Peter, I believe that Thomas Paine had it right, "These are the times that try men's souls." And I believe your wish is right for all of us, "May we continue doing what we can to make the world a better place, in politics and in our own small ways, in our personal space." I don't believe hope, is a free floating emotion. I believe hope is the result of actions in the present that move the world to a better place in the future. Action as small as recognizing the smiles that come our way, and as big as any of us have the strength and interest to perform. Thanks for you post, it reminds me of these things, and I'm just repeating what you wrote.
I’m taken by the dichotomy between the way “the world” is heading, and the well-being and meaningfulness - the sweet amidst the sour - that so many of us continue to enjoy in our personal lives.
I'm glad you respond to the hope that comes from actions, and vice versa.
Peter: I’ve been fortunate to have a life full of precious moments from living with a wonderful partner and family; to a more than fulfilling and challenging career; travel to many foreign lands and cultures; good health; cherished friends, (Sunday dinners at Lichee Gardens as a kid were an added bonus), etc. etc. It was the best of times. Unfortunately, when I look at the current situation: climate change; nuclear proliferation; AI; Elon Musk and Donald Trump; evolving new, dangerous viruses; uncontrolled threatening and disgusting comments on social media; populist, ultra right wing, racist political parties rising in most Western countries; etc. etc., I fear for the future of our planet and people. We were lucky enough to live in a golden age. Sorry for adding to the doom and gloom but you started it, Peter.
I so appreciate your piece Peter, and having just read the comments below, I agree with all of them. I was hesitant to write because I agree action is hope, and I am an inveterate letter writer and will continue to do so, but what is happening around us makes me despair. But as someone once said to me, first we mourn and then we act. We will all do our small part. And you did start it!!
A good summation, Peter: gratitude, and frustration. And I love your photograph of Tea Lake. These places, the ones that have a continuous presence in our lives, add perspective: the long, more comforting view.
Guanajuato is a magical, winding maze of a city, all cobblestones and colonial charm, but let me tell you something—it’s a goddamn desert when it comes to decent Chinese food. Not a single joint worth its soy sauce. And that’s a problem, my friend. You see, my family’s got a sacred Christmas tradition: Roast Duck. Crispy, glistening, perfection on a plate. But this past holiday season, fate threw me a cosmic curveball—Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah colliding like two freight trains of tradition.
And what do you need for Hanukkah? Latkes. Golden, greasy, potato pancakes that taste like history and heartburn. But where the hell do you find them in the middle of Mexico? Nowhere, that’s where. Amazon, the almighty god of consumer convenience, won’t save you here. They’ll ship you a drone before they’ll ship you a proper duck or a decent latke.
So I’m left staring at my sad little oven, contemplating a dangerous idea—a Kosher Chinese restaurant in Guanajuato. Picture it: gleaming lacquered duck hanging in the window, latkes sizzling in the back, a rabbi checking the kitchen for stray shrimp. Madness? Maybe. Genius? Absolutely.
Guanajuato’s got everything—history, romance, intrigue—but no place to satisfy a craving for the unholy union of crispy duck and potato pancakes. Is the world ready for “Moishe’s Mandarin Magic”? Or maybe “Lucky Star of David”? Who knows? But mark my words, there’s a gaping hole in the market here, and if no one fills it soon, I just might.
“History and heartburn.” Surely the time has come. What a magical conjunction. Let us know when it happens- yet another reason for celebratory fireworks in this city.
Yay! I was able to find your piece and I enjoyed it as always. Thanks for the reminder of the sweet. It’s so easy to focus on the sour and miss the better part of life.
Ha, I have always loved sweet and sour sauce bu did not know how it was made.
And yes, Trump's choices all around are patenly absurd, espcially that of Kennedy. What a travesty!
And since I also live in that small mountain town in Central Mexico, one of the things I appreciate most is that people actually look at each other, even if they don't know each other, and I am often touched by their response to a smile or a friendly hello. I feel so happy when I see a grumpy face completely change at an unexpected greeting, and the complete transformation of a face I had judged as unfriendly. It is one of the highlights of my life.
Beautiful photo of the sunset with the reflection in the water, too.
Peter, I believe that Thomas Paine had it right, "These are the times that try men's souls." And I believe your wish is right for all of us, "May we continue doing what we can to make the world a better place, in politics and in our own small ways, in our personal space." I don't believe hope, is a free floating emotion. I believe hope is the result of actions in the present that move the world to a better place in the future. Action as small as recognizing the smiles that come our way, and as big as any of us have the strength and interest to perform. Thanks for you post, it reminds me of these things, and I'm just repeating what you wrote.
