Michael Joe Armijo's Blog, page 26

You Are the Sunshine of my Life

He lived a very lonely life.  And more so as he grew older.  He was only a ‘layabout’.  He operated on a very small scale.  --Margarite Duras, THE LOVER  

Christmas in Alameda was special.  My nieces are at a fun age.  They’re all giggling and seem ever so happy.  It’s wonderful to see.  After our meals it was lounge time with videotapes.  And of course, more leftovers.  I love mom’s pumpkin pie turnovers.  Now it’s back to reality and time to get in tip top shape again for 1995.  I’m lucky to not be a lonely man.  While I do enjoy my solitude, I like being around people I love.   

I’ll soon be back to work on January 2nd but Alan and I are making the best of our time.  We did a double feature on New Year’s Day, January 1, 1995 and watched two great films:  SHALLOW GRAVE and LEGENDS OF THE FALL. 

SHALLOW GRAVE was a crime thriller about three friends in Scotland.   It’s the first feature film by director, Danny Boyle.  They interview and select a new roommate.  They discover him dead and more twists and turns occur as they three friends begin to turn on each other.   The brilliant actors that pulled it off were Kerry Fox, Christopher Eccleston and Ewan McGregor.  This is a definitive FAVORITE FILM of mine. 

LEGENDS OF THE FALL was a drama romance war western will box-office star appeal:  Brad Pitt, Anthony Hopkings, Aidan Quinn, Julia Ormond.  It’s the early 1900’s and three brothers and thier father live in the remote wilderness of Montana.  They’re all affected by betrayal, history, love, nature and war.  I’d like to visit Montana one day.  It was a bit slow-moving but sometimes I like a movie like this.  It rolls as if you’re reading a good book.   

Believe in fresh starts.  Most people have this attitude or would like to have it.  Make it a reality for yourself  by adopting a fresh-start mindset.  Everything is NEW again and you get a psychic do-over on January 1st.    Let go of resentments.  Choose a healthy lifestyle.  Forgive yourself (apologize if you need to).   Keep your cool.  Keep your promises.  Be better to yourself.  

Yes, a new year...I feel like this is the beginning.  Hey!  Those words are part of the lyrics in Stevie Wonder’s 1972 classic song:  YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE.   

Yes, YOU ARE!   

When was the last time you heard these exact words: “You are the sunshine of my life.”? --Ewan McGregor as ALEX LAW in the 1994 film, SHALLOW GRAVE 

'Baby Cute' - "Imagine It All So Clearly"

Something about putting pen to paper helps me organize my mind.  I’ve always had difficulty formulating an opinion until I’ve written it down. --Alex Michaelides, THE SILENT PATIENT 

Ashley’s on holiday vacation and I received a 3-page handwritten (in red felt pen ink) letter from her.  She is such a good writer, painting pictures with her words.  I could imagine it all so clearly:   

Dec. 21, 1994 

MERRY CHRISTMAS 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

Hi!  I went to Dianah’s 10th Birthday.  First, we went ice-skating.  I did pretty good, too!  Who was invited to this party?  Me, Ashley Aldrich, Katie Soo, Aaron Christensen, Kevin Christensen and Dianah’s brothers, friends, Jonathon, Ryan, James and her brother Virgil.  Her little brother, Michael, in kindergarten) was so ‘baby cute’.  He’s only in kindergarten and can play the piano.  Kevin is in kindergarten too. And he’s also ‘baby cute’.   He gave me two jolly ranchers!  They skated better than Katie!  Did I mention Monica?  She came, too.  Ashley, Katie, Dianah and Aaron are in my class.  They’re in 4th grade.  

Then we went to CHUCKY CHEESE.  We played and played.  Me and Monica played table hockey three times.  Then we had pizza and cake and played more.  On the way home I played with Virgil and his friends and Dianah.  We started with the letter A and told a place that started with A... like ALAMEDA.  

Then we dropped everyone home.  I got to spend the night at Dianah’s house.  We drew and played games.  We also went outside at 10:30!  We went to bed at 12:00AM.   Virgil got mad at Dianah and told one of her secrets.   

We woke up at 7:30AM.  Virgil woke me up.  Me and Dianah and Michael had a picnic!  Then I killed a bee in Dianah’s house.  Its body fell off and it was dead but its head was alive!  SCARY!  Then we came to Grandma’s.  We played cards and then we went back to her house.  

Also, at ice-skating I spilt some soup.  Oops!   

Now I am at Grandma’s writing this letter.  I’m putting many details.   

I thought I sang good when you were there but the second time the microphone wasn’t on, so I was screaming and running out of breath.  My face turned red.  Back to Dianah... 

We went to Dianah’s mom’s restaurant.  We got to have chips.  We went to the pet store.  They had cute cats.  I wanted to get them.  Then we finally went back.  I had so much fun.  On the last day of school, we had a party.  It was a fun day.  We watched a movie in music and then we watched MIRACLE ON 34th STREET.  It was really good.  An A+ party.  We played BINGO SANTA. 

At the play Daddy gave me a rose and I said my phrase “vice-versa”.  Oh well.  I had fun.  On the night of the play, we had a cast-party!  I had lots of parties this week but wait—there's MORE!  On the play—at night—Contrary Mary tripped on her watering can.  Everyone was laughing.  Poor Andrea couldn’t say her line because she was laughing!   

I LOVE YOU.  Sorry I didn’t get to see you. 

Love, Ashley 

P.S.  We still can’t find Rosey.  

Lottie sent a cool, snowy mountain lion Christmas Card that I truly love.  

And good old former coworker, Reed Campbell, succeeded in making me laugh with the receipt of a Christmas Card and a New Year’s Card.    The Christmas Card depicted the COPY “I’m giving you an Italian meal for Christmas...”, then once you open the card you see an Italian hunky guy with a chef hat a bottle of wine over his shoulder and a baguette covering his private-parts with the word “MANGIA” (which means HUNGRY in Italian).   Reed wrote: 

Dear Michael, 

Will write after Xmas.  Hope yours is a good one.  Am working part-time again at MACY’s for XMAS and am beat...Have a good Christmas and maybe the model of this card will serve you a dinner.   

Best, Reed 

His Nudist Colony New Year’s Card was also rather humorous.  Reed wrote: 

Wishing you a unique New Year’s celebration! 

Dear Michael, I’m sorry you couldn’t make it to Las Vegas last week.  It was quite a convention and we had fun, too.  Hope we can connect in 1995. 

Have a very Merry Xmas. And a great New Year. 

With Affection, Reed 

Paloma’s still life card was different from her usual.  She wrote:  

MERRY CHRISTAMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR Dear Michael. 

I always want to write you but there is always something that makes it that I don’t do it.  Right now, I’m doing it because I really want to send this card very fast (so that you get it before Christmas) because I’m sick, my throat hurts.  It’s cold in France right now.  I got sick last week so I saw the doctor.  He gave some medicine and I got better really fast, but my big mistake was to stop the medicine before I should have (it bothered me to go to Gymnastics). 

Yesterday, we went to see Coco, ZonZon, Regi and his girlfriend, Sophie, where they live—each of them; each couple, of course, has bought a country house.  They live in the middle of the mountains and I guess it was too cold for my weak throat.  Anyway, by the time you get this card that will be an old story (at least I really hope because we’re leaving for Paris soon).  I’m happy about that.  Imagine I am just going to do everything I like.  I’m planning to go shopping.  

This card is not that great but it’s for a good cause... 

Love, Paloma 

Photo:  REGI, COCO, PALOMA and ZONZON

And a sweet card from, Pat Crowley, the teacher in San Francisco that I helped out as a Teacher’s Assistant, back in 1988-89.  

Hi Michael,  

Thanks for your postcard in August.  Were you able to use Frequent Flyer miles to go to Hong Kong?  It’s been a while since I've been to Asia, but I remember Hong Kong because I stayed at the PENINSULA HOTEL which was very a ‘ritzy’ hotel.  I actually felt bad about staying there because right across from the hotel upon the hillside were all the shacks of the por.  Great opportunities for shopping.   

I got out of school December 15th after facilitating an all-day Staff Development in Visual and Performing Arts for the faculty.  It as a great success.  I wrote another travel grant for 94-95 to integrate music into the Core Curriculum of 10-teachers' classrooms.  That project is going well along with my teaching.  I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas.  May joy and peace be with you today and throughout the New Year.   

Fondly, Pat Crowley 

And what do you know...a cool SANTA card from Michael Miller.  He’s like my ‘other brother’.    His handwriting has an uncanny resemblance to his sister, Sue.  

Michael Armijo!  Merry Christmas 1994.  

I can’t believe you went to CHINA.  I’ll have to call you Mr. Travel from now on. 

Thanks for keeping me in mind through all these years even though I’ve been lazy in writing back.  It’s good to know you’re still my friend. 

Best Wishes, Michael M.  

And Surprise Surprise...a card from a former boyfriend:  Steven Antol, from 94-201 Paioa Pl. #A204, Waipehu, Hawaii. 

SEASON’S GREETINGS 

Dear Michael, 

It’s been a long time since we've spoke. 

I just wanted to let you to know that I’m thinking about you and wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season. 

Please call me and leave your current phone# so I can speak with you. 

