👀 You Ever Been to Paris [Texas]?

Growing up in Northern Mexico, far from cultural capitals, I always sought alternative paths to nurture my creativity. When given the chance to pursue my career, I chose less-traveled routes and found myself in Eastern Europe, specifically Romania.

It was there, amidst the enchanting backdrop of the Transilvania International Film Festival, where many moons ago I crossed paths with the legendary Wim Wenders. We chatted about vintage Russian cameras, he gave me a couple of medium-format films, and even allowed me to capture his image. Have you ever encountered your idol? Perfect teeth, a nice smell, and a class act all the way.

With Paris taking center stage this summer, I'd like to shine a light on a personal favorite film that's celebrating its 40th anniversary: Paris, Texas. This cinematic masterpiece has greatly influenced my artistic and personal journey. A poignant tale of love and self-discovery through wandering and observation, the film's essence is perfectly encapsulated in Wenders' approach to filmmaking. He deliberately didn't write the ending because he wanted to discover it: "We just got up every morning and let the landscapes tell us where to put our camera."

Watching Paris, Texas has become an annual birthday ritual for me - Travis singing Las Mañanitas, the chilling monolog at the end, and the soul-soothing guitar of Ry Cooder playing old Mexican tunes throughout the film. The story serves as a powerful reminder that, even when facing difficulties and confronting hard truths about oneself, the freedom gained in the end makes it all worthwhile.

As you embark on summer adventures, remember that exploring isn't just about visiting popular tourist spots. It's about discovering new things, respecting the people and sites you encounter, and learning more about yourself along the way. Travel can be a gift that sharpens your senses and broadens your perspective. So, here's to a summer of exploring, noticing, and collecting memories. May your journeys bring you newfound freedom and joy!