, and interactive elements, turning them into Las Vegas style showpieces for a fun night of entertainment.

There is the Magic Fountain, a classically elegant fountain illuminated in white light. It shot up and down, and is capable of reaching 80 metres high. Then, the Fantasy Fountain came into play, which involves colorful blasts of water spraying out of the 120 meter long fountain. As the water danced to music’s, the spouts change colors and shape, engaging the audience in a choreographed synchronized show. Laser and light projected scenes, images, and symbols of Peruvian culture, took us on a virtual tour of Peru. It surpassed all of our expectations of what a fantasy show would look like. Each fountain was unique, with different shapes, colors and music, and one that created “bubbles of illusion.” As we were slowly walking away to meet our driver, we saw a mother walking into the Walk in Dome while she held her child close to her chest, and easily dodging the choreography[hed sprays of water.

We then went to Cafe de la Paz at Kennedy Park in Parque in Mirafloresfor dinner.

Happy Mothers Day from Parque del Amor (Love Park) in Lima Peru

“The eternal happiness in life is to love and be loved.”

—George Sand

This is the first time in recent memory that my beloved wife Cecile and I have been apart on Mother's Day. Fortunately, I am with our son, Jason, who was born out of love. This lover’s park in Miraflores is situated on El Malecon, a six-mile stretch of parks laid above the cliffs of Chorrillos. The sculpture of two lovers creates an illusion of floating high above the Pacific Ocean like the parasailing enthusiasts nearby. The colorful decorative walls are inscribed with love quotes that virtually exude romance. One would be hard pressed to find a monument on Earth dedicated for lovers.

The statue of El Beso (The Kiss) from Victor Dedfin features two lovers united in an intimate and passionate kiss. The park celebrates the joy of love openly. It is a favorite spot for people in love of all ages. The park emanates freedom for the unapologetically display of love without conventional brakes or boundaries. John and Yoko Uno came to mind during their iconic love in. Fortunately, some of the kisses will lead to marriage and children and grandchildren that many are blessed to have.

With this in mind Happy Mothers Day to my first love, my late mama Maria; my beloved Cecile, my sweet daughter Michelle who gifted us with three amazing grandchildren, and of course our son-in-law Kyle’s mother Kim who gave birth to him, for let’s face it, it takes two to Tango:) And, my sister Josie.

Postscript: Cecile, on our way back to our hotel, I spotted our initials D & C in a heart, Peru 2012 on the sidewalk.

An Amazing Visit to a Mystical Chinese Park & Lunch at Mangos Peruvian Restaurant Overlooking the Pacific Ocean

Jason and I managed to walk almost 15,000 steps this morning during our first day walking in Lima. One of our favorite stops was Parque China (Chinese Park). Created to celebrate Peru’s 200th anniversary of Independence as well at 172 years of Chinese immigration to Peru and 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. The aesthetically pleasing park was inspired by the typical Chinese gardens radiating peace, tranquility, and harmony. There were an abundance of ornament and statues from Panda Bears, Chines Lions, and Buddha statures imported from China and donated by the Peruvian Chinese community that are thought to have mystic powers protecting this beautiful little haven from harmful influences.

Late lunch at Mangos in Larcomar commercial district of Miraflores Reserva where the locals tourists love to go. It offers a stunning, panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean on our first day in Lima, Peru. We started off with the classic Peruvian Pisco Sour to go along with our a whole Sea Bass that Jason and I split with a fresh avocado tomato salad and French fries and a bottle of Cusquena beer.

Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom Hashoah) A Day of Remembrance with a Heartfelt Poem "Unless You Know"

Yom Hashoah 2024 begins this evening of Sunday evening, marking the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising serving as a memorial day for 6 million Jews murdered by the Nazis. Since the early 1960s, the sound of a siren on Yom Hashoah stops traffic and pedestrians throughout the State of Israel for two minutes of silent devotion. The siren blows at sundown and once again the following morning at 11 a.m. the following morning.

