June 23, 2004
Under Another Umbrella
Here is a beautiful self composition, shot between one flea and the next. I was warned by my companions that many people in the city, particularly at the flea market, do not want their pictures taken. They risk discovery by the INS , who are more unmerciful than ever with illegal immigrants .
I forgot to tell you about one of my cabdrivers. When I hopped in (I hardly hopped, since I was carrying a huge suitcase, a laptop, a knapsack and a camera, not to mention my excess body fat), I noticed that my driver's name was Kaji Sherpa. Of course I asked if he was from Tibet, (his grandparents were)-- he is from Nepal - a political refugee. By profession, he is a trekking guide , and was particularly connected to Danish climbers. The Danes established an educational foundation for Nepalese children, of which Kaji Sherpa was the head.
When Maoist guerillas began their insurgency in Nepal, they wanted to enlist Kaji to guide them through the mountains on their missions. He refused, and was able to leave Nepal, with the help of his Danish friends. He spent some time in Denmark, then in Paris, and now is driving a cab in Manhattan. He has, or is seeking political asylum. He is also looking for a job in the mountains again.
Fleeing war and political persecution is so traumatizing . Refugees lose everything, including their identity . It seems such a waste.
I just know that if Kaji had the opportunity, he would have organized my gear differently.
Posted by Dakota at June 23, 2004 08:14 PMWhat a wonderful surprise you had in your conversation with Kaji! Just proves that you never know who has an interesting story inside of them until you initiate that first contact. So many people fail to take that first step, and look at what they would have missed!
Posted by: Gary at June 24, 2004 10:58 AMDear Gary -
So nice to hear from you.
Didn't you initiate just such a conversation with me?
I actually visited Inkmusings yesterday only to find that cute, if debilitated, photo of you abed, surrounded by electronic equipment. I even began an email, but was interrupted by the phone. And POP --here you are today.
I was actually emailing you about a Chinese doctor in our fair city who, using information gleaned from MRIs, can massage certain herniated discs back into place. I know someone who has had real success with him. His business card says "Tui Na Practitioner", I think. I just wonder if there is someone with similar training in Houston who could help you out. If you are interested, let me know and I will pick a few brains around here and find you a referral.
I do hope that you are comparatively pain free by now, and wish you a speedy recovery.
Best Dakota
Posted by: Dakota at June 24, 2004 11:14 PM