Love Steven 

The time at mom’s in ALAMEDA was TOO FUN FOR WORDS, seeing my family and just plain eating, laughing, relaxing.  I even took mom to see Jodie Foster’s new movie, NELL.   

And of course, Barbara Reynolds wrote a nice card too after I made the time to see her while in town: 

26th Dec. 94 

Dear Mike, 

Thank you so very much for creating a very wonderful and full heart yesterday with your generous gifts.  My goodness—a pretty scarf which I will enjoy very much—and so timely the F.K. Journal.  You didn’t get that in CHINA, did you?  So, I want to let you know I’ve limited my Christmas shopping—buying minimally.   

Alice treated me to an evening at the revolutionary NUTCRACKER.  Sweet!  IT was the 8thy annual show, only one weekend in Oakland.  Good music and fun story great dancing and costumes---a definite must see. 

Alice and I saw LITTLE WOMEN today.  So good.  On Christmas Eve we saw MIXED NUTS, for me this was the perfect film for me that day.  I loved the Christmas light decorating Venice Beach—my thoughts deflated once I saw the Siskel Ebert Review, so I hasten to recommend it.  Reviews??? 

Yesterday was beautiful from beginning to end.  I spent a good amount of time holding Lindsay, 11-months old, so sweet.  I took a few walked with Michael (age 6 ½) and Matthew (age 4 ½).  They are my niece, Susan’s boys and a joy.  My favorite part of the day.  Perhaps I will do an A.A. degree in Early Childhood Education.  My concentration is low today.  Sorry. 

Good news from my realtor today.  I’ll keep you posted with my progress. 

I made an attempt to phone you at your mom’s while I was opening your gift.  I will double check the number I have. 

Thanks again.  With Love, Barbara  

“Intellectual passion drives our sensuality.” Leonardo Da Vinci wrote in one of his notebooks.  

Immortal Beloved

“Manners are not like bonbons...   You may not choose the ones that suit you best; and you certainly cannot put the half-bitten ones back in the box...” --Amor Towles, A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW 

Good manners come in the form of correspondence.  I love my mailbox filled with personal letters.  My former coworker, staff clerk Gloria Romero sent a cute postcard to me from San Francisco: 

12-14-94 

Dearest Michael, 

Received your cards.  You have been traveling.  Often think of you, would love to see you.   I visit my daughter and family in the State of Washington, grandsons are getting big.  One is 13. 

George and I are doing fine, just 3 more years till retirement.  I’m going out at ‘62’.  Geroge and I hope to visit London then. 

Happy Holidays, Love Gloria 

My first cousin, Carol Lucero, sent a MIDSUMMER EVE romanticism card: 

Dec. 15, 1994 

Michael, 

Hi!  I received your postcard from Hong Kong.  What a faraway place it seems!  I can’t wait to see the many pictures you have of all the different places you’ve travelled to. 

Turns out I never did go to New Orleans.  I really wanted to-but I just couldn’t afford it.  I promise myself that I will go there someday soon!   

It’s been such a while since I’ve written you.  I’m not sure what I’ve told vs. haven't' told you. 

Did I mention I went to Ryan’s brother's wedding recently?  Well, guess who caught the bouquet?   Yep, I did.  And guess who caught the garter?  Yes—Ryan.  It was so funny.  Some thought it was all “fixed” but it wasn’t.  It was all very funny and neat.  Anyway, they dedicated a song for us and everything.  Weird.  

Well, I’m anxiously waiting for Xmas.  I’m done shopping and am ready for more parties.  I’m going to see The Nutcracker this weekend.  Would you believe I’ve never seen it!  Have you?   

What are your plans for XMAS?  I have Thursday 12/22 thru Sun 12/25 off.  I must be at work on Monday!  Oh well, I did manage to have a 4-day weekend as of today I plant to spend XMAS eve with my Dad and sister, Ryan, etc.   

I was hoping to go up again to Fish Camp, CA but I don’t think the timing will be right.  I was up there for Thanksgiving.  It was BEAUTIFUL.  There was a blizzard and it snowed 41 inches overnight!  I’m talking fresh powder!  There were great snowball fights and, of course, sledding.  Iw ant to wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS and NEW YEAR. 

Call me if you plan on being in the area. 

Love, Carol  

And along with a peppering of Christmas Cards I received a long letter from Dorothy Rua in her unique Hallmark card of a young girl, carrying a few roses on a side street + a HYATT Incline Village postcard: 

Dear Michael, 

This should help divert some of my thoughts or maybe add to them.  Ha-ha. 

Along this line, what’s this about you and your fetish for necks?  All this time we’ve known each other, and I’m must now learn about your thing for necks?  Bit by bit I’m learning to keep sharing and keep me entertained.  Any other areas you’re fond of?  No, don’t make me guess... 

Loved your cards, especially the XMAS card with Little Michael at the mailbox.  How appropriate.  I know he has to hurry home to check his incoming mail and help the postman haul it all into the house since it probably doesn’t all fit in the mailbox!   

Must have been quite a feeling to be at THE GREAT WALL in China.  Picture on the postcard makes it look so barren and lonely out there.  Liked your ART cards, too.  The quote on your OZ ARTS card was great “A positive feast for the eyes and a great meal for the mind”.  How true of good ART.  The Malaysian ART card made me think of my ancestors, the original Chamorian people canoed to Guam from Malaysia, so the history book says.  They were close to 7-feet tall and the men wore their hair long.  I’ve read about some of the less than wonderful accommodations in China.  Is it safe to assume the HILTON card indicates you stayed there?  Looks modern and hopefully offered you a pleasant stay. 

About one of the cards, I sent you I can’t remember the exact words on the half I didn’t send—it said something like:  I KNOW WHERE WE CALN SPEND SOME TIME or something like that.  Too suggestive, wouldn’t you say?   

12-17-94 

Here I still am, Michael.  Writing the cards, I wanted to have mailed last week.   Obviously, I’m thinking of you—just trying to find the time to let you know.  My work hours run from 8AM to !!PM or later, 5-days or more a week.  I don’t mind hard, rewarding work but I’m more and more bothered by the office management environment I find myself in.  I’ve learned that we’re not allowed to have any days off which, of course, is ridiculous.  Therefore, I’ve called in sick (which is also not allowed) and on and on.  

You might be looking forward to visiting with your family this Christmas.  I’m sure all your nieces and nephew are going to be happy to spend time with Uncle Michael.  Any new additions to the family? 

 

I’ve missed my occasional outings with RoseMarie, Jan and/or a few other friends.  I can’t remember my last ‘margarita” night, and boy am I in need of one!  Actually, I really need a weekend in Pacific Palisades.  Ha-ha!   

Sorry I didn’t communicate before 12/16--did you and Alan have that party after all?  When I finally got down to visit you it may be difficult to get me back on the plane headed north, back to reality... 

I’ll have my in-laws and a couple of friends over for Christmas, so I guess I’d better get that Christmas shopping done ASAP and somehow find time to do those suburban things like clean house and cook.  In between those things that NEED to get done, I’ll think of you and smile... 

Love, Dorothy 

I am looking forward to next week and the return to Alameda for Christmas at mom’s house.  It’s that lull time of year.  I’m at work and it seems pointless to sales call clients when they’re all out shopping or having holiday parties.   Mom will surely make that sweet rice that I love; not to mention her home baked M&M cookies.  My sugar fix will be complete.   

I am still in awe from the movie Alan and I saw this week called IMMORTAL BELOVED.  The soundtrack is riveting, and I already bought the CD.  Classic to the max! 

“To eat is not to tie my mind to it only to nourish the machine it inhabits, to give me strength; to struggle and think—but if to think, then my mind IS tied to this body, and my mind CAN be nourished by this food.” 

--Margharita Laski, THE VICTORIAN CHAISE LOUNGE 

A Weekend in Paris

Our first confidants, though the word seems excessive, are our lovers, the people we meet away from our various homes, first in the streets...then on ocean-liners and trains, and then all over the place. --Marguerite Duras, THE LOVER 

Barbara Reynolds sent me a postcard about a film called VANYA On 42nd Street.   It’s from the creator of that great dialogue-filled film that I loved called MY DINNER WITH ANDRE.    I may have to watch it sooner or later.  Barbara wrote: 

6th Dec 94 

Oh Mike—I wish I could see this movie with you.  Have you seen it yet?  B. 

...Of course, I haven’t seen it but I did see an interesting Italian movie with Alan recently called FARINELLI.   It was based on a true story about a castrato opera Italian singer, Carlo Broschi, who enthralled 18th century European audiences under his stage name Farinelli.  The motion picture soundtrack blew me away.  

Paloma wrote and included a magazine tabloid pic of Bridget Hall (the model I met at the Playboy Mansion).  And from what I could gather---with my limited French knowledge---actor Mickey Rourke was swooping on her.  And to think (a few months back) I was standing next to Rourke at a urinal at the LOUIS XIV Restaurant in West Hollywood.  He seemed all stuck on himself, like he was ‘all that’.  I’m sure someday he won’t be anything.   

Paloma wrote:  

6th of December 1994  

Dear Michael, 

That was a great surprise this morning when I arrived at work to find all of your cards.   

I love to hear about your life. 

