A Weekend in Boston

Aaaah…. Boston.  Beantown.  The Hub (of the Universe).  The Cradle of Liberty.  The Athens of America.  The Walking City.  Whatever name you choose to go with, there’s certainly a character to this metropolis that entices anyone from history buffs, to sports enthusiasts, foodies and scholars… pretty much anyone with an appreciation for how America evolved (and in this case conserved) over the years.

It seems like “the first”, “the oldest” is still present around every corner and well blended in with the new.  There are 17 and 18 century buildings and churches still standing tall (and well preserved) among modern structures.  Newbury Street – Boston’s answer to Rodeo Drive – is a prime representation of this, with essentially every luxury retailer, elegant cafés and beautiful churches lined up in a harmony of color and style.   Then there is the Old Town, where skyscrapers – although clashing here and there with the old edifices – bring a sense of continuity to it all…

           

 Newbury Street - shops and old churches

The neighborhoods are just as unique, yet well-blended into the city’s canvas: from the North End (where it seems you’ve instantly left the States and are deep in the heart of southern Italy), to ‘old-money’ and affluent Beacon Hill, or the equally vibrant and upscale Back Bay, to ethically-mixed South End, Chinatown (although not one of my favorite when compared to San Francisco, LA or NY), the Financial District and the Waterfront, it just seems like you’re visiting seven cities at once, although most often you’re just rounding the corner only to be surprised by an entirely new perspective!

 Beacon Hill

 South End - Union Park

Old State House with downtown skyscrapers in the background

Did I also mention the water surrounding the city on 3 sides?  Charles River and Massachusetts Bay, tying it to the Atlantic?  The city claims the oldest industrial and fishing port in the Western hemisphere.   Anchored in the Boston Inner Harbor, in Charlestown, USS Constitution is the oldest (1797) – and still active – vessel in the U.S. Navy.  The cadet giving us a tour didn’t fail to mention ‘her’ 32-0 undefeated record in battle (outstanding when you compare it with similar records from the likes of the Bruins or the Celtics… hi,hi,hi).

 Boston Harbor

 USS Constitution

...the galley

And just down the river, in Cambridge, the oldest and most famous higher learning institution: Harvard University (1636).  Beautiful campus, I might add.  With MIT just minutes down the street (and a few other top-notch schools in the area) Boston attracts the brightest minds (and ‘fullest pockets’) when it comes to education.  The pedigree extends way back to 1635 and the oldest public school in America: Boston Latin School, which among its alumni counts the likes of Ben Franklin [whose statue is erected on the site of the old wooden school], Samuel Adams and John Hancock. 

 

  

Harvard - welcomes you with open doors (if you have the money or the brains)

Other notable “oldest or first” sites in Boston:

• The subway (opened in 1897)
• The Public Garden (1837) – oldest public park (also containing the world’s smallest suspended bridge)
• Fenway Park (1912) – oldest sports arena in the U.S.

 

Images from the Public Garden with George Washington on a horse and the famed swan boats 

But enough with the intro and stats.  Is a weekend enough to take in the city with all it has to offer?  Barely.  Unless you travel with me and brought a good pair of walking shoes!  So let’s go:

Tourist ‘traps’ abound – of course – but it’s part of the deal.  Union Oyster House – the oldest restaurant in the States, which opened in 1826 – is one of those.  The Kennedy clan frequented it (JFK allegedly had a booth there) and Louis Philippe – king of France – lived upstairs while in exile here in 1796.  The building itself dates back to 1704.  But one can avoid the long lines and find better food elsewhere.  Ditto for Faneuil Hall.  Souvenir carts and shops, food stalls, the whole ‘tourist-friendly’ arsenal…  But too crowded for my taste.  Maybe it was just the light drizzle who prompted everyone to run for shelter…   

... and back in the day

The Union Oyster House today...

     .

                                                

 

Faneuil Hall

Across the street, another busy setting around the Aquarium on the waterfront.  Tour boats of all sizes and shapes, a few more restaurants and gift carts.  At the Chart House (another 1700’s building that had a musty and faint barn-like ‘aroma’) we did finally ‘break-down’ for a big lobster, amazing bisque and excellent chowder.  When in Rome…

Another 5-10 minutes’ walk from the Long Wharf and you’re in the North End neighborhood.  They might as well call it ‘Little Italy’, for everything on Salem and [especially] Hanover Streets screams ’Italian’.  Quaint little restaurants opening onto the sidewalk [where patrons often wait for an open table], authentic cafés serving the best Italian espresso and gelato, and the ever-present ‘nonni’, puffing on cigars and acting like they own the place.  This is the oldest neighborhood in Boston, and although many ethnic groups claimed it as their ‘home’ over the years, the Italians clearly define it today.  Sunday service in Italian at St. Leonard clearly attests to that.

In terms of restaurants, they are all highly rated and I imagine the kitchens are run by old Italian ladies who put a lot of soul into their cooking.  We were drawn to this area every day, had some great pasta dishes, but the pizza at Antico Forno was just simply phenomenal.  Very close – if not better – to what I had at John’s on Bleecker years ago in NY.  And for desert, Mike’s Pastry – a Boston institution in its own right – seemed to be “the” place, judging by the line that perpetually stretched around the corner, regardless of time of day.  But the wait for the best cannoli I ever had was well worth it.  No wonder everyone was walking around with a string-tied box of southern Italian goodies.     

 
Check out the line outside the pastry shop... and the guy's smiling at the cannoli pictures on the wall!

