Anecdote

People who know me are familiar with my fascination with Peruvian writer, politician, journalist, and essayist Mario Vargas Llosa. After loving Mario since I was 15 and after a lifetime of reading his literature finally I got the pleasure of meeting him at El Museo del Barrio. In this event Mario along with Isabella Rossellini were presenting “La Fiesta del Chivo” (The Feast of the Goat) a movie based on Mario’s latest and highly acclaimed book with the same name.

Isabella Rossellini, Luis Llosa, Mario Vargas Llosa, and author Carmen Bullosa

I was so excited, so in love that technically I was walking on clouds, a friend of mine asked me “V you do realize the man is 72 years old right?” With the enthusiasm blocking my intelligence and actually not getting his point I just answered “so?” I planned my outfit for days. What do you wear when you are going to meet the man of your dreams? I have to mention that there was not a single possibility I would meet him face to face, same way there was not a single possibility my senses would assimilate that fact. Everything had to be perfect my hair, makeup, my phthalo blue coat - J.Crew Fall 2007 Collection - because in an event where, for sure, 99.9% of the intellectuals would used dark colors, I had to make myself stand up.

Mario Vargas LLosa

I just wanted two things from Mario, actually three: I wanted to touch him, to kiss him and listening to his voice up and close. Those were my secret intentions, the reality: when you are face to face with a man who’s been on the Nobel Prize road since he was in his mother’s womb, last thing you want is to look or sound silly, therefore I had two smart questions plan, by the way I also had three books he should sign.

Mario Vargas LLosa

The day finally came, the presentation was a hit (as everything he does) and when the theater was almost empty and he came down the stage there I was. Did not think, did not plan, forgot about the two questions that were supposed to make me look smart. I run to him, took a non authorized picture and setting free all my hermetically sealed feelings told him“ I LOVE YOU MARIO!…. I ALWAYS HAVE!” … Never knew what surprised me the most; those words coming out of my mouth or what happened next; he coming toward me telling me “How cute” and giving me the warmest hug anyone ever gave me or at least that's how it felt. I embraced him, closed my eyes and deeply breath, holding that endless moment in the most secure place of my soul and body, I also thanked my lucky star, Jesus, Holy Mary, his mother, my mother and last but not least God for allowing the alignment of planets. We talk about my country Dominican Republic the time he spent there while filming “Pantaleon y las Visitadoras,” another movie based on one of his books, surprised me he is a regular in my country… I was in heaven, didn’t mind the disappointment of his voice, Mario’s voice is pitchy like a kid suffering the changes of puberty... kind of annoying if you don’t love him… my secret intentions were all full filled, except the kiss… I wanted to kiss him so bad… didn’t know how much this desire showed on my face until I was in the train, open one of the books he signed for me and read what he wrote.

"Para Virna con besos en las mejillas" MVLL
("To Virna with kisses on the cheeks"... MVLL)