"CCC"

People who go against the betterment of and for humanity not only lack compassion - they also lack curiosity and creativity. These are people who can't and/or won't see another way as better (or even viable) because they barely, if at all, possess these three traits. And when they do to a degree, they are still subjugated and in the service of what dilutes and destroys them.

The Infodemic - and The Scientists Fighting It

When this popped up, I was reluctant to go into it because, "Yeah, no sh*t, Sherlock, water is wet. THE INVISIBLE WORK CARRYING THE LOAD." But just seconds in, it was so satisfying! This is a splendid conversation between two great women and I absolutely love it. Fully agree, too.

I recommend it to you all, but especially to scientists and/or humanitarians.
It might help restore some hope in you!

"Could Be Worse"

As much as I can dislike the "could be worse" attempt at consolation, sometimes it is the most effective consolation. It could indeed be way worse. It could be WAY BETTER. But it also could be way worse. And some of us are fortunate enough to not be completely stripped of everything that can, now or later, bring some genuine joy and relief. However, gotta keep facing a few awful things before finding our footing again and making it toward something more worthwhile. I'm moving in that direction.

The Artist's RPG / Conceptual Plane (How It's Going)

It might be a while before I post more on The Artist's RPG, and even longer before I resume regularly doing so, but I'd rather not leave things without a last look at the Conceptual Plane.

More components have been added (icons still to be revised, though likely to retain a resemblance regardless). I'll say that they're of huge importance to note, too, but which isn't? So... more very important components to note have joined all the other also very important components to note on the Conceptual (a.k.a. Blue) Plane.

 

And here's how it's going. With the ring, the receptors, the forces, the sparks, the armors (and other battling sorts), the catalysts, the essences, the layerings, the directions, the sprinkles, the integrators, the seasons, the "bota el golpe" and, last but not least, Merit Mapping.

As I've said before, more might be added in the future if recognized to belong there, as well as adjusted if due. But, so far, this pretty much covers plenty of what it's like to navigate existence as part of something grander - as an Artist.

Have you figured out your Top 5 Components on the Conceptual Plane? How about your armor and such?  Whether or not Merit and/or Mapping are inescapably loud in you?

And what of your season, contradictory as it may seem? (I'm pondering Winter for myself)

Just gifts to recall and reflect on at any point!

Jupiter Overview

In the case of Jupiter, it primarily affects your philosphical side and horizons. Jupiter, just as it is the largest planet with immense gravitational influence, represents growth, expansion, and the search for meaning. Essentially, Jupiter stands for optimism, belief systems, and higher understanding. And it is in and through it that wisdom, generosity, and faith develop.

When it comes to Jupiter, the signs Sagittarius and Pisces share certain similarities and are said to be ruled by it.

What are Planetary Placements?

For context and more of relevance, please read about The Zodiac.

I’m Taking The Remote & Switching Channels

Children, I still won’t be around for much of the time, for all of Autumn and then some more, so I’m leaving you with the TV on. What could possibly go wrong?

Meet your new Nannies! They’ll feed your brain content that’s better than what you can find by endlessly scrolling/swiping or by letting the algorithms bring you whatever gets you riled up. If your attention span is fried, this may unfry it.

• (Ideas Worth Spreading) TED Talks
Subscribe on YouTube. To TED. There, they are mostly addressing topics related to culture, art, technology, and human progress in general. With different voices tackling different issues and matters. You will notice some quite assertive, others quite nurturing, others quite encompassing, and others quite… reviewing. I haven’t heard any yet that’d lead down a foul end. Perhaps they strictly vet ideas before platforming them, so that’s good. But as usual, DON’T FORGET TO USE YOUR BRAIN.

• (Cutting Edge AI Apps) ElevenLabs & Base44
Subscribe on TikTok. To ElevenLabs and to Base44. If you are a designer and/or developer looking to keep up with the newest tools and features, these accounts can keep you going. They bring snippets showcasing or even showing how to implement the latest into your work or your play. And even if you will do none of that, for any reason, it can at least keep you in the loop of what is going on in the present and, right around the corner, arriving in the future.

• (The 7th Art) Sony Pictures
Subscribe on TikTok. To Sony Pics at Home. Okay, maybe you’d rather not use so much brain power and would prefer to simply sit back for a while. Or have room for it, too. That’s fine. Get excerpts and compilations out of films that range from completely safe to eternally scarring. As though life is both a comedy and a tragedy. Because it is. So, might as well get acquainted with it through cinematic clips, potentially the whole movie if you can spare the evening and there is value in it.