“This Yom Hashoa cuts us more deeply than any before...Things that we and the world vowed would never happen [’never again’] were committed against us—"again.”

—Chutney Klezmer Band

“Serving as witnesses to the horrors of the Nazis will give context to the roots oof antisemitism and help inform why we must continue to condemn antisemitism, from Eastern Europe to US college campuses.”

—Rabbi Ari Berman, Yeshiva University

"Unless You Know”

Poem by Rachel Lipetz MacAulay

Unless you know what it is to look at black and white proof at lambs led to slaughter,

At herds of the lost at ghosts of a people and know they were yours and know they are you.

Unless you know the deluge of tears for strangers not touched for a family not met

For babies not kissed for laughter not born and know they were yours and know they are you.

Unless you know the deluge of tears for strangers not touched for family not met for babies

Not kissed for laugher not born and know they were yours and know they are you.

Unless you know a childhood full of ghosts at the table of monsters in shadows of stories of suffering

Of prayers said in vain and know they were yours and know they are you.

Unless you know that guilt is ingrained that grief never ends that hate comes in waves that life carries pain

Do not tell me you know what is is that I feel unless you know they were yours and know they are you.

"Unless you Know"

Copyright 2016 Rachel L. MacAulay

Published by Reform Judaism.org

Shoreline & Baylands Nature Preserve & Lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen

“Biking through a nature preserve is like turning the page of a beautiful illustrated book, with each trail offering a new chapter filled with life and adventure."

What a fantastic and colorful way to experience the outdoors and the harmony of nature. It’s been quite a while since Bill and I rode our bikes on the Stevens Creek Trail leading to Mountain View as well as the Baylands Nature Preserves in Palo Alto. We stopped to take photos in front of the completed Google Headquarters, rode the very narrow trails of short rolling sand dunes with over six foot of blooming yellow wildflowers on either side of us. Thousands of Shorebirds on islets on the bay created a melodic symphony of sounds that contributed to the natural ambiance of coastal and wetland areas.

Their calls and songs are often complex and can range from melodic whistles to repetitive trills. Birds like white egrets, rhythmic peeping sandpipers, melodic whistles of plovers, screeching sounds of seagulls and the haunting calls of curlews each have a distinctive vocalizations that help them communicate, attract mates, and warn of potential threats. We took a moment to listen carefully to their symphony of sounds. It’s a beautiful and immersive experience that complements the peacefulness of a bike ride through the this very expansive and scenic area.

We paused at the rest stop in Bysbee Park where two guys were walking a pack of dogs on leash. We rode around the Palo Alto commuter airport and stopped to watch small craft take turns on the runway taking off in the bright blue skies. On our return we had lunch at Hummus Mediterranean Kitchen on their front patio on the closed-to-cars streets of downtown Mountain View before hitting the trails back to where Bill’s SUV was parked before heading home. We clocked about 27 miles round-trip during our half-day outing.

Happy Birthday to Serena Olweny in Kenya

Dear Serena,

My brother-in-law, and your dad Noel’s mentor and good friend Joseph McAllister and I and our families are wishing you the happiest of birthdays, or "Habari Njema Ya Kuzaliwa,” which as you know in Swahili means “good news on the day of your birth.” Your dad, Noel, shared with us that your birthday is Wednesday, May 1, and since Kenya is ahead of us on the time spectrum, I wanted to get this out to you as soon as possible.

Our gift to you is a little history about what the name Serena means and where it is derived from:

The name Serena exudes elegance and tranquility. It is derived from the Latin word “serenus,” which translates to “calm” or “clear,” like a calm and clear lake on a peaceful day. It implies a respite from the chaos of the world. It was a name that was commonly used in ancient Rome, continuing on to modern Italy, the roots of my ancestors. It has captivated the hearts of countless parents throughout history. Serena has been embraced by various cultures and eras. It was prominent during the Renaissance period and gained popularity among artists, philosophers, and poets who sought to evoke beauty, grace, and serenity through their work, and continued usage in modern times.