The only slight regret was not being able to get into Neptune Oyster – a tiny restaurant that claims the top spot for bivalves and lobster rolls.  The no-reservation policy coupled with the hour-and-a-half wait didn’t sit well with the hunger pains at the time ;-) … as an alternative, B&G Oyster (this one, equally small but in the South End) was on the menu for late lunch next day.  The oysters were very fresh with a dozen different options available, but the lobster roll did not live up to expectations.  Average at best :- (

Paul Revere and the North Church

But back in the North End for a second.  Paul Revere’s house is up there (which I didn’t really care for) but we did swing by the North Church, where they hanged the two lanterns announcing the arrival of the Red Coats.  Now, call me ignorant, but this Revere guy is considered such a hero of the Revolution when all he did was ride up to Lexinton to bring the bad news.  Two others [William Dawes and Sam Prescott, the latter being the only one who actually made it to Concord, where the militia arms were stored] had similar journeys, bearing the same news, but since they weren’t immortalized in Longfellow’s poem, they barely receive any historical credit for their efforts.  So with all due respect for the likes of Samuel Adams, John Hancock and the American Revolution, I just can’t get into the whole Paul Revere deal… If it wasn’t for him, any of the others would have brought the news to Lexington anyway.  Oh, and of the 3 mentioned above, Paul revere was the only one captured… ‘Nough said…   

Regardless, as I mentioned earlier, history buffs would have a field day – literally and figuratively – in ‘The Cradle of Liberty’.  Everyone else would enjoy it equally, for it has so much to offer.

 

 

 

Aerials

 The Public Library

Capitol Building

 

Downtown and the Theater District

 

 

An Episcopal church on Newbury and The Trinity Church

 Downtown view from across the Charles River

 The Liberty Hotel - a former county jail - provided an interesting stay...

...and a couple more views from the harbor:

¡Visca Barça!

So far I have resisted the temptation to write about any games outside of the World Cup, but after watching Barça put away Real Madrid in such emphatic fashion today, I just HAD TO break that rule.  Not because it was a wonderful victory (which it was, of course) but it was a victory for the sport.  A victory for the beautiful game played beautifully!!

Some of my friends taunted me after the Copa Del Rey victory over the weekend.  It was Real’s victory, after all.  No matter that they played negative football for most of the game, or that Casillas performed miracles in goal, or that Blaugrana had most of the chances.  It was the final scoreline that gave them the trophy…A trophy that Ramos managed to drop under the moving bus! [I’m sure you’ve all seen that video by now; was it poetic justice?... I wonder!?!]

But today, beautiful football prevailed again!  And moments of brilliance (from Messi in particular) caused me a near-orgasmic sensation in a bar full of hockey-and-baseball-watching patrons in downtown Minneapolis!  Yes, undoubtedly, Leo is the greatest player of this generation and arguably greatest ever [he’s not yet 24, so he still has plenty to grow].  I’m biased here, of course, but not too many can argue that point these days.

This was the third El Clásico in the span of 11 days, much anticipated, of course, given everything at stake, and set up with the proper pre-show mind-games by “The Special One”...  Was it entertaining?  Not much, for the most part…but it was tense (as games with that much at stake often are) and I watched a team that wanted to play the game, while the other tried to massacre it at every step.  I’m not saying that Barça players were angels (they displayed their fair share of theatrics – Pedro especially, and gave back almost as much as they received) but did you see some of the blatant fouls from Adebayor (wiping off Mascherano), Sergio Ramos (on my boy Messi) and – especially – Pepe?  That guy, incidentally, should not be allowed to play the game.  Period.  I don’t think I’ve seen a more vicious player in a long time (brings back childhood memories of F.C. Faru and Cîrîc, who never managed to finish a game before he finished an opposing player)…but I digress.  He [Pepe] was actually suspended for 10 games in 2009 for violent conduct: http://www.goal.com/en/news/12/spain/2009/04/24/1227658/real-madrids-pepe-suspended-for-ten-matches .  I would NEVER have a player like that in my team!

But back to the game: 72% to 28% possession in favor of the “tiqui-taca”.  In the Bernabéu!  No wonder Real were frustrated.  Not many teams can claim that stat in that arena!  But it’s not just possession.  It’s the sheer pleasure of watching them stroke that ball around in almost artist-like fashion.  Like a toreador playing with the bull until he finds that brief opening and goes for the kill.  Adrenaline-pumping indeed!  It’s “eye-candy” in a form that not too many people can appreciate.   

And how about Mourinho?  Oh, how happy I was to see that pretentious smirk wiped off his face… He was no longer that cocky, arrogant, theatrical, disgusting excuse of a human being once the stark German referee Stark [I didn’t even try that one!] put him in his place.  Behind bars, that is!  Of course, in typical sore-looser fashion, he’s crying “foul” about all kinds of UEFA conspiracies, unfair referee treatment and all that junk nested snuggly in his otherwise limited “intellectual” baggage.  Yes, you probably more than sensed it: I’m not a big fan of the man; never been, never will be.  I just can’t explain how some of the media finds him so fascinating.  He “sells” news (for controversy sells, as amply demonstrated by all the so-called “reality-show” craze here in the U.S.).  He really is the Becali of world football: an idiot who “sells air time”.  But professionally, he’s a disgrace to the sport [I already said a disgrace to human race, so this is just a bonus].  His job as a coach is to develop the team, individual players, and game tactics.  As much as I struggle to, I just can’t find ONE player he has developed, and as far of “tactics” [the quotes are on purpose, of course] the only tactic he’s capable of is “parking the bus” in front of the goal and hoping to capitalize on a counter or a set piece.  It worked for him at Porto, because the team was always perceived as the underdog, but since then, “nada” [with last year’s exception when Inter managed to defeat Barca with similar tactics]…  And it didn’t work for him today either.

Jose’s morals are deplorably pathetic and unsportsmanlike.  Just a few months ago he was fined and suspended for instructing his players to get yellow-carded during the last minutes of that game against Ajax (so they can get suspended and start with a clean sheet the game after).  As for his “mentoring” capabilities, nothing there either.  He encourages the “foul-every-30-seconds” approach, because that’s the only way he knows how to break down a team.  He doesn’t frown upon theatrics; he encourages them, rather.  He just doesn't present a positive role model for his team.  In my opinion, DiMaria would make a wonderful winger if his coach would have him focus more on his game and less on diving and imploring the ref for free kicks all the time.  But then again, he would need a different coach for that...  

