L' été est là!

Summer is here! As for me, summer means traveling locally and abroad to do more concerts, participate or hold workshops, join competitions, do some advance score study for next concert season, and see friends you have not seen in ages.

Though the heat and sweat can sometimes be unforgiving, I somehow enjoy performing outdoors. I particularly love the sound of empty wine bottles hitting the ground each time I perform at the Hollywood Bowl. The fireworks, the 'Not The Messiah' (Monty Python) concerts, the countless Andrea Bocelli and John Williams' 'Star Wars,' & 'Harry Potter' performances; Juanes, LA Phil, Gustavo Dudamel, and many other world class artists. I so love it when the crowd roars doing a full circle of human wave at the Dodger's Stadium. The summer partnership programs at the Ford Amphitheater, Royce Hall, and of course, the Walt Disney Concert Hall. What's not to love?

We Leos love to bask under the summer sun. For us is the ideal season when we are most playful yet productive. It is when our creative juices flow even after the concert season is finally over. It is when we take short and long trips, meeting new people, exploring other cultures, music, trying out the local doughnut shop, the hotdog stand around the corner and being adventurous on that nasty dish. We put on our favorite pairs of sneakers and wayfarers to go on a leisurely walk, run to catch the bus, train or plane, and at times just enjoying doing nothing. It is the time when we go people-watching, hanging outside of our favorite cafe curious at what other costumers will get, checking out beautiful folks passing by. A feast to the eyes and senses!

To most, summer also means going near the water to enjoy the fresh breeze with friends and family. Living less than an hour close to the sea, when I get the chance I try to stop by to remind myself the smell of the salty ocean, breath in fresh air, reflect and enjoy my 'me' time. We always say "it's not the destination but the journey." It is the small talk you make to someone sitting or standing next to you It is the delayed or canceled flight, train or bus. It is the conversation you start when you ask for directions, or finding the correct gate or track. It is learning from your mistakes when you make foolish decisions, or screw up your travel plans. Have you booked your tickets yet?

But to some, it is when they go on hiatus. They go up to the mountains and sulk in their secluded cabins. Incommunicado. They recharge their batteries. They play melodies on their dusty, old piano hoping to get some inspiration or at least have something to write.

In my over two decades of traveling, most of my trips abroad mostly happen in the summertime. In everyone's life, there is one particular summer that they can never, ever forget. Mine was the summer of '99. What's yours?

Only the summer knows..

Te be continued..