I am currently sitting in a food court(?) called La Felicitá. Despite being a corporate environment where everyone has their laptops out connected to various zoom meetings, it feels cozy, almost like home. Home as in my second home in the US, not my original home in Brazil. There are so many food options: I can get pasta, a burger, I can go into the mysterious food truck to check what they are serving there, or I can simply get a drink (which I'll probably do). All of the options are great and it is so hard to decide! I know of thing for sure: regardless of what I choose, I will be longing to come back to try the others. And maybe that is why this place feels like home.

lately in paris i’ve been going line dancing with my friends. i wasn’t planning to because it’s all taught in english, but after i went the first time, i haven’t been able to stay away. i’ve been enjoying it so much because it reminds me of dance conventions, with whispering questions about the choreo to each other (i love when it’s directed at me). but there are no scholarships, placements, or consequences at all. it’s just a series of steps. the most ideal outcome is everyone moving in synchronicity in one large group & having fun. it’s adorable! i felt pressure to write something deep here, but really what i want to say is take yourself less seriously and go find a line dancing class💗

Currently stuck in massive traffic in Switzerland to the point where cars are turned off and people are chatting outside. The last time I was in this situation it was winter and I was on my way to Vermont with my family- think pitch black and freezing snow. Ended up watching Grizzly Man on my Dad’s kindle with my brothers and it’s probably the best memory I have of making that trip up to see our family friends. Hoping I look back on this drive similarly, and man how lucky am I to have a family like mine.

Recently, when making decisions, I have been asking myself "what would me in 10 years want me to do here" (or regret if I didn't). If you are reading this and have been feeling stuck or aimless at all, I recommend you try it! The answers for me usually have to do with throwing my phone across the room, just doing things, and being as present as possible with myself and those around me. Pumped to follow the journey and read all the posts. Reach out with anything: markw.thechain@gmail.com Thank You!!