Reflecting on the Road

I left the part of the world I knew to see what was new, to photograph its places, people and cultures, and to prove to myself that I could do it on my own. I was surprised to find so much more. The night I met Raul, he said to me: "You can't focus on what life hasn't given you. Hay que dar a la vida- You have to give to life, always give." That sums up my experience: When you open yourself up to it, there is beauty everywhere and human generosity that is astounding. Sure, there were difficult moments when I needed to pick myself up and keep going, but I didn't do it on my own: I was received with love when I needed it the most, I fell when I needed to wake up, and had helping hands along the way. Each moment is a possible miracle.

Being back in the States, the land of abundance, I ask myself if we've forgotten about generosity, about how interconnected we really are. Our meat is packaged in plastic, giving us the emotional space we prefer. And there's always a struggle for more-- power, prestige, individual ambition (especially in New York City). In Spanish, amibición has a negative connotation- it means wanting to succeed at the expense of others. Although I appreciated some of that Puritanical work ethic on the job in Peru, there were times that my need for success got the better of me.

Now here's the real challenge: keeping those lessons present even when immersed in the suburban American culture. And that's my next journey-- that of being present, appreciative and striving even when staying in one place.

Here are a few shots from New Jersey, New York and Shelter Island in the months following my arrival. Biggest perk so far? Family.

Rastro

Exploring Madrid's Rastro, the sprawling outdoor market in the Lavapiés neighborhood.

Selling rubber.

Veggie art, but of course!

Maite tries on a jacket.

Dalí elephant on the arm.

"The damn sun!"

Erastro is a living, breathing Bitter Kas advertisement.

Maite and Ainhoa at her birthday celebration.

Little Yellow Dress

Color and form in Maite's kitchen.

Rosalía y Vicene, lookin sharp.

Arte Catalán

The ride up to Montjuïc.

Very convincing advertising.

At the Miró Foundation.

An accidental Miró found on the sidewalk on the way out....

At the MNAC, National Catalonia Art Museum... quite a collection!

Ouch!

Love this one by Casas.

I like to think of these two, above and below, getting ready to see each other.

Rosalía and Picasso.

The View from atop Montjuïc.

Cris.

 Emili and Rosalía take a spin on his motorcycle.

Street performers.

Raul's Cousin, Liena, and her daughter Lia meet up with us along las Ramblas.

More of Gaudí's work-- la Casa Batlló.

More accidental Miró.