Vegas, baby

I was in Vegas last weekend. I have been there a few times, and there is always something that amazes me about this place.

This time was the contrast between the Strip and the "other" city just a ten minutes ride away. We went to the Little White Chappel. It took us 10 bucks and an intense conversation with the taxi driver about how bads things are with this crisis. He took this job only three months ago, the guy used to be a painter; a house painter. But no more construction means no more painting for him.

Anyway, it was my friend Andrea who had the idea to go there. "To try something different, and because Joan Collins got married in that chapel". The place is so decadent. Old. Crappy. Stinky. The ceremony fee is $40. You can rent a dress for $100. Just in front there is a stripers club and a cheap motel. I loved it. One minute I was sipping a capuccino at the French bakery of the Bellagio, the next I am taking pictures of a couple getting married who kindly let us attend their ceremony. I wanted to ask them "why the hell are you getting married here??" but the timing wasn't good.

Good luck, anonimous groom and bride

Winter

I walk out from a restaurant in Soho and I feel the cold hitting my face... My first Winter in New York.

I get home. I love it when it's dark and the first thing I see when I open the door is the lights from the Empire State building, reminding me where I am.

I am staying in the city during the Holidays. It is the first time in my life that I'm not coming back home for Christmas. I look at the pictures of my life-long friends and I realize how much I miss them. I met them when I was a kid. And now... well. We chose different paths, but the link is still there. I just need five minutes and a coffee. So many memories. So many magic moments. Holidays. Little things. Decisions that change your life path in a second.

I never liked Winter until now. I feel this season is giving me a lot of energy. Or maybe is the city. I want to do more. I want to do it better. And, as always, I want it all right now.