I’m taken by the dichotomy between the way “the world” is heading, and the well-being and meaningfulness - the sweet amidst the sour - that so many of us continue to enjoy in our personal lives.
I'm glad you respond to the hope that comes from actions, and vice versa.
Peter: I’ve been fortunate to have a life full of precious moments from living with a wonderful partner and family; to a more than fulfilling and challenging career; travel to many foreign lands and cultures; good health; cherished friends, (Sunday dinners at Lichee Gardens as a kid were an added bonus), etc. etc. It was the best of times. Unfortunately, when I look at the current situation: climate change; nuclear proliferation; AI; Elon Musk and Donald Trump; evolving new, dangerous viruses; uncontrolled threatening and disgusting comments on social media; populist, ultra right wing, racist political parties rising in most Western countries; etc. etc., I fear for the future of our planet and people. We were lucky enough to live in a golden age. Sorry for adding to the doom and gloom but you started it, Peter.
Thanks for your comment, Hugh. I just wish your list of accumulated calamities, both actual and threatened, weren't so right-on.
Yet "we can only do what we can do...", and I sense your spirit is undaunted.
I so appreciate your piece Peter, and having just read the comments below, I agree with all of them. I was hesitant to write because I agree action is hope, and I am an inveterate letter writer and will continue to do so, but what is happening around us makes me despair. But as someone once said to me, first we mourn and then we act. We will all do our small part. And you did start it!!
Thank you for your comment, Ruth, and despite despair, it sounds like you are far from running out of steam to act!
A good summation, Peter: gratitude, and frustration. And I love your photograph of Tea Lake. These places, the ones that have a continuous presence in our lives, add perspective: the long, more comforting view.
Very moving
Guanajuato is a magical, winding maze of a city, all cobblestones and colonial charm, but let me tell you something—it’s a goddamn desert when it comes to decent Chinese food. Not a single joint worth its soy sauce. And that’s a problem, my friend. You see, my family’s got a sacred Christmas tradition: Roast Duck. Crispy, glistening, perfection on a plate. But this past holiday season, fate threw me a cosmic curveball—Christmas and the first night of Hanukkah colliding like two freight trains of tradition.
And what do you need for Hanukkah? Latkes. Golden, greasy, potato pancakes that taste like history and heartburn. But where the hell do you find them in the middle of Mexico? Nowhere, that’s where. Amazon, the almighty god of consumer convenience, won’t save you here. They’ll ship you a drone before they’ll ship you a proper duck or a decent latke.
So I’m left staring at my sad little oven, contemplating a dangerous idea—a Kosher Chinese restaurant in Guanajuato. Picture it: gleaming lacquered duck hanging in the window, latkes sizzling in the back, a rabbi checking the kitchen for stray shrimp. Madness? Maybe. Genius? Absolutely.
Guanajuato’s got everything—history, romance, intrigue—but no place to satisfy a craving for the unholy union of crispy duck and potato pancakes. Is the world ready for “Moishe’s Mandarin Magic”? Or maybe “Lucky Star of David”? Who knows? But mark my words, there’s a gaping hole in the market here, and if no one fills it soon, I just might.
“History and heartburn.” Surely the time has come. What a magical conjunction. Let us know when it happens- yet another reason for celebratory fireworks in this city.
Yay! I was able to find your piece and I enjoyed it as always. Thanks for the reminder of the sweet. It’s so easy to focus on the sour and miss the better part of life.
Enjoyed your thoughtful words…as usual
Peter as usual captures the essence of life. The sweet and the sour. Keep writing. It's good for your soul and for your many readers.
Ha, I have always loved sweet and sour sauce bu did not know how it was made.
And yes, Trump's choices all around are patenly absurd, espcially that of Kennedy. What a travesty!
And since I also live in that small mountain town in Central Mexico, one of the things I appreciate most is that people actually look at each other, even if they don't know each other, and I am often touched by their response to a smile or a friendly hello. I feel so happy when I see a grumpy face completely change at an unexpected greeting, and the complete transformation of a face I had judged as unfriendly. It is one of the highlights of my life.
Beautiful photo of the sunset with the reflection in the water, too.
Peter such a nice piece.