SACRAMENTO

January 29, 2025

SACRAMENTO

Once upon a time in Sacramento, the city that puts the gold in the Golden State_ J. Anaya

Hello,

MEMORIES TO HOLD

A lot of things could happen in twenty years, a lot of memories to hold, a lot more to forget. That is how long I lived in Sacramento, and is not that I keep a scrapbook of every event, trying to remember each of them in the years to come, although; it's probably not a bad idea to have one. Twenty years is a long time, it makes me, all the greater emotional, to write about my beloved Sacramento.

I have always believed that each city in the world has a distinct character, a specific smell, a particular element in the layout of the streets that produces an emotion that enters into the body, if one spends just enough time in that city, the emotion becomes part of you. I have become to realized that even the percentage of humidity in the atmosphere of each city, makes people to feel this, or that way.

THE POCKET

In the city of Sacramento though, I have to admit, it was mostly the people that I interacted with and all the people I've met that made it a special place. I cannot compare it to the melting pot New York City obviously is, because for one, I've never been in the East Coast. However, Sacramento is a fusion of nationalities, different cultures and ethnicities as diverse as any big city in the world.

The last few years, Sacramento grew up exponentially, which in terms, made the cost of living higher. I was lucky enough to had moved there before that, I was able to secured the most beautiful townhouse rental, for a good price, in the beautiful neighborhood named "The Pocket", about six miles south of Downtown. For many years, It has remained a desirable area to live in, its great location makes this possible; nearly all, seemed only minutes away

THE REST IS HISTORY

The history of Sacramento is directly connected to the gold rush that took place in 1848, a fantastic era of greed and nothing more, the population of the territory increased thanks to the discovery of the valuable metal and the rest is history.

It is ironic how some things ended, only to give way to greater things while some others barely changed through the years. I remember how, in the year 2000, Sacramento was a small country town in the middle of the valley. But by 2021, the year I left for good, I could distinguish a genuine cosmopolitan feeling all around; yet, for those looking to experience bits and pieces of its history, the Old Town and the Sutter's Fort Park are an option.

MUSIC AT NOON

As I write these lines, and without even trying, my mind keeps reproducing all over, the good things I had while living in Sacramento County: My brief participation with the K Street Orchestra, and the piano recitals at Sierra 2 Center for the Arts were, some of the highlights of my activities.

I will always remember the parade of students and their families coming in and going out of my piano studio, my wonderful neighbors and their infinite kindness and patience, and of course, my endless walks by the Sacramento river with Tim.

The Music at Noon concert series was a real gem in the Downtown area that I was able to enjoy for many years. The endless time I spent reading books, while sipping coffee in the shops around town, was a good investment. The main public library, on J Street, won my heart immediately. I realized, clearly, there isn't a perfect place in the world, but, Sacramento County is a magical area where, suddenly I was able to enjoy, not only music at noon, but music at all times of the day, every day.

GOLDEN MEMORIES

I am sure, whenever I play this piece, my imagination will take me to the old familiar places I came to know, although, I do have the strange sensation it was centuries ago, this piece, would bring me closer in time, and space to Sacramento.

The duet, I know, will keep the golden memories alive for years to come. If some memories dare fade away, there will always be music to get a hold onto and keep them close to my heart. I'm inviting you to listen to the piece, I would like to share, through this duet, the magic I discovered in "The City of Trees".

Thank you for reading.

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