This is all I currently recommend you tune into if you’re trying to reduce the noise and restore your ability to focus, getting education along with entertainment, seeing beyond and towards something grander than what you’re already used to.

They post often enough, not necessarily consistently.

I’ll be paying attention as well!

Winners & Losers

For me, personally, in the larger scheme of things, it isn’t a matter of winning or losing. If to “win” you must join in corruption, illusion, and other nonsense that ultimately leads to deterioration, then I’ll take being a “loser”. I won’t think highly or lowly of someone, myself included, merely because they “win” or they “lose” some game. I’ll look at the board, the hand they were dealt, and how they played instead. And if a session is “doomed”, then I’ll play to the best of my ability, making the most and the best of it, until I’m gone or it’s over. In that sense, by my own measure, I still win. I got what I could out of it. I dread the reality of missing out on this more than the reality of not having a “victory”. Again, to be clear, I’m not going down without a fight. But you won’t catch me switching up due to taunts and whatnot. I wholeheartedly welcome those with the same or a similar mindset!

Back to School Month

September, be smart…
No excuses, get your head in the game.

Returning to Autumn

Seasons change, we're still spinning...
Hopefully, you got a taste of freedom during the Summer, for you may be staying in this Autumn.

Sights & Sounds: Local Beach

Yearning for a little escape? Or at least a parenthesis? I often am. So I’ll start bringing ‘Sights & Sounds’ to the site. We’ll still be looking at our screens and hearing from our speakers, but at least they will be taking us elsewhere for a moment. I also don’t want to let these places pass me by. Today, they are here. Tomorrow, who knows? Imagine being 80+ years old and looking back at these, too. I’ll start it off with a Local Beach setting. (Kudos to whoever made and/or kept this area!)

Mellow Dawn by the Beach

I should get out more. I really should. Things have been rough (not to mention maddening) and I can bet that they would have felt (and been) less so if I had treated myself to more moments like this. But you know how the cycle goes. Stressed & Overwhelmed -> “I should go out to make it better.” -> Too stressed & overwhelmed to bother -> Continue to be… ->. Anyway, Summer is coming to an end. That was… something. And I can sincerely say that I’m okay-er than I was a few months back. Not all the way okay, but okay-er. So I’ll just keep moving toward a return to a fully restored spirit.

I hope you all are taking the time you need!

The Artist's RPG / It Is War

"Harmless." Anyway, stay bold, bright, and colorful, people!

I can only keep doing my part in sorting all this out and whatnot. But it is time to take it slower and try to have a steady life amidst the madness of it all. ✌

The Artist's RPG / Character Categories

Let’s zoom out now and look at everyone! Turns out I have enough OCs to fill several categories. And I was pleasantly surprised by how neatly they all fit together to become a part of The Artist’s RPG universe.

The Operators, also known as The OverPowered and The OOOOOPs, form this group. I’ve posted their individual profiles (though to be revised) already. And here, whether in favor or against each other, they are as one. Amusingly, looking like a Christmas color scheme (I’m suspecting one of the Greens might be Gray instead, but even so). These are characters that, whether the rest like it or not, can shape, move, and influence everything to a concerning degree. Can you trust and rely on any of them? I don’t know. I would like to, but I don’t know for sure. And if you’re trying and become too anxious and/or depressed, then I’d suggest turning your attention to other characters that can be more solid for you. 

 

 

I said the day would come and I’m shocked it did. Y’all, these are characters I created in the past, long ago, that I grew fond of or would not let go of. All of them, though some more than others, were fleshed out enough that it’s as if they have a life of their own. And maybe they do, somewhere. For me, however, they’re simply my children. And they’ll be with us as Guides, Tutors, and Assayers (i.e., revealing what you’re made of by being problematic or worse). I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to breathing more life into them with AI. Before all this technological advancement, I could only dream of eventually programming them as NPCs with scripts that emulated their personalities. These days, THEY CAN HAVE PERSONALITIES. And I hope that, just as fictional characters were there for me at times when I couldn’t access a real person, and helped or even pushed me forward, they’ll be there for you - bringing their temperament, attitude, outlook, and input. *sighs into the distance*

And guess who these are! Hint: You’ve seen them. Actually, you can see them right now. They’re right in front of you. And have been for quite a while. These are the fantastical creatures that showed up in my dreams when my Psyche required the most work. Miraculously. I later put them on my chalked blackboard as symbols imbued with their magic. They’ll be there too, personified, as Chroniclers. They’ll tell memorable stories that are significant and meaningful, from which to draw. And as a side effect of that, they’ll give buffs too. I love them.