Some interesting trip that you have just made!  Right before you told me about that I just saw a show on TV about the filming of a French movie in Hong Kong with Christian Clavier (do you know him?  He is very famous here; his last very successful movie was LES VISITEURS) and I think Gerard Depardieu.  They said that Hong Kong was amazing, like some kind of Asian New York.  I heard that it was great for shopping (but you don’t like that, right? Ha-ha).   Some customers also told me this summer about CHINA, their son had been living there for a long time and they went to visit him.  That was interesting. 

Of course, I remember AGAINST ALL ODDS.  I think that song will always be one of our favorites.  I LOVE IT.  I will never forget how much fun we used to have together.  I didn’t know you had moved.  Do you know the French movie called PACIFIC PALISADES?  It’s not that great but it happens there, it’s about a French girl who lives there.  It’s with Sophie Marceau.  She is pretty. 

Photo:  Sophie Marceau

We have an office Christmas Party tomorrow.  Santa Claus is already coming for Jonathan.  He is so spoiled.  Sunday I’m taking him to see THE LION KING.  I’m sure when he is older, he will love movies like his mom.  I’m working on it!  This way pretty soon he will take me.  Pretty smart, right?   

You’re right to be nice to your mom.  You can’t imagine how important a son is to his mom.  You’re everything for her.  Nobody will ever love you like she does. 

Too bad I’m not in the States.  You could have hired me as an escort.  I’m pretty cheap!  Specially to escort a gorgeous man like you!  Just kidding...not about the fact that you are gorgeous, of course.  I don’t think you told me about the model Bridgette Halls.  We don’t' now her yet over here.  

It seems you are interested in the AIDS fundraising happenings.  Today is the National Day for that here, so they talk about it all day long on TV.  They talk a lot about Elton John.  

I haven’t seen INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE or FRANKESTEIN yet.  They’re not playing them yet.  I didn’t know you loved vampire films, but I didn’t know you liked to bite necks either!   

Don’t go see NATURAL BORN KILLERS.  I didn’t like it.  It really is too weird.  They probably took too many drugs while They were making ti.  It’s not doing well at all over here.  I will go see PULP FICTION if you tell me it’s good.  I haven’t seen FORREST GUPM.  You told me it was good, right?  I don’t know why but it doesn’t attract me.   

Jonathan and ALexandre are fine and they sat hello.  Jonathon sends you a big kiss!   

How is Alan?  Please send me pictures of your trip.  I will love that.  How come you moved?  DO you live with Alan?  It seems Pacific Palisades is pretty nice, isn’t it?  Do you live by the beach? 

I have to go now.  Love you, 

Paloma  

I feel jealous about Paloma’s random visits to Paris to see her family.  It’s because of her that I got a dose of Paris.  I would like to go again.  I dream of ‘a weekend in Paris’, a very, very long weekend.  A day later I received a Christmas Card from Paloma: 

MERRY CHRISTMAS, HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

Just a few words to wish you the best for Christmas and the next year.  Our holidays start next week, so I will probably write you from PARIS but first we are going not very far from hear (near Marseille) to do what we call one week of THALASSO THERAPIE (all kinds of treatments with sea water, massages, etc.).  

Here is something I found about the girl you met the day after you told me about her (model, Bridget Hall), isn’t that funny?   

Oh...and about what I told you on NATIONAL DAY for AIDS...after that I noticed that was the INTERNATIONAL, the Worldwide Day for AIDS.  Silly me!   

By the way, they say Bridget Hall is sixteen years old.  Kind of young, isn’t she?  It seems she likes older men, but this comes from a trash magazine. 

Love, Paloma 

A few more letters arrived this week from Dorothy Rua, Barbara Reynolds, my niece, Ashley Armijo and a Christmas Card from my maternal grandmother, Mary G Lucero:  

From Dorothy Rua: 

12-6-94 

Dear Michael, 

Really enjoyed our phone conversation.  It’s nice to catch up on more of the details surrounding our lives.  For instance, if we hadn’t spoken, would you have told me (via card) about the possibility of “a weekend in Paris”?  Maybe...but it wouldn’t have been the same especially without the laughter we shared.  If anyone can pull off “a weekend in Paris” it would definitely be you and Alan. 

I’m sure you’ll also manage to fit in that trip to BOSON.  Will I get a Norman Rockwell card when you get there? 

So glad you guys had a good time in Hong Kong and beyond.  I did receive your card with the beautiful scene of Hong Kong after dark.  Wish I could have gone with you.  Hong Kong has always fascinated me.  Guess I’ll just have to head into San Francisco’s CHINATOWN.  I try to pretend...but it won’t hold the mystery that surrounds Hong Kong. 

Sounds like you guys did and saw a lot on your trip.  Not to mention all the eating and shopping that went on!  

Thanks for sharing all the possible movie/video selections I can consider.  I’ll definitely look for THE LAST SEDUCTION and share my version of the ending.   

About BITTER MOON:  Yes, strong initial physical relationship between mature experienced man and hot young girl!  But where was the “sensuality” that (in my opining) must exist?  And romance?  You know how I enjoy romance... 

1

12-10-1994 

Hi Again, Michael-- 

Obviously, didn’t get enough time to finish your card.   

Other recent viewings on video:  RAY LIOTTA is NO ESCAPE.  Ray is still a “hot” guy and thought the movies was a bit grim at times with various body parts flying, the movie had its entertaining moments.  Also saw SPEED and found that--though it wasn't deep--it held my attention.  And, of course, I found the male lead (Keanu Reeves) quite attractive.

What is it with me these past 5 years?  Hormonal fluctuations...along with that awakening of "self" that I began to experience about 5 years ago also.  Though one in my position in life does not tent to ACT on any 'stray thoughts'.  Those thoughts do tend to keep a suburban life a little less boring!  Definitely need to get into San Francisco more often! Love, Dorothy

From Barbara Reynolds: 

7 Dec 1994 

Dear Mike, 

Thank you for the pix...for my album and the postcards you are so sweet.  Thanks. 

I came across a photo you took of me the morning after we saw MY DINNER WITH ANDRE at Alameda South Shore Beach Cinema one January.  One of my favorite photos of me. 

Joan Lyons’ birthday is December 9th.  I will get her some of her favorite papaya hand lotion.  She is one of those “angels” to me.  Good spirit—like YOU! 

Hope you had a good Thanksgiving.  I ended up staying in Berkeley and walking with a friend to a gathering including mostly “contra” dances and two gals from Tennessee—very fun. 

I’ve also been taking little trips to visit friends who are not-so-well.  My Uncle (mom’s baby brother is 82 ½) had a #2 on the R side and he looks great.  Lucky to have positive thinking.  

My friend, Dallas, is taking care of him.  So, I had a nice ride to Corte Madera.  I also drove to Clayton to see Jim Harmon who was staying with is mom (and recovering from K.S. and narcolepsy...a drag. 

What is the story about all of these SAKS stickers?  Hmmm?  

I’ve been looking through catalogs to find an evening class to begin in January. I will be happy once I’m in a class.  

Whoopi Goldberg...I think she has a place in San Francisco...don’t know about B. 

Gosh 23-26...you are correct!  Time goes fast when you’re having a good time.  I’ll be busy all day the 25th for sure. And most likely the 24th.  I will lay low on the 26th but definitely up for a walk.  We’ll talk. 

Later, Love Barbara  

And from ASHLEY MARIE ARMIJO, written in pencil on binder paper (love that authentic grade school touch): 

  

Dec. 11, 1994 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

Hello!  Hong Kong and California have a huge time difference.  Thank you for the money.  Now I can bring it to G.A.I.E.  This year we are learning about Asia, so I know a lot about:  THE GREAT WALL.  I can share a lot.

   In the play I am playing MOTHER HUBBARD.  I only have ‘7’ lines and I am in one scene.  Everyone gets a part in the play if they lived.  Today is Pajama P.J. Day.  That means you dress up in your PJ’s but I threw up so I didn’t go to school. 

I Love You, 

Ashley Armijo 

And in my Grandma’s Christmas Card: 

Dec. 12, 1994 

Dear Grandson, 

Wishing you an Old-Fashioned Merry Christmas and Happiness throughout the New Year. 

I got your Christmas Card.   

I called your mother and I told her, “He looks like Michael.”   

I was talking about how you look like one of Princess Diana’s sons from England. 

I’ll see you for Christmas. 

I Love You, 

Grandma 

What?  I look like Prince William?  Ha-ha.  That was a funny one...maybe because she still sees my blond hair when I was four years old.  Hmm...Prince William is 12-years old now.  Could we have a connection?  Perhaps it is just the characteristics of a face that only a grandmother can see.  Cest las vie.

"Characteristics of the face partly reveal the character of men, their vices and temperaments." Leonardo wrote. 

--LEONARDO DA VINCI by Walter Isaacson

My Love for Biting Necks

My old therapist used to say we are made up of different parts, some good, some bad, and that a healthy man can tolerate this ambivalence and juggle both good and bad at the same time.  Mental illness is precisely about a lack of this kind of integrations—we end up losing contact with the unacceptable parts of ourselves. --Alex Michaelides, THE SILENT PATIENT 

It’s Thanksgiving Week and I am—as always—very THANKFUL.   I’m a GEMINI, after all (I can juggle both sides).    Gloria sent me a card depicting Twin Lions of Judah and Tablets of the Law from Torah Ark of Congregation Shaarei Eli, Philadelphia from a wood carving from 1918. 