Renowned tennis player Serena Williams, who is known for strength, grace and calm under pressure, has undoubtedly contributed to the names popularity, inspiring parents to choose the name for their daughters. While Serena may be prevalent in Europe and the Latin America, Mexico City, and Brazil, it’s presence can also be felt in Asia, India, South Africa, and Kenya where as you may know Joe and I have travelled to on a few occasions. Serena’’s popularity in Africa reflects the continent’s embrace of global influences while celebrating its own unique traditions.

In closing we wish you and your family a wonderful birthday celebration on the day of your birth

Peace, Love, Blessings,

Dennis and Joe

Our "Cat Saving Neighbor" Gets our Vote on National Superhero Day 2024

“Compassion for animals is intimately connected with the goodness of character.”

—Schopenhauer

A Story I shared with our granddaughters Lyla and Emmy who learned about National Superhero Day in Preschool:

It was 1:30 p.m. last Thursday. Cecile and I made plans to donate some items to Goodwill followed by a late lunch. We barely made it out of our garage when we heard the sounds of a cat crying in distress. We looked everywhere, no sign of a cat. I decided to look up, and there it was, a black cat lying on the base of the limbs of a tree about 25 feet high from the ground.

Our neighbor Lucy Vaganov’s daughter Ksenia (pronounced Sen ya, the K is silent) came out to assess the situation and with the spirit and confidence of a first responder went into action mode. She and her father Vladimir brought out an extension ladder from their garage. He and I secured the top section of the ladder in between two tree limbs.

Before the long climb up, Ksenia put on a back brace, and anchored herself to the tree with a yellow cord. This was just the beginning of what became a three-hour drama. Unsure whether Ksenia would succeed and concerned for her safety, Cecile continued to reach out for help, making about 20 calls to every conceivable organization related to animal care and safety including the Los Gatos Fire Department to no avail.

In the meantime, Ksenia tried to gently coax the black cat down. She understood the risks without any guarantee she would be successful. Fatigue began to set in. Nevertheless she persevered with the focus of an olympiad. On her third climb back up the tree, she carried a big basket with a handle and a little plastic bowl of food sitting inside of it.

I was holding a padded utility blanket to catch the cat if it fell. To our relief, Ksenia managed to grab the cat and place it in the basket. How she managed to hold the cat in the basket with one hand and climb down with the other is still a mystery. We all waited with bated breath for her to make her descent. As they say, the third time was a charm, and we all experienced a sigh of relief.

It took a lot of courage and determination to climb a huge tree to save a cat. This kind of act demonstrates not only a deep sense of compassion but also bravery in the face of physical risks. Climbing a tree can be challenging and dangerous, with the risk of falls and injury, especially without the proper equipment or training. It is a myth, that cats never get stuck in trees. Some do get stuck and they do die.

Ksenia showed a willingness to put the safety of another living being before her own. Her actions brought relief to the cat's owners—whom we discovered the day after— belonged to our neighbors Pam and Jim further down the cul-de-sac. Their cats’ name is Bob, and his rescue also brought warmth to the hearts of those of us who witnessed and assisted Ksenia in such a selfless act of kindness. Ksenia’s bravery also served as a source of inspiration, reminding us of the small acts of heroism that occur every day. As we showered her with praises she good-naturedly took a bow like a ballerina and smiled like a Cheshire Cat.

Dinner at Meso Mediterranean Restaurant at Santana Row with Friends

"Ocean hues and vast archways are always transportive. The large, two-room space features a wide bar with beautiful backlit bottles, tile work and sleek, modern touches.”

—Amber Turpin, The Mercury News

Santana Row in San Jose is a Food Lover’s Fantasy. Cecile and I had a Middle Eastern-style feast at Meso with dear friends, Nelson and Susan Bye who recently returned from a family trip in Costa Rica. This was our second time at the up-scale modern Mediterranean Restaurant. The exotic tapas-style servings did not disappoint, nor did the decor. Meso, which means “middle,” transports you with its’ calming, blue Mediterranean sky and sea that I remember from our travels. There is a bluish-purple lighted fountain in the spacious dining room.