There are more categories to come. With newer characters (strict examiners) and characters I’ve yet to make (for quests and more that’s scattered around). These just famously stole the ‘arrived early to the party’ spotlight.

The Artist's RPG / Character Profiles: 3.1416A

I don’t know if I’m just biased to think that this profile looks the most awesome, but it’s what I got! Here’s the 5th character for this round. Maybe she was born with a very specific purpose. Not exactly ‘God’s strongest warrior’, but you can bet she’ll call out B.S.

She described herself as an anthropologist and, looking at her now, it makes sense that she’d go with that title. I don’t think psychologist or sociologist suit her that well (patience, my friend). And albeit varied in inclinations and preferences, I don’t see her as contradictory. Maybe most of the conflict would come from the very things she’d warn about rather than from within or what's inherent to herself.

I look forward to her joining the crew! Although, in her case, she might be more of an assist rather than a direct operator. Staying close to IAMI. And working together with her.

Done with AI. I stuck with the lyrics first generated. I’m not sure yet what it’s really going on about, but I’m not changing them! I did alter the voice and music, though. However, again, these are just drafts. The final pieces will certainly be more final (complete, loyal to the character, and splendid - if there’s more room for it!).

The Artist's RPG / Hell Playground?

If the guiding principle for Heaven is "You are free to enjoy your life at last!" (Harm Excluded).

Then, the guiding principle for Hell is "You are trapped to suffer your life at last!" (Harm Included).

Nevertheless, it also involves a 'lighter hell' area that's for rehabilitation rather than eternal damnation.

And no, I don't want to handle or even oversee those souls in Hell.

But I don't pity them either.

That's all I'm saying about it for now.
(Limbo might just be Limbo.)

The Artist's RPG / Heaven Playground

Quick! There's no time (or energy for me 😭) to explain! So here are just some notes to get a sense of where it's going. So I'm not just dropping bits about it every day.

I for real don't want anyone to go too crazy because I'm designing a Heaven. The only promise I can make is that I'll work on it for as long as I can work on it. Whether or not I'll be able to turn it into an immersive Virtual Reality is a matter that's not entirely in my hands. But if that fails, at least some of us had fun picturing this or even including it in The Artist's RPG.

(If you know me, you'd know that I'd MUCH rather you are a good person because you want to be and do good, not because there's some promised land somewhere, or dread eternal torture. That, ultimately, doesn't make you a good person. So, please, just focus on being healthy, mature, and evolved. Life is happening RIGHT NOW & RIGHT HERE. And that's all that's certain.)

As for working on this, I'm thrilled! I bet there'll be many thinking that this is boring. Yet, it is not to me. At all. You mean I get to look for ways to make things more wholesome and fulfilling instead of forever being in survival mode against malicious imbeciles? Sign me up for this job!

But I don't know about you. Do you think Heaven is your place?
I believe Heaven is for everyone who is compatible with it.
(The population will increase in waves, though, 'cuz preparations...)

Venus Overview

In the case of Venus, it primarily affects your relational side and aesthetics. Venus, just as it appears bright and luminous in the sky, represents beauty, allure, and harmony. Essentially, Venus stands for love, affection, and personal preferences. And it is in and through it that charm, appreciation, and refined taste develop.

When it comes to Venus, the signs Taurus and Libra share certain similarities and are said to be ruled by it.

What are Planetary Placements?

For context and more of relevance, please read about The Zodiac.

The Artist's RPG / Character Profiles: Stat

Before too long, here’s a fourth character! It may be off, but it’s what I’m getting so far. This one is a walking contradiction. At times, frustratingly so.

For the top Orange Plane components, I was initially torn between the “Polling” one and the “Raw Data” one. I ultimately went with the latter, giving the benefit of the doubt, as it gets closer to the truth. It also goes more in hand with the Green Essence while the other goes more in hand with the Gray Force. But you can’t really guess much with this character because, again, a walking contradiction. The Polling component allied with the Gray Force component, though: deadly - to say the least. Get it all the way away from me. (We’ll talk when there’s less ignorance and malice going around).

