That day was as banal as it could be. Yet, it was distinctive or as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle would phrase it- singular. Leaning leisurely on the side post panel of the JCDecaux while intently reading a print out article, an impression of a University Professor seemed categorical. Even more so, when current scenarios constitute for heads down on smarts and androids.
Tall, white and looking agreeably fit in a white shirt, beige cargo shorts, dark blue sneakers and white socks up to mid-legs summed up an appearance of contentment and coolness despite the sweltering August summer. As he felt a presence, the face that looked up was genial and well formed. His cornflower blue eyes were curiously gleaming behind his rimless glasses while his straight nose compliments his narrow yet nicotine free lips. Striking, over all.
It was only him at that station on that day. The print out article served two purposes: one, as the ice breaker.
It came to light that the reading material was about Sir Brian Urquhart, who served as Under-Secretary-General for Special Political Affairs for the United Nations. He looked up to him as his hero, being a peacemaker. Carlos P. Romulo was enthusiastically entered into the discussion, him being a former President of the United Nations General Assembly and a revered personality of the new acquaintance.
There were guffaws and laughs in between and letting a bunch of tourists go ahead to fill the tram.
The talk however good had to be ended for one has to be somewhere and that was the second purpose of the printout, a sliver of it was torn for an email address to be written.
That sliver of paper was saved and remembered and a rapt routine of emailing began. His emails were formally composed not to mention dynamically witty and straightforwardly informative. A professor-no, as it was divulged, but erudite yes! Subjects varied from questioning names in the likes of Consuelo and other female names ending in ‘o‘. WW 2 history where dates and facts are recalled just like yesterday’s events. Poems of Heinrich Heine, A.E. Housman etc, so with haikus. Authors and books of, Joseph Conrad, Vladimir Nabokov, Stendhal, Mishima & Henry de Montherlant, of music compositions of Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Handel, Pachelbel. But not snobbing Sade, Alizée and Scatman John.
On the second month of correspondence, a calendar was consulted and a dinner was set for the third day of the coming month. Japan being one of those cultures he applauds, a Teppanyaki resto was picked.
Waiting as he specified on d8 by the huge chess layout on Max Euweplein, an eye catching figure of a man in an all black tuxedo was amusingly looking on the chess players. If he was striking early on, now he is handsome. The clothes make a man. As he turned his gaze, a suppressed sigh was still heard from his just arrived companion. As in the near future after this night, a work-related friend would even describe him as and to quote “very handsome and has good vibes” which has now become a tease for life with him. Taking praises with a shy smile and blushing face.
That lobster and steak dinner at the Teppanyaki set a precedent. What with the owner and Chef Hosokawa himself cooking and serving. More will follow in similar sumptuous and elegant settings. Gifts of books were always accompanied by roses. Shoes will be included soon. If this is not being romantic, then so be it.
A showcase of 100 best films of the 20th century was arranged for he has a vast collection of his thoughtfully selected films and television series, be it on tapes or dvd’s. Wednesday nights and weekends are lounging days.
Blake, his comfort plush tiger and Lacoste his bulky display of a stuff crocodile make his apartment unique as it could be. Not counting the array of boxes filled with books, dvd’s, toiletries, towels, clothes, canned goods, kitchen towels, plates, glasses and so many other interesting objects like card games, legos, tank models, airplanes, helicopters, etc. Posters of his treasured Japanese anime Neon Genesis Evangelion characters abound.
This man, a deep thinking man and a self-described loner, also has a virtuous sense of humor. A conscientious, kind soul who is sometimes too hard on himself. But, he is not to worry about anything. For if a man be measured now, he has been weighed his worth in gold for his thoughts alone on peace, on his utmost generosity, geniality and humility.
The better man you’re seeking is right here, smile and pinch your arm. There you go… Happy Birthday!
==<==<@
Titosh 