11/27/1994 

Hello Michael, 

It’s always such a pleasant time celebrating the holidays with you.  Somehow it brightens the atmosphere.  I chose this man pin because you can see his heart and that’s how I always think of you:  a person who is so generous and who always thinks of others with his heart. 

Love from the bottom of our hearts, 

Gloria and Jack 

P.S. More to come, this is Day 8 of this.   

I wrote to mom on Thanksgiving Day, 9:45AM: 

Dear Mom,  

Enclosed you will find some memorable photos along with your trade confirmation for your wine stock.  I decided to hold off on the wine order for now---to be discussed later. 

I wish I was there for Thanksgiving.  I am watching the parade now. 

I didn’t get duplicates of these enclosed photos but I love the one on top (of me and you together)! 

Love You, 

Michael 

And given that I had time on my hands I chose a Christmas Card and four postcard images to write to Paloma with the latest news: 

November 1994, Thanksgiving Day 

Dear Paloma,

You won't believe this but when I was in Hong Kong I bought 3-CD's and one of them is the soundtrack to the movie we saw together:  AGAINST ALL ODDS.  Do you remember that?  Well, I'm listening to it right now and it makes me think of us and how deep my feelings were for you at that time.  Of course, not to say that they aren't deep now....

I just returned from my Far East trip two days ago.  It was really fund and a major learning experience.  It’s simply another world over there.  My favorite cities now include:  New York, Paris, Hong Kong and London.

 

I thought of you for Halloween, of course.  I was happy to get your card when I returned and I have my mail forwarded from the Marina Del Rey address—but do not my new Pacific Palisades address.  Two Sundays ago, I went for a walk in the secluded new neighborhood with Alan and we ran into Whoopi Goldberg and her husband, taking their dog for a walk.  They said hello and we commented on the beautiful morning.  You know...just small talk but it’s kind of funny to go for a walk and run into a neighbor like that!  Ha! 

For Halloween I went with Alan, John Tuzziano and Linda Williams (two friends) to West Hollywood where they clock off the streets and everyone is in costume.  I work a simple rubber mask of an old hag, wrinkled-up old lady.  It was fun and amusing to see everyone in costume.  

I can envision a gorgeous woman like you in a cute little FIAT Panda.  I don’t know the car but somehow, I can see it.  I know it can be semi-stressful shopping for cars and houses.  I wish you the best of luck.  Please update me on the progress.  

I have an office Christmas Party to attend on December 3rd.  I don’t have a date to accompany me.  I was thinking of hiring a beautiful escort. Ha-ha!  Who knows?  I still might—since you cannot go with me.  Too bad I didn’t get the model, Bridget Hall’s telephone number when I met her at the Playboy Mansion.   She’s a hot and coming model now and I had a photo taken with her.  We talked for a good while.  That AIDS Benefit Party was so much fun! 

In January I’m going to a big AIDS for LIFE Annual Benefit Party that will be honoring Elton John.  I plan to wear my new cashmere sportscoat that I had tailor made for me in Hong Kong.  I can’t wait. 

The movie, LEON, you are referring to is titled THE PROFESSIONAL here in the states.  I heard it was doing well at the box office in France.  I did see the preview and do want to see it.   I want to see it even more now that you told me you loved it!  I’ll have to check it out.   

I recently saw INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE starring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.  I liked FRANKENSTEIN better—have you seen that?  I also enjoyed INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE because I have always loved vampire films.  I guess it stems from my love for biting necks.   

I haven’t seen the American Version of LA FEMME NIKITA with Bridget Fonda either.  I have the original French version on VHS tape and I prefer that one—why spoil the best version by seeing a shitty version?  The American version didn’t do so well at the box office, so I don’t think it’s all that great.  I didn’t see NATURAL BORN KILLERS either because the title of the film sounded so violent.  I still may see it someday.  I will probably see PULP FICTION in a day or two because I hear it’s pretty good.  

Here’s a postcard of a great FRENCH RESTAURANT I found in Hong Kong.  It’s kind of strange because it’s called AMIGO RESTAURANT.  It should be AMORE RESTORANTE.   It’s a Spanish Mansion styled place and the waiters serve you with white gloves.  I only went for lunch and it is a good thing because the dinner bill probably would have cost twice as much. 

I guess I could say that I’m happy.  After all I just came from a wonderful vacation in Asia.  I do miss San Francisco though.  I am going home from December 23rd to 26th for Christmas. 

How is your son, Jonathan, and Alexandre?   

I still can’t believe that last week I was at the GREAT WALL OF CHINA in Beijing (as well as China’s Shanghai).  I must show you my pictures.  I’ll try to pull a few out to send you once they’ve been developed.   

Oh well, I have to go to the store to buy some things.  I am going to Thanksgiving Dinner at Alan’s ex-wife's house believe it or not.  There are to be about twenty people.  

Later,  

Love You,  

Michael Armijo 

Well, I saw PULP FICTION and I hated it!   What’s with people?  Why did it get the rave all over L.A.?   I have no idea.  Different strokes for different folks; however, this Quentin Tarantino director has a definitively unique imagination.  

“I learned that there are things in his world that defy the imagination.” --T. J. Kline, THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA 

Switching Railroad Tracks

“I do not belong here.  I come from the future.” --Marghanita Laski, THE VICORIAN CHAISE LOUNGE 

It was nice to return home to find mail from Dorothy Rua and Barbara Reynolds: 

11-16-94 

Dear Michael, 

By now you’re in Hong Kong, discovering many of its mysteries and enjoying every moment.  Do you realize how much time we’ll need to have together when I finally make it to Southern CA, just to hear about all of your travels and go through all of your pictures?  It’ll be fun.  I am sure—just have to get my buns down there one day!  

I imagine you and Alan were glad to have your move over with before your trip to H.K.  The Riviera Pacific Palisades sounds pretty wonderful.  Sounds like you did get quite a “find”.  How many parties are yo two planning to have for the holidays?  Must share those dreamy nights and the moon with your friends...just wish I could come too.  Do think of me when your Christmas lights and the sky’s stars are twinkling on those dreamy nights.  Then ‘play me a tune’ and I’ll close my eyes and imagine.  

You’re right, you know.  It would do everyone so much good if they’d just take a little time... 

I mentioned LAUREN to Jean-Paul and he seemed a bit interested, but a little shy about it initially...especially the part about sending a picture.  When I told him, Lauren was currently dating “Frank’s’ (Joe Regalbuto’s) son he did raise his eyebrows and said, “Oh, yeah?”  I’ll let you know if he decides to take that step and jot her a note.  He has a lot of girls calling him but he’s still a bit shy with them.  (Not his mothers’ son—Ha-ha!).  I guess some guys are a little slower than girls at age 14.  Of course, he’s a neat guy and not bad looking either, of course! 

I have not read the Nicole Simpson book yet, but it sounds like one worth reading, just based on your comments.  Last book I read was SPRING MOON by Betty Bao Ford.  It was okay.  

Dorothy also wrote on a scenic LAKE TAHOE postcard: 

I liked all of your cards, especially the one in the Sunflower Garden which looked like a MONET, however, wasn’t titled.  Interesting that you bought the Val de Loire in France/Europe with its Asian Dragons and the Sun Face is definitely female and attractive with its shades of blue. 

This LAKE TAHOE card does not fit with the other that I have enclosed, but I don’t have my card supply with me, so I’m improvising.  I like the other two, hope you do too.  I haven’t been to Lake Tahoe yet this season, but I hear the snow is great already.   

I cut-off the other half of the card I enclosed that I title “SLOW MOVEMENTS ON HARDWOOD”.  The other half of the card included suggestive wording which would have made you blush.  And I didn’t want to spoil your innocence.  Ha-ha! 

Definitely looking forward to your card(s) from Hong Kong, Indonesia and wherever you find yourself—and hearing all about your trip.  Until then...Love, Dorothy 

17 Nov 1994 

Dear Mike, I got your postcard yesterday.  H.K. looks beautiful.   Joan Lyons and I both enjoyed your note.  Thanks a bunch.  There’s a full moon eclipse this evening.   It’s bedtime but just went out to peek at the moon and said, “Well, just about forty minutes until the eclipse...and how often do I get to see one?”   Besides, I can drop a line or two your way...I hear that the next two days will make me happy.  I got wool-lined boots last June.  

I got a hair trim yesterday from Amanda.  The person I entrusted myself to for the past two years.  Charles used to take his twin boys to her.  So, she is a GEMINI and very nice.  We talked movies and she say QUIZ SHOW and PULP FICTION as I did and appreciated both a lot.  You know the movie MAETY that was the question in QUIZ SHOW, the Academy Award winning movie of 1955?  So... Amanda says she rented it.  I didn’t know if I had seen it, so I stopped at the library en route home and yes, they had MARTY and I’ve been watching it (a very good movie).  Have you seen it?  

Gosh, it has been a really FULL MOON week and I feel FULL.  I am having just a little difficulty keeping my feet on the earth.  

