Julian's Humble Hubris

I put “loco” (“crazy”) in the headline, because many English speakers – at least in California! – understand it...  but I don’t personally speak much Spanish.  My Big Jump with language was Italian -> English. Gifting oneself a new language – well, how’s that for this blog’s theme, hubris ?  But with a hefty side-dish of humbleness because it was a long journey that required lots of patience and dedication! Jumping from one’s own native tongue to a different language – as a personal choice, not as a child – is definitely not “a walk in the park”…  Far from that, it’s an immense undertaking! But for me it was a fascinating journey, and in fact a Grand Adventure! Do I dream in English, my adoptive language, or in my native Italian? Mostly in English, but it didn’t just happen overnight – no pun intended!  The language of my dreams gradually shifted over the years of entirely using English in daily life. Well, “entirely” except for swearing! Swearing is perhaps best d

A lot of my friends express amazement at the various festivals I take them to.  How do I know about them?  Some are obscure and yet absolutely incredible!  Well, it has been a process of exploration over the years...  All the photos here are casual snapshots or video stills taken by me. BEST FESTIVAL AWARD - The Greek Festival in the Oakland hills This festival brings out happiness, as evidenced by my friend Andrea In May .  The awesome views of the Bay from the top of the Oakland hills complement the yummy food, the dance shows, arts, crafts, clothing, jewelry, history, music, architecture, participatory folk dance, etc. The event takes place on a plaza surrounding a Greek Orthodox church; some of it is outdoors, and some indoors.  The admission fee is very modest ($6 , or $5 in advance.) The food tends to be a tad better on Saturday; if you go on Sunday, don't wait too late, because many food items run out.  Quality varies, but some offerings are very yummy; a