Oh, and one more topic – which brings me back to his defensive tactics: today he started with 5 defenders (Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, Albiol and Arbeloa) two defensive midfielders (Xavi Alonso and Diarra) and three midfielders (DiMaria – always isolated on the left, Ronaldo – you could argue he’s a forward, but always plays behind the front men, and Ozil – who was in Ronaldo’s way for the most part today).  No forwards to speak of (with 3 very capable examples on the bench: Benzema – in rare form lately, Higuain – who scored 3 over the weekend, and Adebayor – also in form).  And of course, Kaká – one of the best creative midfielders in the world – on the bench as well.  I may not have a coaching pedigree, but definitely have more common sense to come up with a better starting 11.  Any of these “options” would have made the game more entertaining, but then again, his “tactics” were to just kill the game, defend and hope for another spark of brilliance from one of his many high-paid “galacticos”.  In the end, it was not to be, for karma is a cruel bitch!

So now, the return leg – which will undoubtedly result in a replay of the CL final from 2009: Barça against Man U. – should be a more pleasant affair.  With Mourinho probably suspended and the “executioners” Ramos and Pepe in that same boat, we should expect more of a spectacle.  That is, if Real want to play the game, not kill it again.   I really hope they’ll do that, out of [hurt] pride and respect for the game…

South Florida Spring Break - Part 2

Key West (Cayo Hueso)

Following Hwy 1 South through Coral Gables and Palmetto Bay you run out of “land” at some point and hit the marshland of the Florida Glades.  Shortly after, you’re driving through the famed Keys, starting with the larger ones (Largo, Plantation, Islamorada, Marathon) before hitting the smaller ones (too many to count) and ending up in Key West.

So, 510 years after Ponce De León “discovered” the Florida Keys we descended upon Key West after a 120+ mile drive down the Overseas Highway.  Amazing drive over bridges connecting the islands, feeling almost like you’re floating on water (especially on the Seven Mile Bridge).  The island is quite small (less than 8 square miles) and the city itself – the southernmost in the US – is actually closer to Havana, Cuba (94 miles) than Miami (160 miles).  And it’s quite unique, given that in the “Old Town” most buildings (well preserved for the most part) date back to the late 1800’s and early 1900’s!  It still feels like a throwback to older, simpler times, which have inspired over time the likes of Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Jimmy Buffet.  Various “tourist traps” try to steal that spirit, but it’s all still there if you chose to venture a block or two off the beaten path…

Views from the Seven Mile Bridge (to and from the Keys) 

The Conch Republic – as it’s known in local circles – briefly declared “independence” from the states back in 1982 when the US Border Patrol became overzealous in response to a Cuban exodus knows as the Mariel boatlift.  Obviously that didn’t stick, but the name has.  Incidentally, Conch was a name given to immigrants from the Bahamas who came in droves during the 1830’s.  Today it refers to the natives of Key West (while “implants” from the north are symbolically called Freshwater Conch).

Key West is another adults-only playground, with its fair share of gay/lesbian representation (statistics show that 40% of the locals are actually in that category) yet conveys a much more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere when compared to Miami Beach.  Duval Street – the main thoroughfare – is littered with pubs, bars that offer live music (the famed Sloppy Joes where apparently Hemingway “drew” a lot of inspiration from [or was it “drank”?]) drag shows, second-rate restaurants, and [low quality] cigar shops (I guess that’s attributed to proximity to Cuba, although the quality of the ‘habanas’ is questionable at best).

 

 

 

Key West is mainly an adult destination, unless one of these drops anchor...

As much as Duval Street is noted for the “bar scene” and “people watching” (sort of a Burbon Street flavor to it), I’d recommend staying away from it if you’re looking for a nice dinner place (in terms of quality and ambiance that is).  Most of the notable [quality] restaurants (Blue Heaven, Seven Fish, El Siboney, just to rattle off a few) are off the beaten path.  We did, however, find an exception in Bagatelle, right on Duval; a bit pricier, but well worth the extra bucks.  Phenomenal food and awesome pie! Key Lime, that is! 

For a trip to the Keys is not complete without gorging on my favorite desert!  Kermit’s seems to be a local favorite (Bagatelle serves their pies), but from what I hear (and what “experts” are saying) Blond Giraffe’s is equally good.  Despite being more of a tourist theme (as limes are primarily grown in Mexico today) [Key] Lime Pie on any of its forms is at least one of the reasons that brings people to the Keys.  I just wish I had more while down there; but the overnight trip was definitely too short for a full experience.  Promise to be back though, sans enfants!

The beaches in Key West are nothing to write home about.  Small, with rocky “edges” but the water is clean and the diving/snorkeling [I hear] is excellent.  Fort Zachary Taylor state park is the one beach worth visiting, albeit for a small admission fee.

Other attractions are the local marina, boat tours, Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas (70 miles away by boat), and the historic houses of [former president] Truman and Hemingway.  Have seen none of them, so can’t offer an opinion.  Maybe next time…

The one other tourist “attraction” is a concrete buoy near the Truman Annex (Navy property) that’s not even accurate on what it claims, yet makes for another ‘Kodak’ spot.  In actuality, there are a couple of private islands further south, and even some of the land owned by the Navy (or portions of the aforementioned state park) lie further south.  Fun fact: this used to be just a small sign that was often stolen, before local authorities built this in 1983.  Good luck stealing this, they said!  So all we did was ‘steal’ a picture!

West Palm Beach & the Florida Gold Coast

The rest of the vacation took us up and down the Florida Gold Coast, with a relaxing 5 day stint at a Marriott property on Singer Island (West Palm Beach).  Not much in terms of sightseeing, unless you count the ever-present yachts, boats, waterfront mansions and golf courses (seems like one around every corner).  The area ‘screams’ expensive, with manicured lawns, lush vegetation, gated communities, designer shopping, expensive cars and people who average over 60 years old and 2-3 (minimum) “corrective” surgeries.  We were by far the youngest group around…

 The hotel's back yard...

...and views from the balcony...