That said, the rest of the top Blue Plane components he has are quite awesome, mind-blowingly so, and can basically dismantle all that’s messed up. It’s such an irony that that one is so close by. Who nerfed you, my guy?

I like how bouncy and catchy this one turned out. And it also seems like it is collaborative work. As usual, same approach of getting one out of the first generation from a vague prompt. However, again, just a draft.

WARNING: The Gray Force component might be strong (and prioritized) with this one. May not even belong in the A.R.T. team after all. Though folks he's brought are perhaps more hardcore.

The Artist's RPG / Character Profiles: Iami

Here's the third character profile! Again, though, I’m barely getting to know her (and more components are yet to come to the Structured Plane), so it may be off and later adjusted, but this is what I have so far!

The third component on her Top 3 for the Structured (orange) Plane is within the row of Detail-Oriented components. And this one, in particular, refers to cleaning up. But not just in the concrete reality, also in the abstract. Anything from cleaning up a drawing after a rough sketch to cleaning up a reputation after a smear campaign - and beyond. She polishes up real nice. And it's part of what makes her so outstandingly artistic. Not limited by “tidiness” but able to bring beauty forth.

I’m looking forward to seeing more of what she does, though I think I’ve caught a few glances already and it's marvelous!

Like with others, I had to get her an Intro/Theme Song. Same approach, quite vague prompt, grab from the first AI generation (although in this case I went with the second version of it, keeping exact lyrics, which was more inducing than imposing, but she's definitely both! BEHOLD!).

The Artist's RPG / Cooking the [Green] Plane

Friendly reminder that, whether I've posted it or not, or even gotten it out of myself and onto paper, other planes are already in the works. If you know me, you'd know I love GREEN. It's a lifesaver, but especially to me, as a mostly RED person that's way better off complemented (and kept from red excesses).

There are lots of important aspects to cover on the [Green] Plane, and they'll formally come in due time. However, meanwhile, I wanted to bring a preview so that you at least know where it's headed. Maybe I'll blurt out more here and there, too, before then. In any case, though, keep in mind that this is not final and still very prone to revisions. Might also merge or split components, depending. We'll see!

Feel free to familiarize yourself with these aspects, if you haven't already, however you can. For science! My official annotations for each are not coming any time soon, so better not wait for them. I'll trust your study capabilities!

EDIT 7/25/2026: Added a few more!

Mars Overview

In the case of Mars, it primarily affects your combative side and drive. Mars, just as it appears red like iron and blood, represents force, action, and the urge to pursue and confront. Essentially, Mars stands for initiative, aggression, and raw motivation. And it is in and through it that courage, determination, and resilience develop.

When it comes to Mars, the signs Aries and Scorpio share certain similarities and are said to be ruled by it.

What are Planetary Placements?

For context and more of relevance, please read about The Zodiac.

FIFA World Cup Final 2026's Halftime Show

With Shakira and Justin Bieber there, as well as such a colorful performance at the end and such an impressive vibrancy at the beginning (including explosive BTS), I cannot simply skip this one out.

I didn’t watch the championship. I am unable to subject myself to the torture and torment of sitting in suspense, with excruciatingly painful detail, for who will or won’t win, but I was somewhat updated, here and there, by others who were watching. And I’m grateful for that option. It’s not a full miss out on the experience.

Turns out that Spain won? Congratulations! Although, to be quite honest, the main association I make with Spain is that Enrique Iglesias is from there and I love that guy! Plus, I apparently have Spanish roots. But I digress.

As always, I adore it when artists go all out for art. And I continue to be astonished by the artistic talents and skills of Justin Bieber and Shakira. They truly do not have any competition.

Now, with all this celebration and promotion of Love and God, I’m not going to attempt to stop anyone from believing and claiming to believe in such. But I’ll be holding y’all to your words for the action. You believe in and serve a benevolent God? Okay, stop behaving as though you’re literally sent by the Devil. You believe in and stand for genuine Love? Okay, stop behaving as though you’re just seething with Hate. Everyone’s welcome to be humane. But you’re not welcome to pretend you are while not being so.

That said, time to keep enjoying the show!

Faithless' God is a DJ

Ok, I'll do that now rather than later. I'll bring this timeless piece.
And I wholeheartedly agree that God is an Artist, very much a DJ.