Last week it became clear to me what my job after PACIFIC BELL will be:  Physical Therapy.  So it will be one step at a time.   It is kind of funny.  I thought very seriously about this job in 1979 but I just wasn’t ready to work for it.  Now I am motivated and feel like I’ve been chugging along at a snail pace—but now, I’m ready to JUMP. 

Oh yes, last weekend I learned a new walk—very pleasant.  Next time we get together here I will share it with you.  Part of it is a new RAILS TO TRAILS area.  It goes from Pt. Isabella to the Richmond Marina, along some recently built townhouses.  It’s very nice. 

Next note I will include the information you wish from PAPYRUS (about a franchise business), I promise. 

Welcome back.  Later,  

Love,  

Barbara  

I have not seen the 1955 Best Picture MARTY.  I better get on that. 

On our last day in Hong Kong I mailed two last postcards to mom: 

21 Nov 1994 

Mom, this card shows the typical shopping scene in CHINA.  This is Shanghai, CHINA and it looks exactly like this except add many more people bicycling to and from work on the streets.  It’s amazing and shocking at the same time.  I am having fun.  Alan and I have good photos and stores to share.  Love, Michael  

21 Nov 1994 

Dear Mom, 

You are the winner in terms of the most cards sent from Asia.  The trip is coming to a close now and I am only sorry I won’t be home for Thanksgiving. 

This is the AMIGO restaurant we ate at...inside it’s like a Colonial Spanish Mansion.  It is beautifully decorated.  It should be in SPAIN—not Hong Kong!  Ha-ha. 

Alan and I sure have learned a lot about Hong Kong and China and the people. 

WE had suits tailor made for us by a Shanghai Chinese Tailor.  I also bought a sportjacket and black slacks. 

Love you Lots! 

Always, Michael J Armijo 

It was like switching railroad tracks once we arrived back to California.  My work routine was back on-target at Charles Schwab.  As Gloria says, “Nothing changes but the date.”   My Schwab work load has not changed.   

Alan and I had movies to catch-up on.   We started with INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE (which I loved); and a cute funny one called JUNIOR with Danny deVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger and STAR TREK: GENERATIONS.    And so, that’s the latest news in-my-book. 

The real source of news was called “footpath news” meaning that it did not come openly by the main road (that is the official channels).  --Nien Cheng, LIFE AND DEATH IN SHANGHAI 

CHERRY, SUN, LO, The Great Wall and More

“I was only a messenger.  Temporary messenger, you might call it.  Didn't you once tell me that unimportant people in unimportant jobs are often called small potatoes?  Well, I was just a very small potato.” --LIFE AND DEATH IN SHANGHAI, Nien Cheng 

November 16th:   Well, goodbye BEIJING!  We are now on-Air China en route to Shanghai, CHINA.  Beijing was a culturally rewarding experience.  Aland and I were simply amazed.  We were so on-the-move while in BEIJING since our arrival there on November 14th that I didn’t have a chance to jot down my feelings in words (only photos).   

Upon our arrival in Beijing a taxi driver clearly ripped us off but in-the-long-run we prevailed. 

THE PALACE HOTEL was too beautiful for words.  It was literally like living in a palace while IN THE HOTEL.  When we walked outside it was an entirely different world with most everyone bicycle riding to work, to shop or wherever they were going.  It was amazing to see.  It was extremely cold.  It even snowed while we were there.  We got a great deal of five scarves for $100 Chinese dollars (that’ equivalent to $2.40 USD each).   We also bought two pairs of leather gloves at about $3 USD each.  What a deal!   We needed them for our cold hands!  WE had a light bite at THE HOTEL PALACE CAFE which was great.  Alan and the Café Buffet hit it off very well.   

Our first full day in Beijing goes to the credit of a young Chinese girl named CHERRY.   She spoke English and translated for us while a driver accompanies us to four key tourist destinations.   It was the best way to experience THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA, THE MING TOMBS, THE SUMMER PALACE and THE FORBIDDEN CITY.   I took interesting photographs and bought a few souvenirs/gifts. 

For dinner we tried PEKING DUCK in Beijing (formerly known as Peking) but it wasn’t the greatest.  The restaurant was referred to us.  Our free-range roasted chickens  or wood oven ducks in the USA are far superior.  

One of our funniest moments was being served repeatedly specific foreign dishes like ducks' liver, duck soup, rice soup and ‘who knows what else’.   The snow peas, beef and vegetables (what little we had of it) were delicious.  The Peking duck would have been better if it had been a well-fed duck----it didn’t have much meat to it (we got more skin than we bargained for).   Maybe the best Peking ducks are sent to the Imperial City. Ha-ha. 

Alas, a glass of wine at the lobby of the PALACE HOTEL made for a relaxing end to the day and evening.  We even got a little more local shopping done in the evening hours.  I had fun buying some interesting CD’s in search of new music.   I had no idea who the oriental artists were.  Alan is so fun to travel with.  He can make me laugh.  We are having so much fun. 

I called my mom from the PALACE HOTEL lobby in China.   Imagine that!  I called Alameda from Beijing, CHINA!   

I pressured Alan to write in the TRAVEL JOURNAL so during our ‘air time’ he managed to write these words: 

My Major thoughts about Beijing, CHINA: 

The 21st Century:  Full of development, growth, a total industrialization of a nation; More freedom for the people.  They will enjoy a life full of more knowledge and free thought due to the open-door policy of CHINA; The investment by every major industrial country will build in CHINA; A contrast between the PALACE HOTEL and the real world of Beijing:  cold, almost frigid, no sun and lots of street vendors selling everything from ethnic food to scarves, gloves, jackets, DC’s etc.   It was all happening on the street.  The Chinese small businessman will do just about anything for a sale.  He’ll literally chase you down the street cutting his prices over and over again to produce a sale.  WE bought a tea set in Hong Kong for $150 Hong Kong dollars, then we saw the same tea set for $80 in the Summer Palace; then $50 on the streets of Beijing.  We could have bought as many as we wanted for $50 Yuan!  We are now landing in Shanghai, CHINA.  The idiot passengers from Japan keep getting, unlocking their seatbelts to view the landing.  More later.... first, it’s time to go to the HILTON in Shanghai.   

The Sights:  

The Great Wall 

The Ming Dynasty Tombs 

The Summer Palace 

The Forbidden City 

Tiananmen Square 

The sights for the most park show you what was happening during the Emperor’s Rule and show how they lived during that time.  The Great Wall was bitterly cold but a sight to see:  a wall built by over 2-million people that protected China from attacks from Mongolians.   

The Ming Dynasty enjoyed the Summer Place and the Forbidden City.   They even built their tombs years before they would die.  They located their tombs in a part of the country (50 miles) out of Beijing) that had mountains on three sides and a view that was exquisitely quiet and serene.   The Summer Palace had the biggest Park and Gardens I have ever seen with a lake surrounding the Palace and hundreds of acres of beautiful land.  The Emperor enjoyed quite a summer vacation.  In fact, I can’t imagine how that Palace was only used by the families of the Emperor.  It was so large! 

The Forbidden City goes for miles beginning with the Palace and the picture of MAO.  It shows where the Emperor lives, how he lived and where he governed from.  Again, quite a site.   

Tiananmen Square was eerie.  There were hundreds of people walking through ti but I couldn’t stop thinking of what happened to the radical Chinese in 1989.  There is no credence or any unrest at all.   

To wrap-up Beijing:  there is a lot of culture and history on one hand and the beginning of a new open-door revolution on the other hand.  We experienced a great, authentic Chinese Opera experience (E-E-E-E-E...), great food, lodging at The Palace, good bargain shopping and witnessed a tremendous development of the city.   We were visitors in a China that is opening to the world and will never be the same.   

Thoughts:   Thousands of bicycles riding by, all streets crowded, all of people riding, driving, selling food or anything else; and the aroma of a city that is changing by the second; a people that have smelled the breadth of freedom and free thought and want more and more and more... 

Flight to Hong Kong from Shanghai:  We are taking off now, more later... 

Shanghai China:   We arrived November 16th after a one-and-a-half-hour ride on Air China 747.  The ride from the airport took one hour and twenty-five minutes in heaving traffic to the wrong hotel (the Shangri-La).    

I rushed into the hotel lobby through the revolving door as Michael yelled, “This isn’t the HILTON!”   

I couldn’t believe it.  All of our luggage was unlocked.  It cost $6 for the taxi ride.  We then took another taxi to the HILTON (a 10-minute ride away).  We were physically exhausted from the ride. 

We ate dinner in an exclusive Szechuan Chinese Restaurant in the HILTON on the 39th Floor.  The size of the egg rolls were beyond my expectations—but overall, the food was above average and the music played by a young Chinese woman was relaxing.  We took a walk to see the potential shopping   Michael was disappointed.  We headed right to bed.  We were exhausted.  

On Thursday morning we ate breakfast at the HILTON (Rip-Off) ATRIUM.  It was a 200 Yuan ($24 per person) for 3 waffles and 2 pancakes that were mediocre at best.  We then decided to take to the Nanjing Road (World’s Largest Shopping street that goes on and on and on...).   We enjoyed walking and looking on our way to the BUND to see the view of Shanghai Harbor and the PUDONG view (the NEW Hong Kong!).   After about thirty minutes, a young gentleman named “LO” introduced himself to me as we were walking and told me he was an artist on his way to an Exhibition 200-miles away.  He was extremely friendly and we arranged to meet for a drink at 6:30PM at the HILTON so that he could show us some of his art.   Michael soon had to find a restroom.  We found it at the HOTEL SOFITEL. 