Yet again, if you’re looking for rest and relaxation, this is the place to be.  Just make sure you pack a thick wallet!

Some suggestions I’d offer: a water taxi ride among the inner canals that would make you gawk stupidly at some of the mansions, mini-castles and accompanying watercraft, a visit to the City Place downtown WPB, where I recommend Italy for amazing gelato [for those of you who live in Atlanta, Paolo’s in Virginia-Highlands is just as good, if not better] or a short drive further south to Havana, for authentic Cuban cuisine [this was recommended by our Cuban bartender].  There are many other “attractions” undoubtedly, but all we cared about after the Atlanta – Ft. Lauderdale – South Beach – Miami – Key West three-day marathon, was a relaxing resort, sunshine and umbrella-bearing drinks.

Driving back to Ft. Lauderdale from West Palm, A1 hugs the coastline and takes you through the diamond-studded scenery of the Gold Coast:  Delray Beach, Boca Raton, Deerfield, Pompano, etc.  More of the same, left and right: mansions, yachts, lush landscaping, just opulent, extravagant wealth.  The area is considered to be the heaviest concentration of “money” outside of certain part of California. Robin Leach would only have to close his eyes and throw a dart to find the next location for his show…

 

 

 

This is some of the 'scenery' along the Gold Coast...

$15-20+ Million can put you in one of these...ehmm...'houses'

So there you have it.  A quick account of the South Florida Spring Break getaway.  It took us through places that truly define “vacation”, places that we’ll definitely revisit soon. 

South Florida Spring Break - Part 1

Miami & South Beach

“Beautiful people”, skimpy thongs, sculpted [and in most cases surgically enhanced] tanned bodies, topless sunbathing, fast cars and “bling” define the scene in South Beach, or SoBe as most locals call it.  It is where young people hang out and Europeans come to find a taste of the American beach scene.  Unfortunately – unlike most beaches in the civilized world – you won’t find any beach-side bars, with the exception of a few hotels that are located on the coveted strip of land on the “right” side of Ocean Drive.  That, however, doesn’t mean that one can’t get an ice-cold beverage of choice lounging in one of the patios that line up along the famed “A1A”.

Mango Mojito - the half-gallon version!

 Ocean Drive

"Beautiful bodies"...on wheels 

Aaaahhh... Paradise! 

Collins Ave. and the Ritz-Carlton

There’s a buzzing scene day and night under the backdrop of well-maintained Art Deco hotels and restaurants that give SoBe some of its innegable character.  But it’s definitely an adult playground, with a fairly strong gay and lesbian presence; any child strolling by on a parents’ metaphorical “leash” is most likely to be staying in one of the more family-friendly nearby resorts, like Ft. Lauderdale or Hollywood.  Nonetheless, no trip to Miami can be complete without a few hours (at least) spent on this island.

As for the “night scene” – which I have not “sampled” on this trip due to a variety of reasons [age, social and family status, etc.] you’ll hear that SoBe is the most “happening” place on this side of the Atlantic.  Celebs and the super-rich rub shoulders (and any other choice body parts for that matter) in some of the most exclusive night clubs on earth.  Here are a few suggestions if you want to check out the night scene: Cameo, Set Miami, Mansion, LIV or Nikki Beach (this one is right on the sand!).  There’s also a good selection of dining spots – most offering Latin American “fusion” and of course, seafood options.  Every renowned chef is present here, which means options abound, but if you have a discernable palate stay off the “tourist” path (pretty much most places on Ocean Drive or Collins Avenue).  Here’s a few places that constantly get ‘rave’ J reviews: OLA (for fish tacos), Scarpetta (Italian), Wish, Puerto Sagua (Cuban), Bambu (Asian / co-owned by Cameron Diaz).  You’ll also hear everyone talk about Joe’s Stone Crab (a SoBe “institution” going back to the early 1900’s) but you’ll have to dress up and wait for hours; instead, try Joe’s Take Away, the restaurant’s “pick-up window”.

Bottom line, whatever your vacationing plans, SoBe will deliver and will provide a unique experience.  Keep a tight lid on that wallet though; it could get expensive fast!

Driving across the MacArthur Causeway (or Venetian, or Julia Tuttle…take your pick, but MacArthur offers better views) you’ll find yourself downtown Miami: more glitz, skyscrapers, waterfront parks and the ubiquitous yachts.   A very photogenic scene indeed!

Further down – across Rickenbacker and towards Key Biscayne – is the Miami Seaquarium.  A must do if you travel with kids; not as many fish on display, but several shows (orca, dolphins, sea lions, shark feeding, etc.) make it an exciting experience.
 

A little shower from the dolphins (or standing too close to the rail)

We went further down to visit Key Biscayne (there’s a nice state park at the end of that island, and several “celeb” houses on display as well) but hit a little bit of traffic as people were dropping in the Sony Ericsson Open for the women’s’ final [ Azarenka beat Sharapova in straight sets].  Driving back across the Causeway, stop at the makeshift beach-cum-picnic spot for another Kodak moment, with the Miami skyline in the background across the bay.

So as you can see, always something to do, always something to see in the Miami area.  We were there for two days (only because we’ve been before) but one needs at least 4-5 days to really take it all in.

(taken from that 'beach-cum-picnic area' spot mentioned above)

PS - before I get chastised, credit for most of the pictures goes to Laura!

Luceafarul (The Evening Star)

This was started back in January as a personal homage - on his birthday - to the greatest poet that ever lived.  A true genius and my personal favorite: Eminescu.
I posted an unfinished translation back then, but now I finally found the time (and inspiration) to complete it.

Enjoy! (and hope it takes you back...)

