Renewals

From right to left, Hamed Nikpay, Professor Lotfi Zadeh, and his friend Kimmy, today at Alborz Restaurant, Berkeley.

Over the past 72 hours, I have learned that life can be full of small and big surprises, chance meetings and pleasant renewals. I was sitting at my desk contemplating what to do for lunch today, when I received a call from my friend Hamed, who was in-between classes (he teaches music in Berkeley's Persian Center), wondering whether I wanted to go to lunch. Visiting Hamed always cheers me up, as seldom have I met artistically-gifted people who are so down-to-earth and approachable. He met me outside my office and we started walking to our usual eating place, Alborz, to grab a bite, talking to each other at 1,000 words per second! When we arrived I found my charming friend, Lotfi, having lunch with his scientist friend, Kimmy. All of a sudden I was even happier! Lotfi came over and met Hamed and introduced his friend to us, telling me that having lunch with me soon is on top of his list! We shall see about that, but in the meantime, who can resist the charm of this man, so I believe him! He looked dapper and energetic as usual. Hamed and I talked about life and friends and music and I can't remember what. As they were leaving, I asked them to pose for a picture for me. I couldn't resist sharing the photograph and the memory with you. Life continues to be good.

P.S. I have previously talked about Lotfi here, here, and here, and about Hamed Nikpay, here and here.