Michael and I continued to shop and look as we bought the following items:  watches, tea sets, silk pajamas, tea and lot of other assorted Chinese specialties.   We finally arrived at the BUND and began to view the Harbor when a young Chinese man named SUN LEI (SUN was pronounced SOON) approached us.  

Sun said, “I want to be your friend.” 

He then joined us for the next nine hours, showing us a great time in Shanghai.  He spoke English very well.  He was a great translator to have.  He took us to the stores and restaurants and sights that he insisted we should see.  He answered all of our questions about Chinese lifestyles.  He was very charming.  He took pictures of us and with us and even went to our room while we changed for dinner.  We bought him cigarettes, lunch, dinner and gave him 200 Yuan ($24 USD) for taxi costs and his grandmothers’ cookies!  His best translation problems occurred when Michael wanted Wonton Soup and we got Wai Tan Soup (a yellowish delicacy that cost $36 and was left untouched by us because it was disgusting.   He also almost got a room for us at the Garden Hotel.  When Michael was looking for a restroom (toilet), Sun kept talking to us and really wanted to be our friend.   

Sun said, “I am a jewelry salesman and the company is a government-owned business—but I am pretty poor.” 

Sun Lei gave me his address to write to him:   Jiangxi Road, 412 Lane, No.15, Postcode 200002, Shanghai, CHINA 

“Don’t worry, Sun.  I will write to you.”   

Later, we met “Lo”, the artist, for that cocktail at 6:30pm in the lounge area of our hotel.  We all talked about Chinese and Americal relations for an hour.  We then went to an authentic Mandarin Restaurant and ate shrimp scallops, black mushrooms, chicken and a mandarin Fresh fish---really GOOD food!   We then all went to our hotel room #3107 and allowed “Lo” to show his four paintings (or scrolls) to us.  They were very nice.  He’s very talented but Michael has much more talent---if only Michael would paint more.  “Lo” decided to let us keep and view the paintings overnight.  We all ended up having coffee in a log cabin coffee hop on Nanjing Road.  The coffee was okay and they made one by one for all of us.   Michael and I then returned to Room #3107 and fell asleep for the night.   

We ended up buying two scrolls from “Lo’.    He wrote his name and we learned it is spelled “LEI YUE MUI”.  Ha-ha.    

Landing now...in Hong Kong. 

And now I have the Travel Journal again:   Yes, Beijing and Shanghai were so underdeveloped.  Shanghai is more developed than Beijing but you can feel the pulse of the growth in progress.  You can tell that Shanghai wants to be the new Hong Kong.  Perhaps it will be in due time.  However, they have severe traffic problems right now!  

On Friday, November 18th we checked-in to THE CONRAL HOTEL in Hong Kong once again.   We made more deals in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Kowloon.  We re-visited the Pacific Palace Mall to see Jasper for French jewelry which wasn’t so expensive.  There was a unique department store we liked called SEIBU.   There were no bargains there but it was worth checking out their refinement in retailing.  We learned of another area called STANLEY for shopping so we checked that out a bit—but we couldn’t really buy much more. 

On Saturday we visited Rick’s Café as we weren’t able to get in before.  We accomplished that intended visit.  It was pretty good and we dressed appropriately this time (no shorts allowed).   We enjoyed tea at the PENINSULA HOTEL, walked more in and around Kowloon.   We tried the AMIGO RESTAURANT in the Happy Valley area and explored the Aw Boon Haw Gardens.  We also took a tram to Victoria Peak at night and went on a circular one-hour hike.  The tram is available daily up until midnight. 

On Monday, November 21st we took an excursion via ferry to LAMMA.  We hiked this LAMMA island and enjoyed fresh seafood at one of the waterfront restaurants for a delicious lunch.   

Our last dinner was at the HILTON PLAYHOUSE which included a show.   We depart non-stop to Los Angeles tomorrow.   I bought a souvenir Wall Street JOURNAL in Hong Kong with the headline SHANGHAI, CHINA’s FINANCIAL CAPITAL?   It will be interesting to read years later.   Other headline stories included BEIJINE HOLDS THE CARDS by Joseph Kahn, LONG WAY TO GO:  Can Shanghai Ever Catch Up with Hong Kong? By Jesse Wong; B AS IN BEWARE, China’s B-Share markets fail to impress Foreign Fund Managers by Sara Webb; SLICK, SHREWD and SUAVE, The Shanghainese tend to be proud and cosmopolitan by Beatrice M Schaffrath; A CITY WITH A PAST- Key Dates with a History of Shanghai; AS GOES SHANGHAIR, SO GOES CHINA by Urban C Lehner; LIFE IN CHAOS, Expatriates trying to cash in on Shanghai's boom by Marcus W Brauchli;   

Confucius said, “A compassionate heart is possessed by every human being.”  --Nien Cheng, LIFE AND DEATH IN SHANGHAI  

An Asian Journey and Khazeray

“From whatever place I write you will expect that part of my “travels” will consist of excursions in my own mind.” --S.T. Coleridge, 1772-1834, English writer 

My last day of work (before my vacation) on the 8th of November was so easy with the anticipation of the Asian Journey forthcoming.  Most of my follow-ups will have to wait for my return but the priorities were well-taken care of.   

Lauren Freiman sent me a sweet postcard: 

Hi Mike!  

I thought you would think this was cool.  I get so many postcards here I don't know what to do with them all!  Not much new here--just wanted to say HI.  I can't wait to see you in 2-weeks. Look  YOU GOT MAIL!

Love You,  

Lauren 

November 9, 1994, 10:40AM, Delta Airlines Terminal, Los Angeles 

I simply cannot believe it.  Alan and I are on our way to our adventurous excursion in Hong Kong for four days; Beijing, CHINA for two days; Shanghai, CHINA for two days and Hong Kong for four remaining days.   We just checked our luggage in and our flight doesn’t leave until 11:55AM, so we have a rough hour of relaxation.  Alan is making a few phone calls, then we will go to the STARBUCKS COFFEE booth here at the Delta Airlines terminal.  

Alan and I are telling ourselves that this is a business and pleasure trip.  It really is exciting though.  This is our first-time we’ve ever visited the Far East.  The weather is supposed to be good in Hong Kong during this time of the year.  I’d say ninety percent of the people waiting to get on our flight are primarily made up of Asian descent.   

The DELTA ticket agent had a sort of “dopey” Sylvester Stallone sort of look.  I brought the November DETAILS magazine 1994 issue and Sly Stallone happens to be on the cover.  I also brought along some good reading material for the flight.  It’s a good thing since the flight (going) is fifteen hours and twenty-five minutes.  The coach seats are not all booked so we won’t have a problem if we wish to spread out and sleep.  We were told we may easily take up an entire row.  It’s strange in-a-way.  We are leaving L.A. here on a Wednesday afternoon and we arrive in Hong Kong on Thursday evening—just in time for dinner.  I can’t wait to see what it’s all like.  Mom owns stock in HANG SENG BANK and Hong Kong Telecom, so we’ll have to see what kind of vibes we get about those business entities while we are there.   

We just got our Iced-Coffee at STARBUCKS and Alan just realized he forgot his book called “HOW TO DO BUSINESS WITH THE CHINESE.  Oh well, I guess we’ll have to ‘wing it’.  I do know that Nee Ho Ma means How Are You?  

We left LAX at noon and it is now 11PM (California time).  This flight is taking forever.  Ironically, it is daylight outside and we have not seen and darkness or ‘stillness of the night’ due to the time difference via the sky.  The first movies I watched was THE CLIENT (of which I had seen before).  I kept my mind occupied by reading a great issue of FORBES Magazine which included summaries of the Top 500 Foreign companies.  I also read an article in that DETAILS magazine about Transexuals (female to male).  That was a bit on the strange side.   I also read the Sylvester Stallone interview.   Alan had a field day with USA TODAY, the NY TIMES and England’s FINANCIAL TIMES. 

The second movie was the colorized, original version of ROBIN HOOD.  I passed on that one.  The third movie was GETTING EVEN WITH DAY with McCaulay Culkin and Ted Danson.  That was a poor, awful movie.   

November 11th  

It’s Friday morning at the HOTEL CONRAD here in Hong Kong.  It is now 8:10AM.  I decided to NOT look back at California time or my body would be in confusion mode.  Alan and I just enjoyed the most fantastic breakfast upstairs in the Executive Tower.   We had fresh steak salmon, poached eggs and pastries.  It was endless.  It was a $50 breakfast that was included with our hotel rate.  What a vacation!   I skimmed through the HONG KONG Standard newspaper and located the Hang Seng Bank and HK Telecom locations.  Their stock listings are so neatly organized in the newspaper.  Alan checked it out as well. 

As Alan said, “Everything here is so Americanized...but better than America,” and, of course, he was referring to the breakfast.   

We are on our way to get our VISA’s for CHINA and then to the Zoo and Botanical Gardens.  Then we will take a 5-hour walk via Hong Kong’s Central and Western Districts by starting with a ride on the Star Ferry.  Oh yes, I must buy postcards, too. 