Luceafãrul A fost odatã ca-n povesti, A fost ca niciodatã, Din rude mãri împãrãtesti, O prea frumoasã fatã. Si era una la pãrinti Si mîndrã-n toate cele, Cum e Fecioara între sfinti Si luna între stele. Din umbra falnicelor bolti Ea pasul si-l îndreaptã Lîngã fereastrã, unde-n colt Luceafãrul asteaptã. Privea în zare cum pe mãri Rãsare si strãluce, Pe miscãtoarele cãrãri Corãbii negre duce. îl vede azi, îl vede mîni, Astfel dorinta-i gata; El iar, privind de sãptãmîni, îi cade dragã fatã. Cum ea pe coate-si rãzima Visînd ale ei tîmple De dorul lui si inima Si sufletu-i se împle. Si cît de viu s-aprinde el în orisicare sarã, Spre umbra negrului castel Cînd ea o sã-i aparã. * Si pas cu pas pe urma ei Alunecã-n odaie, Tesînd cu recile-i scîntei O mreajã de vãpaie. Si cînd în pat se-ntinde drept Copila sã se culce, I-atinge mîinile pe piept, I-nchide geana dulce; Si din oglindã luminis Pe trupu-i se revarsã, Pe ochii mari, bãtînd închisi Pe fata ei întoarsã. Ea îl privea cu un surîs, El tremura-n oglindã, Cãci o urma adînc în vis De suflet sã se prindã. Iar ea vorbind cu el în somn, Oftînd din greu suspinã: - "O, dulce-al noptii mele domn, De ce nu vii tu? Vinã! Cobori în jos, luceafãr blînd, Alunecînd pe-o razã, Pãtrunde-n casã si în gînd Si viata-mi lumineazã!" El asculta tremurãtor, Se aprindea mai tare Si s-arunca fulgerator, Se cufunda în mare; Si apã unde-au fost cãzut în cercuri se roteste, Si din adînc necunoscut Un mîndru tînãr creste. Usor el trece ca pe prag Pe marginea ferestei Si tine-n mînã un toiag încununat cu trestii. Pãrea un tînãr voievod Cu pãr de aur moale, Un vînãt giulgi se-ncheie nod Pe umerele goale. Iar umbra fetei strãvezii E albã ca de cearã - Un mort frumos cu ochii vii Ce scînteie-n afarã. - "Din sfera mea venii cu greu Ca sã-ti urmez chemarea, Iar cerul este tatãl meu Si muma-mea e marea. Cã în cãmara ta sã vin, Sã te privesc de-aproape, Am coborit cu-al meu senin Si m-am nãscut din ape. O, vin'! odorul meu nespus, Si lumea ta o lasã; Eu sunt luceafãrul de sus, Iar tu sã-mi fii mireasã. Colo-n pãlate de mãrgean Te-oi duce veacuri multe, Si toatã lumea-n ocean De tine o s-asculte." - "O, esti frumos, cum numa-n vis Un înger se aratã, Darã pe calea ce-ai deschis N-oi merge niciodatã; Strãin la vorbã si la port, Lucesti fãrã de viatã, Cãci eu sunt vie, tu esti mort, Si ochiul tãu mã-ngheatã." * Trecu o zi, trecurã trei Si iarãsi, noaptea, vine Luceafãrul deasupra ei Cu razele-i senine. Ea trebui de el în somn Aminte sã-si aducã Si dor de-al valurilor domn De inim-o apucã: - "Cobori în jos, luceafãr blînd, Alunecînd pe-o razã, Pãtrunde-n casã si în gînd Si viata-mi lumineazã!" Cum el din cer o auzi, Se stinse cu durere, Iar ceru-ncepe a roti în locul unde piere; In aer rumene vãpãi Se-ntind pe lumea-ntreagã, Si din a chaosului vãi Un mîndru chip se-ncheagã; Pe negre vitele-i de pãr Coroana-i arde pare, Venea plutind în adevãr Scãldat în foc de soare. Din negru giulgi se desfãsor Marmore ele brate, El vine trist si gînditor Si palid e la fatã; Dar ochii mari si minunati Lucesc adînc himeric, Ca douã patimi fãrã sat Si pline de-ntuneric. - "Din sfera mea venii cu greu Ca sã te-ascult s-acuma, Si soarele e tatãl meu, Iar noaptea-mi este muma; O, vin', odorul meu nespus, Si lumea ta o lasã; Eu sunt luceafãrul de sus, Iar tu sã-mi fii mireasã. O, vin', în pãrul tãu bãlai S-anin cununi de stele, Pe-a mele ceruri sã rãsai Mai mîndrã decît ele." - "O, esti frumos cum numã-n vis Un demon se aratã, Darã pe calea ce-ai deschis N-oi merge niciodatã! Mã dor de crudul tãu amor A pieptului meu coarde, Si ochii mari si grei mã dor, Privirea ta mã arde." - "Dar cum ai vrea sã mã cobor? Au nu-ntelegi tu oare, Cum cã eu sunt nemuritor, Si tu esti muritoare?" - "Nu caut vorbe pe ales, Nici stiu cum as începe - Desi vorbesti pe înteles, Eu nu te pot pricepe; Dar dacã vrei cu crezãmînt Sã te-ndrãgesc pe tine, Tu te coboarã pe pãmînt, Fii muritor ca mine." - "Tu-mi cei chiar nemurirea mea în schimb pe-o sãrutare, Dar voi sã stii asemenea Cît te iubesc de tare; Da, mã voi naste din pãcat, Primind o altã lege; Cu vecinicia sunt legat, Ci voi sã mã dezlege." Si se tot duce... S-a tot dus. De dragu-unei copile, S-a rupt din locul lui de sus, Pierind mai multe zile. * In vremea asta Cãtãlin, Viclean copil de casã, Ce împle cupele cu vin Mesenilor la masã, Un paj ce poartã pas cu pas A-mpãrãtesii rochii, Bãiat din flori si de pripas, Dar îndrãznet cu ochii, Cu obrãjei ca doi bujori De rumeni, batã-i vina, Se furiseazã pînditor Privind la Cãtãlina. Dar ce frumoasã se fãcu Si mîndrã, arz-o focul; Ei Cãtãlin, acu-i acu Ca sã-ti încerci norocul. Si-n treacãt o cuprinse lin într-un ungher degrabã. - "Da' ce vrei, mãri Cãtãlin? Ia du-t' de-ti vezi de treabã." - "Ce voi? As vrea sã nu mai stai Pe gînduri totdeuna, Sã rîzi mai bine si sã-mi dai O gurã, numai una." - "Dar nici nu stiu mãcar ce-mi ceri, Dã-mi