-How are you, how is it?

-I’m fine, thank you; just walking around, enjoying these days here.


I went to Athens for my birthday. I stayed for three days, it was, as usual, on the fast track, but that’s it. That was my choice, the important thing was to be somewhere else for my birthday.


A few people called me that day. A few, it’s true, not many people call anymore. I write messages, that’s the spirit of the times. It’s good, too.


Anyway, I enjoyed the calls immensely. And the video one really touched me, especially since I talked to the kids too. Since I was alone, a little interaction was more than welcome.

I’ve learned to be alone, it hasn’t always been that way.


I travel alone, I go to restaurants alone, to the theatre, to the opera, even when I had surgery I went to the hospital alone, then left and drove home.
I don’t really know any other way. That’s the way things have happened in life, I didn’t necessarily choose. I had to learn how to cope and not expect anything in particular. I know, it may sound pathetic. I don’t see it that way.


I’m not alone, actually. I have many thoughts, I have the music, the lyrics I read and twisted until I learned them by heart, the pictures in art albums I frantically searched for in the past and flipped through unknowingly, all the novels I’ve read over the years, all the smells of perfumes and places, all of these are always with me, wherever I am. They are all good friends who support me in every circumstance. They show me the bright side of the world, the harmony, the ideal. Some would probably say that all of these make me live in vitro. And they would be right if I didn’t pay close attention to what’s around me, if I didn’t strike up conversations with people in restaurants, cafés, shops, in taxis.
From time to time, I enjoy being alone and at the same time with so many people around, especially in big cities. Perhaps such an approach is not easy for many. But for me it is a joy to be able to be a spectator and player in my own theatre when I want to.


Someone recently asked me if I wouldn’t find it hard to be with someone. I think I was a bit arrogant when I said no, I’m accommodating, I’m inclusive. With time, we can say that we know and respect our limits; but we are less accepting of other people’s gropings, their inadequacies, their awkwardness in interpersonal relationships.
After all, I choose to accept reality and do the best I can in the given context.