We began our gastronomic adventure by ordering a trio of dips: Hummus, smoked eggplant, red beet, labneh, and house-made pita bread. Cecile and I brought a bottle of Rombauer Chardonnay for the table. We also ordered Meso’s featured Spice Lamb Flatbread with yogurt, sumac onions, spicy zhoug, oven roasted tomato and sprouts, Crispy Brussels Sprouts with a scallion and feta dip; Charred Eggplant and Salata Hara with red pepper, pomegranate, pistachio and serrano; and a bowl of roasted carrots and cucumbers. We were sufficiently sated all for an average price of $70 per couple and this included the corkage charge for the wine. We decided to pass on the dessert and hit the Dairy Queen for soft serve ice cream before heading home.

Postscript: The Mediterranean menu was designed by chef-partner Roland Passot and executive chef Gregory who spent years working at the French Laundry in Napa before taking the helm of Masa’s in San Francisco. They have a large outdoor front patio and there is a large outdoor Frog Garden that serves as a meeting place for any visitors to Santana Row.

Update: "Jerseys" from NJ Jersey for Joyful Kenya Students: In Loving Memory of My Late Niece Selina

Special Report

By Dr. Dennis Augustine

“May the gentle winds of the heavenly realm blow softly and whisper in your ear, how much we love and miss you and wish that you were here.”

—The McAllister & Augustine Family

Jambo, Jambo, everyone! As a reminder, my brother-in-law Joe and family founded the Selina McAllister Computer School, in memory of my late niece and goddaughter, Selena. She left us last December 28, at the age of 40, the same day her beloved daughter Zaila turned 13.

Today marked the second shipment of “jerseys" from New Jersey to arrive at the Masogo School in Kenya thanks to the generosity of my nephew Jake McAllister’s childhood friend Justin Stallard and his point man Jack who helped to make it possible. The first shipment also included blue, green, yellow and black jerseys, boots, socks, matching shorts, goal posts and soccer balls and nets. Today, Noel Olweny, the community leader of the Masogo School and member of the County Assembly joyfully announced that he was in receipt of 60 high quality black and white Addidas Jersey tops.

Noel, seen in many of the attached photos informed the school projects committee. As a result special arrangements are being made for the school fraternity to officially welcome the “jerseys” and schedule a friendly soccer match with another school after Spring break to coincide with a “Boom Day Celebration.” To that end, Joe, the main benefactor of the school and community and Noel’s mentor graciously donated $1,000 for food and drinks for students, teachers, staff and aides. Of course, always by his side, is Noel's Mama, the matriarch of the family who expressed her joy and gave her blessings to all concerned.

We met Noel at the Kenya Safari Club in 2006. The following year Joe took Selina to Kenya, and years later he decided to fund Noel's post-graduate education in Land management. They have remained good friends ever since. Last March, Cecile and I decided to support Joe and his family by contributing a $1,000 to the Masogo school in Selina’s memory.

Postscript: Earlier in the month, Noel proudly anounced that his daughter Serena (wearing spectacles in the photos), accompanied him for the end-term school holidays which brought him even greater joy, as she witnessed what he described as “the noble act of beautiful people.” Serena's response was, “I love our friends in the USA.” As Serena entered the Selena McAllister Computer Classroom, and saw framed photos of her prominently and respectfully displayed on the walls of the classroom and her grandmother's home, she couldn’t hold back her tears.

Noel ended his email with the words “Asante sana rafiki, mango awabariki,” which translated from Swahili means:

Thank you, my friend, God Bless you!

Earth Day 2024: This Giant Plastic Tap Art Installation in Front of Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto was a Real Eye-Opener

While in Toronto in May of 2022, for our Great Lakes Cruise, Cecile and I, and our friends Nelson and Susan Bye, decided to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in the heart of downtown Toronto, which we had read was a must-see tourist attraction.