pace, fugi departe - O, de luceafãrul din cer M-a prins un dor de moarte." - "Dacã nu stii, ti-as arãta Din bob în bob amorul, Ci numai nu te mînia, Ci stai cu binisorul. Cum vînãtoru-ntinde-n crîng La pãsãrele latul, Cînd ti-oi întinde bratul stîng Sã mã cuprinzi cu bratul; Si ochii tãi nemiscãtori Sub ochii mei rãmîie... De te înalt de subtiori Te-naltã din cãlcîie; Cînd fata mea se pleacã-n jos, în sus rãmîi cu fatã, Sã ne privim nesãtios Si dulce toatã viata; Si ca sã-ti fie pe deplin Iubirea cunoscutã, Cînd sãrutîndu-te mã-nclin, Tu iarãsi mã sãrutã." Ea-l asculta pe copilas Uimitã si distrasã, Si rusinos si drãgãlas, Mai nu vrea, mai se lasã, Si-i zise-ncet: - "încã de mic Te cunosteam pe tine, Si guraliv si de nimic, Te-ai potrivi cu mine... Dar un luceafãr, rãsãrit Din linistea uitãrii, Dã orizon nemãrginit Singurãtãtii mãrii; Si tainic genele le plec, Cãci mi le împle plînsul Cînd ale apei valuri trec Cãlãtorind spre dînsul; Luceste c-un amor nespus, Durerea sã-mi alunge, Dar se înaltã tot mai sus, Ca sã nu-l pot ajunge. Pãtrunde trist cu raze reci Din lumea ce-l desparte... în veci îl voi iubi si-n veci Va rãmînea departe... De-aceea zilele îmi sunt Pustii ca niste stepe, Dar noptile-s de-un farmec sfînt Ce-l nu mai pot pricepe." - "Tu esti copilã, asta e... Hai s-om fugi în lume, Doar ni s-or pierde urmele Si nu ne-or sti de nume. Cãci amîndoi vom fi cuminti, Vom fi voiosi si teferi, Vei pierde dorul de pãrinti Si visul de luceferi." * Porni luceafãrul. Cresteau In cer a lui aripe, Si cãi de mii de ani treceau în tot atîtea clipe. Un cer de stele dedesupt, Deasupra-i cer de stele - Pãrea un fulger nentrerupt Rãtãcitor prin ele. Si din a chaosului vãi, Jur împrejur de sine, Vedea, cã-n ziua cea dentîi, Cum izvorau lumine; Cum izvorînd îl înconjor Ca niste mãri, de-a-notul... El zboarã, gînd purtat de dor, Pîn' piere totul, totul; Cãci unde-ajunge nu-i hotar, Nici ochi spre a cunoaste, Si vremea-ncearcã în zadar Din goluri a se naste. Nu e nimic si totusi e O sete care-l soarbe, E un adînc asemene Uitãrii celei oarbe. - "De greul negrei vecinicii, Pãrinte, mã dezleagã Si lãudat pe veci sã fii Pe-a lumii scarã-ntreagã; O, cere-mi, Doamne, orice pret, Dar dã-mi o altã soarte, Cãci tu izvor esti de vieti Si dãtãtor de moarte; Reia-mi al nemuririi nimb Si focul din privire, Si pentru toate dã-mi în schimb O orã de iubire... Din chaos, Doamne,-am apãrut Si m-as întoarce-n chaos... Si din repaos m-am nãscut. Mi-e sete de repaos." - "Hyperion, ce din genuni Rãsai c-o-ntreagã lume, Nu cere semne si minuni Care n-au chip si nume; Tu vrei un om sã te socoti, Cu ei sã te asameni? Dar piarã oamenii cu toti, S-ar naste iarãsi oameni. Ei numai doar dureazã-n vînt Deserte idealuri - Cînd valuri aflã un mormînt, Rãsar în urmã valuri; Ei doar au stele cu noroc Si prigoniri de soarte, Noi nu avem nici timp, nici loc, Si nu cunoastem moarte. Din sînul vecinicului ieri Trãieste azi ce moare, Un soare de s-ar stinge-n cer S-aprinde iarãsi soare; Pãrînd pe veci a rãsãri, Din urmã moartea-l paste, Cãci toti se nasc spre a muri Si mor spre a se naste. Iar tu, Hyperion, rãmîi Oriunde ai apune... Cere-mi cuvîntul meu dentîi - Sã-ti dau întelepciune? Vrei sã dau glas acelei guri, Cã dup-a ei cîntare Sã se ia muntii cu pãduri Si insulele-n mare? Vrei poate-n faptã sã arãti Dreptate si tãrie? Ti-as da pãmîntul în bucãti Sã-l faci împãrãtie. îti dau catarg lîngã catarg, Ostiri spre a strãbate Pãmîntu-n lung si marea-n larg, Dar moartea nu se poate... Si pentru cine vrei sã mori? întoarce-te, te-ndreaptã Spre-acel pãmînt rãtãcitor Si vezi ce te asteaptã." * în locul lui menit din cer Hyperion se-ntoarse Si, cã si-n ziua cea de ieri, Lumina si-o revarsã. Cãci este sara-n asfintit Si noaptea o sã-nceapã; Rãsare luna linistit Si tremurînd din apã. Si împle cu-ale ei scîntei Cãrãrile din crînguri. Sub sirul lung de mîndri tei Sedeau doi tineri singuri: - "O, lasã-mi capul meu pe sîn, Iubito, sã se culce Sub raza ochiului senin Si negrãit de dulce; Cu farmecul luminii reci Gîndirile strãbate-mi, Revarsã liniste de veci Pe noaptea mea de patimi. Si de asupra mea rãmîi Durerea mea de-o curmã, Cãci esti iubirea mea dentîi Si visul meu din urmã." Hyperion vedea de sus Uimirea-n a lor fatã; Abia un brat pe gît i-a pus Si ea l-a prins în brate... Miroase florile-argintii Si cad, o dulce ploaie, Pe crestetele-a doi copii Cu plete lungi, bãlaie. Ea, îmbãtatã de amor, Ridicã ochii. Vede Luceafãrul. Si-ncetisor Dorintele-i încrede: - "Cobori în jos, luceafãr blînd, Alunecînd pe-o razã, Pãtrunde-n codru si în gînd, Norocu-mi lumineazã!" El tremurã ca alte dãti în codri si pe dealuri, Cãlãuzînd singurãtãti De miscãtoare valuri; Dar nu mai cade ca-n trecut In mãri din tot înaltul: - "Ce-ti pasã tie, chip de lut, Dac-oi fi eu sau altul? Trãind în cercul vostru strîmt Norocul vã petrece, Ci eu în lumea mea mã sîmt Nemuritor si rece."

