My best friend Daniel Rishik passed away in New York after long illness. To me Daniel was like my older brother. A true Renaissance man, he was a violinist, left-wing economist (graduate of LSE) and simultaneous interpreter and translator. We knew each other for more than 20 years, we travelled together all over Latin America, from Yucatan in Mexico to Chile, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. He helped me to understand New York and he was always there for me when I needed help or encouragement. I did not make it to his funeral but after learning that his medical condition deteriorated, I dropped everything and embarked on long journey back to NYC, this time via Jakarta, Istanbul and Paris. Once in the city, I tried to be alone for several days, remembering all those places that we used to frequent together. I missed him terribly, I do now and I always
will.