We got teddy bears in our room upon arrival last night with fresh fruit—so cute.  

Dinner at the HARBOR ROAD Restaurant was so good.  The Asians here are so polite and good natured.  I guess I could say I really like it so far.  The hotel gets an A+.  The view from our room reflects beautiful greenery and a multitude of skyscrapers.   

I mailed mom a postcard of a Hong Kong night scene:  I wrote:

Dear Mom,

It really is exciting here.  It's so busy.  The Hong Kong people are so productive that you can feel all of the cash being made.   It's a lot like LONDON here.  It should be since England still owns Hong Kong until 1997.

I'd love to bring you here.  You do have a passport...so check your calendar.  Most everyone speaks English so it's not so bad at all.  There is lots of shopping and great things to buy.  I hope you like your gifts.

The Chinese food is yummy.  The Executive Tower Hotel free breakfasts at the HILTON here are so so good.  See you soon, Love Michael J Armijo

Sunday, November 13, 1994 - 

Today we may venture out on a one-hour ride on a Jet Foil to the island of MACAU, a Portuguese owned island.  I've been lackluster in writing...so let me provide some written updates: 

We’ve been in Hong Kong the last few days and have come to realize walking around and between buildings via direct building links (from building to building) is easier than walking on the streets in terms of getting around.  And the Central Plaza Building in Hong Kong is just magnificent.   We’ve taken some great pictures.  We’ve also done our fair share of postcards. 

The Zoological Gardens and the Hong Kong Park stroll was a nice mild way to start our introduction into Hong Kong.  It was too cute when I photographed Alan with an older Chinese Woman at the park.  She was quite sweet about it.  Also, on Friday, November 11th, a taxi driver drove us to KOWLOON and recommended a Shanghai Tailor.  I now have a suit and two white shirts on order.  I may get a sport jacket and two pairs of slacks in addition to that.  Alan is getting a suite (a beautiful blue one) and a black sport jacket and seven shirts in colors of white, pink and blue.  Those are our presents to ourselves.   

We also did a sort of mangled walking tour of KOWLOON.  We used the 94-95 FROMMERS Hong Kong Travel Guide to help us.  The number of stores and vendors that are side by side on each and every street it quite amazing.  There is so much activity and everyone is out to make a buck.  Some Indian guy was trying to lure me to some other tailor and it took a little work to get him to leave me alone.  Jeez! 

Alan’s been a little flustered and overwhelmed by all of the stores and people.  Actually, the walking about has been a bit tiring on both of us.   

On Friday evening we took a taxi that took forever and a day to get us to STANLEY’s FRENCH RESTAURANT.  It was okay—not great.  I ordered duck breast and it was too gamey and thinly slice.  It looked like thinly sliced pigs’ ear now that I recall.  Ha-ha.  At the great Cantonese Restaurant, we ate at last night (ZEN at The Palace Mall) there was an actual item on the menu described as “thinly sliced pig’s ear”.  However, ZEN was delicious.  Their prawns with the sweetened walnuts were a “HIT”! 

On Friday, we left KOWLOON via a green and white Ferry to Wan Chai and we walked from Wan Chai to our CONRAD HOTEL.  Again, there were a lot of shops and activity during our walk to the Hotel.  We were in awe and quite surprised.   As the English writer, W. Somerset Maugham once wrote: “The good traveler has the gift of surprise.”  

Tea at the PENINSULA HOTEL was overrated.  Alan yelled at me because he couldn’t locate his camera—when he finally found it (in his shopping bag).   Grr... 

On Saturday, November 12th we had to modify our tentative itinerary.  We were going on a group “Land Between Tour” but we had to go to the American Express office for our VISA’s for CHINA and get confirmed fittings at the tailor.  We absolutely needed those approved travel VISAS’s.  And so, we cancelled that group tour outing.  In the midst I bought a gorgeous, casual Valentino sweatshirt while Alan was closing out the American Express transactions for our VISA’s.  We both got some good usage out of that time.   

After much confusion with Alan taking control of the map, we finally found the headquarters building to HSBC Holdings (Hong Kong Shanghai Bank Corp Holdings).  Alan was getting so confused and flustered, blaming the maps for not being up to scale.  An analogy of the problem was as if he was looking at a map area of Compton while in Studio City.  We found a post office and were going to get some stamps but the idiot postal clerk was not very helpful or hospitable.  Everyone else that we’ve run into has been extremely kind.  

We found RICK’S CAFE but we were not allowed in because we were wearing shorts.  I guess she wasn’t very kind either.  We saw the joint and decided we weren't really missing out on anything.  We strolled on over to the REGENT HOTEL for a restful stop at their lounge.  We enjoyed a cocktail and wrote a few postcard scribbles.  That was a much-needed rest as we enjoyed the views of the boats going back and forth from HK Island to KOWLOON.   

I found my niece, Ally a cool tea set for about $19.50.  Alan bargained down to that price.  Ha-ha.  They wanted 330 HK Dollars which was equivalent to $42.90 USD.  I owe Alan for that bargaining power. 

I still want to buy some silk pajamas.  I must look around some more for the right ones.  There’s always the Palace Mall which is adjacent to our hotel.  We can still go there upon our return from the CHINA adventure.  As Alan says, I like “khazeray” items—but it’s not really true.  I like mementos and essential items that I can give to friends and family.  I try not to focus on junk—per say.   “Khazeray” is a Yiddish slang term for junk.  

9am, Sunday, November 13th:  The HOTEL CONRAD Tower breakfasts continue to rate high in our books.  Alan just made a satisfactory ‘dump’ that he had to rant and rave about.  I am enjoying my vacation.  I think Alan is, too.  Let’s see what the Portuguese Island of MACAU is like today. 

Monday, November 14th, 11am.   We are currently in CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES headed for Beijing.  Yesterday, our MACAU escape was quite the adventure.  We took a pedicab ride throughout town.  We viewed a bit of Chinese gambling but definitely did NOT participate.  The taxicab rides are cheap—just like in Hong Kong.  We had lunch at the Posad Santiago Hotels, GRILL FORTALEZA.  That was quite nice.  Aland and I ate fish: Macau Sole and Dover Sole.  We ventured into the TAIPA VILLAGE of MACAU.  It was so ‘back-in-time'.  We got some good photos while we were there.   

At the MANDARIN ORIENTAL HOTEL, we both bought little love birds made of a natural gem.  My bird is made from the Amazonite gem.  I’m not sure about Alan’s.   I guess we both participated in buying a bit of “khazeray”.  Ha-ha 

While waiting for the ferry I wrote mom another postcard of a big tree:

Nov. 13, 1994, Sunday, 5:30pm

Dear Mom, It's 5:30 in the evening here and in California it's 1:30 in the morning.  Your Saturday night just ended and my Sunday night is about to start. 

Right now, Alan and I are waiting for a high speed ferry boat to take us back to Hong Kong.  It's a one hour boat ride.  We came to this island of MACAU which is a Portuguese Island but 95% of the people are Chinese.  It's a good preview for tomorrow when we fly to Beijing, CHINA.

I thought this card was neat.  Read the story below about the LOVERS TREE IN TEMPLE KUN LAM.

We are having fun exploring.  Wait until you see thee pictures I've taken.  I'll need to make a photo album for myself.  Love You, Michael

Story:   The tree seems to have four trunks that grew together embracing each other as a family of four.  A romantic legend tells two young lovers who were forbidden to marry committed suicide in a love pact,  The spot where they were buried eventually thrust out two trees which grew together in an eternal bond. 

The Jet Foil ride to MACAU took an hour.  We tried to sleep for the ride back to Hong Kong but all I did was rest my eyes.  When we arrived, we noticed all of these Hong Kong women all over the street, chatting, gossiping in their little clique groups.  Apparently, we learned that it is typical on Sunday nights –being a non-working day—that all of the HK women spend a lot of the day shopping and by night fall sit on the curbs, streets and have a sort of ‘girls' night out’ get-together.  it was wild and so overcrowded.  Then we later learned that it is all of the housekeepers that do this, so who knows?  

We at ate the ZEN CANTON Restaurant at the PALACE MALL.  We simply loved that shrimp with sweetened walnut dish.  Then we went to our hotel room to pack our bags.   

Many on this China flight had one of these stickers.  Alan felt like he was left out and should have a sticker also.  I happened to find the above sticker on a garbage can so I peeled it off for him.  Ha-ha.   Getting out of Hong Kong and arriving in Hong Kong required filling out departure and arrival cards as well as showing our passports.  It’s so time consuming but all part of the game.  Well, here we come...Beijing, China!   Let’s just hope we don’t get into any trouble. 

The more senior you are that more likely are to get into trouble: “A big tree catches the wind” is a true saying. --Nien Cheng, LIFE AND DEATH IN SHANGHAI 

Itty-Bitty

“Don’t you do things you like after you get done working?” --T.J. Klune, The House in the Cerulean Sea 

After work I have been enjoying some new bicycle rides in my new Pacific Palisades neighborhood.  Once home from work I go on a short ride and/or take a quick shower to erase the stressors of the day.  When mom last came for her visit we went to the old Marina Del Rey house.  I took a photo of mom and Alan underneath the secure moldings that were placed to investigate if there--in fact---was structural damage from the earthquake. 