The Evening Star Once upon a time, tales told, As never been portrayed, There was, of pure royal blood, A most beautiful maid. She was her parents’ only child Bright as the sun in June, Like Virgin Mary among saints And among stars, the moon. Out of the shadow of the stately vault Her step now she directs Near the window, where in sight The Evening Star awaits. Off on the skyline, cross the seas She saw him, shining bright, Leading the lightless sailing ships Throughout the murky night. She daily witnessed his ascend, Her heart a gentle purr; And him, watching for weeks on end, In love would fall with her. Daydreaming head on elbows propped As if her mind was stole Longing for him could not be stopped Love filled her, heart and soul. And oh, how brightly lit’s his halo Diffusing glowing spears, Upon the pitch-dark castle’s shadow To him when she appears. * And treading lightly in her footmarks He’s gliding in her chamber, Weaving around with icy sparks A glowing web of amber. And when her head on pillow lands Towards her dreams to dash, He glides his light along her hands, Caresses her eyelash; And from the mirror, the light flies Spilling upon her shape, On closed, yet fluttering big eyes Her face in shadows drape. She’d greet him faintly with a smile, He’d shiver in the mirror, For in her dreams he’d walk a mile To her soul to be nearer. She’d talk to him as she slept tight, Through sighs and dreamy slum: - "Oh, dear sweet prince of the night, Why don’t you come? Just come! Descend to me, Eve Star, so kind Glide down on a lights’ beam, Come in my house and in my mind And make my life a dream!” To her, with tremors he would listen, Ignite and burst in motion Jump up and down, take flight, and then Sink deep into the ocean; The water in that very spot In circles swirls and surges, And out of the deeply dark ‘naught A fine young lad emerges. As o’er a threshold he took step Upon her windowsill Holding in his hand a staff Adorned in reedy twill. He looked like a young prince, somewhat Hair soft, of golden ambers, A purple shroud tied with a knot Upon his barren shoulders. The shade of his pellucid face Was waxy white, like candle - A handsome dead man with live eyes That spark and none can handle. - "Out of my sphere here I fly To answer to thy summ*, My dear father is the sky The sea my lovely mum. Down to thy chambers to descend, And gaze upon thy nearer, Serenely I had to transcend And born from waters I appear. Oh, come! Mine dear priceless treasure, And leave thy world aside; For I am Evening Star from heaven, And thou shall be my bride. Down there, in the coral castles We’d live forever more, And everybody in the oceans Would kneel before thy door." - "Oh, dear prince, handsome you are As angels in dreams show, Yet with your plan to take me far I’ll never rightly go; Your garb and speech I do not understand, You shine, yet don’t have heart, For I’m alive and you are rightly dead, And your eyes chill my heart." * A day went by, then other three And night would always come Just as before, from up above her he Translucent rays would shine. Asleep, when dreams would often come The waves-prince she’d recall A hankering for him would strum And clinch to her young soul: - " Descend to me, Eve Star, so kind Glide down on a lights’ beam, Come in my house and in my mind And make my life a dream!” As he would hear her from up high, He’d fade in drastic pain, And heavens would spin as he’d die Never to shine again; Yet in the air, flames of red Would spread across the realm, And from the chaos, a pretty head Emerges at the helm; On shiny hair, raven-black His crown seems to be burning, Floating, and happy to be back Among the sun’s flames swimming. Emerging from behind black shroud Impressive marble arms, Sullen he comes, with his head bowed And face devoid of charms; Yet his big eyes in all their splendor Shine deep and quite chimeric, As two young lovers, rather tender And darkly, deep, poetic. - "Out of my sphere here I come To answer to thy summ*, My dear father is the sun The night my lovely mum. Oh, come! My dear priceless treasure, And leave thy world aside; For I am Evening Star from heaven, And thou shall be my bride. Oh, come, and in thy golden hair I’ll knit a wreath of stars, Among the lights ye’d be most fair They’d look like flies in jars." - "Oh, dear prince, handsome you are As demons in dreams show, Yet with your plan to take me far I’ll never rightly go; Though cruel, I do miss your love My chest is deeply hurting, Weighty big eyes are weary of, My soul your gaze is burning." - "Thou think that up from heavens I can part? Perhaps I’d been naught clear, I am immortal, whilst thou art, Mere mortal maid, mine dear?" - "I hate big words, and I don’t know, How else to plead with you - And though your discourse I follow, I don’t understand you; If you believe my love is worth More than a priceless gem, Come down to this temporal earth, Be mortal as I am." - "Thou ask I’d cede mine immortality Instead one kiss of thine, But know as well I second thee, For thy true love I pine; Yes, I shall be reborn from sin, Receive another sanction; Another life I shall begin, Tied to a different junction." And off he went... He went all out. Lost in a love-flame craze, From up in heavens he bailed out, Missing for many days. * In the meantime, Cãtãlin, A house-boy, sly and crafty, Who fills the cups with wine and gin For diners to be happy, A page, bearing the queen’s dress train Behind her, every step, A fatherless stray, an orphan, With eyes chuck-full of pep, With tender cheeks, peony red Rosy and smooth as china, He sneaks up with a flair unsaid Gazing at Cãtãlina. How beautiful she grew – he thinks A flower, just to pluck; Eh, Cãtãlin, right now this is Your chance to try your luck. In passing, around her he’d spin Pretending sweet horseplay. - "What is it with you, Cãtãlin? Leave me alone and go away." - "What’s with me? No, what’s with you? You’re lost in thoughts, no fun, So, laugh more often, and I beg, please