What caught my attention was a three-story-tall giant plastic tap art installation by celebrated artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong, that was spewing single-use plastic waste all over the entrance of the aquarium (see my photo). It is a symbol of the global plastic pollution crisis. Since 1950s global plastic production and consumption has grown exponentially. It is expected to increase by 70% by 2040 if changes aren’t made.

This plastic art installation was also featured at the United Nations headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. As Earth Day 2024 puts a spotlight on the world’s climate crisis, negotiators from 175 countries are gathering for the fourth round of the United Nations Plastic Treaty negotiations this week in Canada, to draft a global, legally binding agreement by the end of the year.

It took awhile, but this exhibit had a profound effect on my using single-use plastic water bottles during the day and on my daily bike rides. I have cut my usage by over 95%. Like most people I thought we were doing our share by recycling, only to realize that wasn’t addressing the root of the problem.

Postscript: Some of the health problems associated with plastics include respiratory problems, asthma, diabetes, reproductive and hormone issues, obesity, cancer, and heart disease, and microscopic plastic particles are showing up in our bodies.

#TurnOffThePlasticTap

Dinner at lL Fornaio & an Evening with Comedian Bill Maher: The WTF? Tour

Before going to see Bill Maher at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, Cecile, our son Jason, and I enjoyed a fabulous, leisurely, early dinner at IL Fornaio Cucina Italiano located in the luxurious Sainte Claire in downtown San Jose. For starters we shared Piatto Di Salumi (an antipasto platter) with fresh oven backed bread.

Cecile had a delicious Casarecce Alla Norcina pasta with morsels of chicken breast, white truffle oil, porcini & champignon mushrooms; Jason feasted on Linguine Mare Chiaro: with clams, mussels, prawns & scallops, and I had Grilled Norwegian salmon with lemon & extra-virgin olive oil; served with sautéed spinach & roasted Yukon gold potatoes along with a glass of Chalk Hill Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast. For dessert Jason had his favorite Affogato AL Caffe (espresso poured over two scoops of vanilla gelato & topped with fresh whipped cream and Cecile and I shared a strawberry sorbet).

After dinner we spent an evening with stand up comedian and political commentator Bill Maher: The WTF? Maher is known for his sharp wit, biting humor, and fearless approach to controversial topics on "Real time with Bill Maher" on HBO. Cecile and I, and Jason have been a fans of my fellow New Jerseyite since his first show "Politically Incorrect,” in the early 1990s.

Maher is a staunch advocate for free speech, and enjoys sparking heated debates that challenge societal norms with individuals from different political ideologies. He is skilled at balancing humor and serious content. He doesn’t shy away from critizing Democrats as well as Rebulicans when its called for. While I don’t agree with everything he says, I believe in a lot of what he has to say, and he makes me laugh in the process.

Celebrating Bill's Belated Birthday with Lunch at San Pedro Square Market in San Jose

There always something a little funny about a person who’s birthday falls on April 15, the dreaded Tax Collection Day like Bill’s does. Birthday or not, we are all in the same boat. As comedian Conan O’Brien once joked, “Just taught my kids about taxes by eating 38% of their ice cream.”

We decided to have lunch at San Pedro Square Market in Downtown San Jose. We took a short cut by riding our bikes on the Los Gatos Creek Trail, and then hopping on the Three Creek Trail near downtown Willow Glen, allowing us to avoid off-trail car traffic.

The ride was pretty uneventful until we we reached San Jose’s Plaza de Caesar Chavez Square where the United Service Workers West (USWW) under the banner of "Justice for Janitors" who were threatening a three-day strike. USWW is America’s largest union of immigrant property services workers. Across California alone, there are more than 25,000 janitors seeking better jobs and wages, access to quality health care, and a crackdown of reported sexual and other physical abuse in the workplace.

A welcome diversion to the loud voices amplified by raspy microphones, was the iconic fountain of geysers that has sprung back to life after two years of being dormant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We finally made it to the large San Pedro Square street Arch that leads to the market where I ordered Bill and I fresh Vietnamese Chicken salads from “On a Roll” restaurant before heading home.