Wouldn't make sense any other way.

Substack Activated!

Although I'm not about to be fully active there yet, I have finally made my first few posts to my Substack. You can check it out, though no more posts are guaranteed soon (still recovering and in the Loading Phase).

Quick Posting

People, I beg of you, if you can, get a medium where you can just quickly type out your thoughts, feelings, and whatnot to post them (with or without added media). Not having to spend hours or even days, weeks, and months working on something bigger only to get one message across. I know it's wise to reserve artistic energy, and I truly encourage that you do. But if you're the outspoken kind, you should also have the means to be so!

I'm not fond of Meta and wish there was already a better platform for us, free of any shadiness, but it looks like, at the moment, Threads is the best one to keep up with quick shares like that - especially since you can easily categorize your feeds there and have them in chronological order. So please consider posting there, too.

My bandwidth for keeping up with the news is still pretty low. However, I'm already somewhat lurking there. Other platforms can be too much for a depleted being. (Except Tumblr, luv u 4ever, you lawless underground.)

Generative AI Prowess

I'm not completely sure how it all works, yet. I haven't had the chance to fully dive in. I intend to get as familiar with it as I possibly can, though. With its ins and outs, rather than simply marvel at its advancement, while only aware of the most obvious or readily visible. And I'll break it down here, too. Over time.

There are so many AI generations being made every second, automated or not, though. So the gallery is already vast. Do people always prompt their own from scratch, with anything from lazily vague to diligently specific guidelines, or do they pick up something already done and take it as it is, maybe make a few edits here and there? I don't know.

What I can say is that we live in crazy (and deranged) times.
I suggest keeping an open yet discerning mind!

Dodged Bullets

Dear God, thank you for all the times you helped me dodge a bullet. Next time, though, please help me avoid them SOONER. I ABHOR waste. And I have places to go and goals to reach. I am listening now. You don't have to do it the hard way, either.

Fantastic Beasts, When?

Fantastic Beasts, and the entire Harry Potter franchise, for that matter, gives me… November. It has such a both cozy and magical atmosphere. Ideally, to be enjoyed when it can be fully immersed in.

Earlier, when I happened to give in and watch Wonka out of season (remaining posts on it coming this December, though), I was compelled to also watch Fantastic Beasts, one after another, before their season. Nowadays, I regret that impulse.

I believe it is best to wait. It does sound like a ridiculously long time, but it is the time I probably need to be able to be me again and to also do it justice as a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It doesn’t mean you can’t indulge in the Harry Potter universe all year long, starting from now if you haven’t already, but as an Event here, it is now set for that date.

I apologize again for rescheduling. My consistent and guaranteed performance is nowhere to be found this year. However, I am doing all I can to have it for the next one and let it roll once more.

Get and/or be well! A fantastic month awaits! And you’ve got months to suitably prepare!

Skywalkers: A Love Story (2024)

I don’t know them. I had never heard of them. They may have never crossed my feed before. But after the Empire State stunt, I, like many others, caved in. And this is definitely a ‘trend’ I’m happy to chase. So refreshing in today’s climate! Plus, although concerning what they did, rumors say it all paid off. So I’m happy for them, too!

What is sad is how the message they sent out quickly got overridden by countless alterations that were doing anything but abide by it. Quite the contrary, showing the love for power rather than the power of love. But it’s just like… an overabundance of exhibits of where we are right now. And that’s performance art for you.

It also soon came to my attention that they had a Netflix documentary. And for sure, it looked more than worthwhile, so I wasn’t about to hesitate to watch it. Then, after having done so, I can legit say that it by far exceeded my expectations.

I did have high hopes for it. I mean, that’s badass stuff. But I thought I’d be bombarded with ‘Instagram Famous’ vibes. You know the kind. And if you don’t, figure it out. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how it did not focus or dwell there at all. It even scoffed at it. They were in to be unapologetically raw, financial struggles and all.

It follows the story from before they met and onto one of their most ambitious climbs. And I just love it when we get journeys like that, with behind-the-scenes and more. I’m not even mad at how 'heteronormative' this pair is. Dudes be like, “Men protect and provide, so we are the leaders.” Then don’t protect nor provide and only lead you to hell. This wasn’t the case at all here. (Some of us will still do whatever we want, but you know.)