do Give me a kiss, just one." - "Just spare me your silly sermons, Just leave me, go away - For dearest Eve Star up in heavens I’m longing every day." - "If you don’t know, I’d gladly show you All about love’s balm, But simmer down, let’s not argue, Just listen and be calm. Just as the hunter throws the net That many birds would harm, When my left hand on you I set Embrace me with your arm; And your big eyes, quiet and still With mine a pact would seal... If on your waist I grab, you will Push up high on your heel; When I bend down my face to you, You should look up at me, We’d glance each other sweet and true Forever, full of glee; And so that you have about love A knowledge that is true, I’ll lean and kiss you from above, Please, tender kiss me too." She’d listen still, without refute Dumbfounded and distracted, Him shameful, yes, but rather cute, The yes and no she weighted, “Since a wee lad – her voice appall - I’ve known you bit by bit, And glib, and talkative and small, You’d be a decent fit... Yet, from oblivion’s tranquil An Evening Star came out, Through infinite horizons now to spill The oceans’ lonely clout; And secretly I bow my lashes, ‘Cause tears fill my eyes When towards him the water splashes Just as the small wave dies; He shines with an unspoken love, My sorrow he could leach, But rises higher, high above So I’ll could never reach. Bursting in from his dreamland Through sad, cold rays of star... Forever I will love him and Forever he’ll be far... That’s why my days are simply now Barren as the steppe, Yet saintly charms lift my eyebrow When night’s at my doorstep." - "You are naive, my little girl... Let’s run away together, Aimlessly travel far and twirl Like in the wind a feather. A new life we will both begin, Joyful and merry, yet afar, You’ll lose the longing for your kin, The dreams about Eve Star." * He took to flight, the Evening Star His wings, on high, grew distant, And though he traveled light-years far It only seemed an instant. A star-filled sky to gaze beneath, Above a star-filled sky - An endless thunderbolt he seemed Lost, as he wondered by. And from the chaos’ dark abyss, Around him like a cone, He’d see, as in Genesis’ bliss, How light was being born; Like waters drowning him entire As lights would swarm upon... He flies, now carried by desire, Until he’s gone, all gone; For there’s no boundary where he goes, Nor eye who’d understand, And from that void Time never grows A life that can withstand. There is nothing, yet there is A thirst he can not shun, Deep, dark, and painful it all seems Like blind oblivion. - "From this dark eternal pain, Father, please release me For breaking me out of this chain Praised by the world you’ll be; Name thy steep price, oh, dear God, But let me choose mine fate, Thou  have that power in one nod That giveth life and death; My immortality take back The eyes with fire power, And in exchange give me the knack To love but for one hour... And to the chaos that I came from I would return, my Father... But with my heart being so torn. It seems like such a bother." - "Hyperion, begot from magic touch And meant to shine with grace, Don’t ask for miracles or such That have no name nor face; Thou wanthts as human to be counted, To replicate their kin? But if the human race is blasted, Humans wouldst born agin. They only last as gusts of wind Ideals, void and blind - When to the grave the waves rescind, More waves come from behind; They only have their lucky stars And preconceived blind fate, For us, time, places, leave no scars, And death we don’t cognate. From yesterday’s eternal ply Death would fight in vain, And if a sun in heaven’d die A sun wilt rise again; Forever seeming life to spry, Demise can’t flee or scorn, For all are born only to die And die to be reborn. Yet you, Hyperion, remain Wherever thou seth down... For mine advice ask thee again - Wisdom without a frown? That certain voice thee wish to life, And set all things in motion Mountains and forests to be strife And islands sink in ocean? Perhaps thee wish to proudly show Righteousness and might? The world to you I would bestow To make a kingdom site. Thousands of ships I’d give to thee, Armies on them I’d plant To capture land and conquer sea, But death I can not grant... For whom thou wish mortal to be? And is it truly worth? Just go and see what’s there for thee On that wondering earth." * Assuming his place in the sky Hyperion returned And as in days past he’d let fly, A light that brightly burned. For it is evening; sun is set And night’s about to start; Quiet, the moon begins to fret From waves coming apart. And it sparkles with its glow, The paths among the grove. Beneath the mighty linden row Two youths sat, full of love: - "Oh, my love, upon your breast I’d want my head to lay, Under the peaceful eye to rest  And sweetly drift away; With the charm of your cold gaze See clear through my thoughts, Eternal peace throughout the haze Of passions dark with naughts. And holding me, remain above Solace I could redeem, For you’re my first and only love And also my last dream." Hyperion would clearly read Amazement in their eyes; He’d gently touch her neck while she’d Embrace his warm midsize... The fragrant silver blooms would fall Like the warm rain in summer, Over the young boy and the girl With long locks, gold and amber. Drunk with love, she slowly raised Her eyes towards the sky. She saw The Evening Star. And dazed She said, almost in awe: - " Descend to me, Eve Star, so kind Glide down on a lights’ beam, Enter my forest and my mind And make my life a dream!” He’d tremble, just as in the past Through woods, across the hills, And past the waves aimlessly cast Lonely, wind-wandrin’ chills; But as in past, he did not fall Sinking deep to sea: - "What cares thee, mere-mortal gal, If ’tis another one or me? You’re passing midst thine narrow life With luck as sole virtue, But in my world I’ll always thrive Eternal, cold, and blue."

summ* = short for summon (and to rhyme with mum)