Ashley are Barbara graced my mailbox on the same day.   I liked the illustration Ashley made of the witch; I liked the comment Barbara gave about that Velveteen Rabbit suit---she used to wear it at-the-office when I worked with her during the Halloween holiday.   It’s those itty-bitty accessories that make all of the difference in our psyche.   

Nov. 2, 1994 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

Hi!  How are you?  I'm fine.  For Halloween I was a witch.  I had a black dress, green face, black lips and black eyebrows!  Our cat got bitten by another cat and has a bandage.   

Say “HI” to Carrie.  I have to go to Girl Scouts now. 

Love Ya, 

Ashley 

 

Nov. 2, 1994 

Hi Mike, 

Gosh, one week from today and you’ll be gone---tres excitement!   

Yes, I’ll keep your old address—no problem. 

Just this moment I am listening to a looney 78-year old lady (?) complaining about what—a so said LOVE AFFAIR yesterday.  Good movie day.  Last Saturday I went with Alice to Hunter’s Point ART Show—wonderful time, so much creativity.  Fun Time!  Then I put my 9-year old Velveteen Rabbit suit on and went to a costume party.  I had a great time dancing and joking around. 

Hmmm...I’ve never seen THREE OF HEARTS.  It’s a good season for films... not as pleasant out these days.  I’m sipping a cup of cocoa and getting cozy.   

Joan Lyons says “HI” back to you and laughed at ‘moi’.   

Nov 3rd... Gosh...too many things happening yesterday and today and now I’m at the post-office to send this your way.  

So... can’t remember what I was going to say yesterday but Please enjoy this card as I enjoy yours.  Oh yes...the woman with the long-hair isn’t that amazing.  Alice gave that to me.  She works for PALM PRESS.  

So you will have a note waiting for you when you return. 

Later, Love, Barbara 

Dorothy sent me an itty-bitty card in an itty-bitty envelope.  She wrote in itty-bitty handwriting.   

11-3-94 

Dear Michael, 

Went into San Francisco yesterday with my friend, Jim, to see SIRENS.  I couldn’t find it playing in the ‘burbs’ and after watching the movie I can understand why the ‘pod people’ are not to appreciate what SIRENS has to offer.   

After the movie we went to the Wharf for dinner, stopped to view the artists wares along the way and immediately thought of SIRENS when I saw this photo magnet, knowing I had to send it to you.  The artist/photographer told me the model is from Australia, forty-five years old and her name is Monique.   

I need to discuss the movie with you.  I don’t want to put my thoughts in writing except to say THANK YOU for strongly suggesting I see it (I think).   

Love, Dorothy 

Alan sweetly used a postcard from a Paris restaurant that we love called LE TELEGRAPHE at 41, Rue De Lille: 

11-4-94 

Michael, 

Let’s find great sights, restaurants, adventures, romantic hideaways and a great 12 days of memories in Hong Kong.  I Love You. Alan 

Paloma wrote a recent update with what is happening in her life.  I need to update her with mine; yet, I may as well write once I’m back from Hong Kong-China.  I’ll definitely send her a card from somewhere during the journey.   She wrote as follows: 

le 5 Novembre 1994 

Dear Michael, 

Long time no news!  I thought about you for Halloween.  I met you 11 years ago.  Did you have a good time?   

Nothing has really changed for us now.  We are still waiting.  I have been busy with visits and looking for a small car for me.  One car wasn’t enough now that we don’t work at the same time.   For the summer we had our motorcycle but now it is getting too cold and it rains a lot, so now I have a card you probably don’t know—it's a FIAT PANDA.  It is really little and I find it cute but it’s only good for a short distance ride.  

I have also been busy looking for a cheap house to buy but I haven’t been able to find that yet.  We might have to move if we have to pay rend.  We’d rather buy something instead but it seems it’s more expensive than I thought. 

The other day I saw on TV that they were talking about the movie LEON.  They said it was coming out in the States on November 18th.   I don’t know if it’s called some other name there.   It’s Luc Besson’s last movie (the guy who made NIKITA).   It has kind of the same atmosphere.  I loved it.  I just think it should have lasted longer.  

I have also seen TRUE LIES.  I thought that was well-made but I liked TERMINATOR way more—maybe because I loved seeing the French movie, LA TOTALE first.  I don’t like remakes that much.  You already know what’s going to happen.  I haven’t seen the American version of NIKITA yet.  Have you seen it?  It seems like Americans like French movies these days!  I wanted to see NATURAL BORN KILLERS (I think that’s the English title, in French it’s TUEURS NES).  They’re not playing it anymore.  They didn’t play it for a long time, that’s a bad sign!  Have you seen it?   

So how are you?  Are you happy?  You’re not telling me anything anymore!  I have to go now.  I miss you.   

Love,  

Paloma 

P.S.  Have you seen PULP FICTION?  I haven’t yet. 

What a pleasant surprise.  My niece, Ashley, wrote me again.  I love to reply to her letters.  I like opening her mind to new things.  In this letter I was happy to read that she was open to participating in a play.  Whether she did get a part or not—just the idea of pondering it is enough.   We all need itty-bitty ideas to flourish in our minds.   She found a unique artsy card that depicted a painting from 1910 by the artist UMBERTO BOCCIONI, called THE CITY RISES:

11-7-94, 5:19PM 

Dear Uncle Mike, 

It’s been raining in Alameda.  How is your new house?  Is it bigger?  And because it is on a hill is it all alone?   

I can’t believe you’re going to Hong Kong.   

Are you coming to Alameda for Thanksgiving?  If not, you’re missing good food!   

There is going to be a school play.  I am thinking of trying out for it because this is my last year and all.  Not a bit part, not a small part—I want to get a part that I’m in a scene a lot but NOT talk much.  Did I say that wrong? 

Gotta Go!  I Love You,  

Regards to all (Ha-ha). 

Ashley Armijo 

We heal ourselves by learning to give to our children what we did not receive. --Sam Keen, FIRE IN THE BELLY, On Being A Man 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An Experience of a Lifetime

His rule of life was to savor his time by “simmering” he called it.  “When you wake up in the morning never get out of bed—simmer.  And when you get into bed at night, never go to sleep—simmer.” --Sam Keen, FIRE IN THE BELLY, On Being A Man 

It’s been about three weeks since Alan and I participated in the AIDS WALK Los Angeles along with 20,000 other people.   It didn’t get a lot of media play as it was overshined by all of the O.J. Simpson trial headlines.   I finally got the photos I took from the walk and it ended at the Paramount Studios backlot.  Actress Angela Lansbury made a touching speech for all of our support.   Included in the photo prints were a visit from Sam and Miriam Hirsch (from Flushing, NY) and Alan's mom, Gloria; and Carrie hiding being the branches.  I liked the mystery of that shot.  

The days are going by so fast.  I have a weekend trip to Alameda coming; then Alan and I embark on our exciting adventure to CHINA on November 10th.   I can’t wait for that mix of Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai.   We are both frantically working on our itinerary and trying to get in as much as possible. 

It’s a delight to drive home to Pacific Palisades.  It’s where we now live for the next twelve months while the homeowners’ insurance inspects possible structural damage from our home in Marina Del Rey.   Our neighbors include Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn, Whoopi Goldberg and Lyle Trachtenberg, Sydney Pollack, Steven Spielberg and Kate Capshaw and who knows who else.   I remember when we took a walk the other day and Whoopi was walking with her husband.  Whoopi sweetly said, “Hello”.  We replied with “Good Morning”.  How nice was that?  And I've noticed Steven and Kate pass by in their yellow crème colored Aston-Martin convertible while I’ve taken a local run in the neighborhood.   

Alan left me a postcard on the dining table.  I noticed it when I returned home from work. Alan used a COSTA BRAVA (Tossa de Mar) postcard (one of our favorite Spanish beach areas).  He wrote: 

10/27/94  

Michael, 

We had a great time here.  And we’ve had a ton of experiences.  Let’s get excited and plan our HONG KONG trip because it will be an experience of a lifetime.   Let’s enjoy the planning for the next two weeks.   

Love, Alan  

I’ve already bought a TRAVELER’s DIARY specifically for this trip to Asia.   We depart on Nov. 10th from LAX.  We will stay at the CONRAD HOTEL in Hong Kong.   It’s located half way between the Central District and the Wan Chai in Central Hong Kong.   The hotel is located on a hillside above the Pacific Place (an upscale shopping center).    We already have a reservation for dinner on the first night at an elegant place known as ONE HARBOUR ROAD RESTAURANT.  It’s inside the Grand Hyatt HK Hotel.   

As a change of pace, we went to see this new movie called THE LAST SEDUCTION.  I’m so IN LOVE with this new actress.  Her name is LINDA FIORENTINO.  She’s an outstanding actress.  She plays a devious sexpot who makes off with her husbands’ $700,000 in drug money and hides out in a small town where she finds the perfect duplicate for her next scheme.  The film is an experience of a lifetime.   She will stick-with-me for a long while.  I know it.  I think a well-written, well-acted crime drama romance is just my cup-of-tea. 

“...in semi-solitude, my imagination has had time to grow beyond measure.” --Anais Nin, HENRY AND JUNE, from a Journal of Love