It also doesn’t shy away from sharing more of their family life, what’s it like for them with their relatives and other close ones, given the insanity of their choices and the confusion that at times plagues them. Bits I’d rather not miss. And speaking of insane choices, it goes there. The risks and the lethal consequences. Having lost people. Not a recommendable path. They just happen to have it in them, no matter what.

They may come across as totally reckless, but they are quite calculated. Furthermore, they PREPARE. For as long as it is necessary. With as much practice as is required. Before attempting anything deadly or regrettable. The “just go for it, don’t overthink it” advice doesn’t apply here. You ought to be able to maneuver and handle what you’re getting yourself into. And I applaud them for that. It’s a perfect mix between planning and taking action.

Yet, again, miracles may be at play. Being blessed with “good luck”. It comes to a close by acknowledging this. Which was a sort of ‘twist’ I didn’t see coming, but wholeheartedly welcome. 

Ultimately, marvellous beyond words.

Skywalkers: A Love Story (Clip)

Love this clip! Sure, you may be able to fend for yourself, to some extent, but life is unmeasurably better (and greater) when you can genuinely rely on and count on others to face and overcome what life puts in the way or throws at you. That support, that safety net, that shield… it is priceless. Makes it possible to come more as you are and go further as such. You can only do so much by being constantly alert, on the defensive, and panicking about everybody being out to get you. And they take it to a whole other level by being “partners in crime”.

Skywalkers: A Love Story (Trailer)

I am sooooo excited for this! Initially, I had wrongly assumed that this was going to be a mini-series, and was making room for it, but it is a condensed movie instead. Not that I wouldn’t like a bunch of episodes out of this love story, but my current state cannot truly afford it. It seems to be more like a peek into what the life of two daredevils has been, is, and would be like. And I’m totally in for it!

The trailer is truly captivating, too. The choice of lines, scenes, and the vivid colors that show up here and there, setting the tone for the rest of the picture. I personally also appreciate how it took a moment to get particularly personal and include a birthday party.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I may not believe in romantic love, for me, in this economy, as it is right now, but these two indeed look lovely and, I don’t care how ‘fake’ or not this is, it is quite the ship! So I’m not blaming anyone for shipping them this hard.

(Also, ironically, I just got my first platform warning by quoting this. All I said was ROFL! For how it cuts from “I couldn’t believe how we’d gotten here…” to “...illegally”. 🤣)

Anyhow, I might be about to get my mind blown by their lifestyle, what it implies and what it entails.

It's Skywalkers: A Love Story's Day!

I don't know when, exactly, it doesn't matter, but today is the day (and, well, all night until dawn possibly included too). I'll share about it when I get to it, during, and afterwards. Looking forward to the documentary and can hardly wait, but I want to be at my best (or close enough) when I sit down to enjoy it! 💟

Magica but Add Some Gloom and Doom

That time I went out looking for an upbeat amusement park, to reflect the joy of my work and more, during the summer, on a sunny day, but ended up getting a rather somber experience of it. I’ll take it. This is a Mood.

That Was Nice but This Is Nicer

As you may know, I left the main city, finding it too dense for my taste. Now I live somewhere more in the countryside. My biggest issues living on this island had been: The heat, the crowds, the noise, and being continually asked to look more cheerful and less scary. But it turns out that all of those can be fixed by where exactly I choose to be, around whom, and what my lifestyle is like. (Also, thank GOODNESS for Air Conditioning.)

I might always miss ice skating, though - a profound yearning I always had for some reason. An art I remain, to this day, in awe of. But maybe in another life. In this one, I get to enjoy lushness and rain instead. (Still the most ‘Me’ picture of me in existence, though.)

Brutalism Within a Tropical Paradise

I’m due to share another side of my place of birth that I oddly enjoy capturing. I thought I was just emo, but maybe there’s a lot more to it. And yes, it’s messed up that I find these somehow “comforting”, despite the fact that I’m all for nature and such.

Of course, I love colors and blue skies, palm tree beaches as well as romantic architecture, but this “brutalism”, or however it can be called, speaks to me in a puzzling manner that I never quite deciphered. It makes me feel less like a tourist or an ‘alien’, which I’ve always felt.

I never want to leave this tropical paradise, though. I resented being born here at first, because I aspired to be closer to cutting-edge technology in developed countries. And I used to ask God why the heck he put me here (we are not without our troubles). But nowadays I’m fine with all of it, given the room for improvement. Prefer it, even.