About to embark on my Emirates NY-bound flight, I am as excited as a child on Christmas Eve. About to experience magic, wonder and above all life. In all its colorful shades. Among the most worldly city on earth where diversity is the common thread, where differences become one, where the “e pluribus unum”, as written on the American coins, is a reality. I have been visiting and experiencing THE city for over 25 years and although it has, and I have, changed quite radically to me it still embodies the land of opportunities, of discoveries, of self-growth. An open-air loony bin which not only allows but also forces you to be yourself, to embrace your freedom and your inner self. When I am there, I simply live more intensely, my horizons widen, as Philip Roth wrote ““I came to New York and in only hours, New York did what it does to people: awakened the possibilities. Hope breaks out.” I don’t know what and if I will turn my hope into something more. I feel scared and anxious. But one thing I know for sure: the mere thought of NY inspires my artist self and fills me with wondrous possibility. And that’s quite a feeling. And on top of everything, I am happy.

In case you are looking for me, you can find me in Chelsea, where else?