If you live in New York City, you’ve probably seen this man before:
(Photo courtesy of Timothy Krause via flickr)
His rainbow beard, extravagant get-up and loyal pet companions have made him locally famous. I used to see him around quite frequently, but I can’t recall my last encounter with him. Coming across an old picture made me wonder: what exactly happened to Oswaldo Gomez?
That’s his name, if you didn’t know. Also, his miniature poodle is called Carino and his parrot, Rosita; they are often seen riding inside a baby carriage that Gomez pushes around.
Although Gomez is now based in NYC, he originally hails from Colombia – hence the stage name “Ms. Colombia.” You can usually find him at popular events, entertaining tourists and locals alike. Most people just view him as a fun and lively street performer, but he adopts his persona for a specific reason: it helps him cope with AIDs.
Gomez was diagnosed with the syndrome years ago. Following the incident, he was miserable for weeks. Then one day, he decided to reexamine his life and live each day to the fullest while he still could. That’s why he’s always dressed in crazy outfits. They help keep his spirit up.
Although I’m not sure where Gomez is today, I do know that he left a lasting impression on many people, myself included. He always brought a smile to my face and to the face of others. You couldn't help it; he's the type of person to draw a crowd.
