Three days until Japan. The anticipation is building at an incredible pace!! This will definitely be the most exotic country I’ve been to so far, and it’s hard to take my mind off of the impending journey. However, there have been plenty of wonderful distractions to occupy me here in California. [read on]
After the great times in Vegas and the scenic beauty of Yosemite, Dad and I headed west to Santa Rosa to visit my paternal grandmother. We spent a beautiful day in Napa Valley tasting great wines and enjoying our time together. Since the three of us have been living in different parts of the world for the last twelve years it is rare that we get to convene as a family anymore. [read on]
When I grew up in Los Angeles, my father would take me for annual camping trips to the awe-inspiring Yosemite National Park. As one of my last few stops in the US, it was only appropriate to stop back and pay homage to our old tradition. This time was by far the most impressive. Melting winter snow gave birth to roaring rivers and raging waterfalls unlike any we’ve witnessed hear before. [read on]
Las Vegas, Nevada… not exactly unfamiliar territory. This is the fifth time I’ve passed through this city. As always the sun was there welcome my arrival. I met my father at the airport, and thus commenced our 2 week road trip around the US South West, the corner of the world where I grew up and spent most of my life. [read on]
Friday, March 23rd, 2007 I became a houseless man. Home is now the vast world that we occupy. No daily routine except to eat, sleep, and succumb to whim. [read on]
Life keeps changing. Tangible plans are present one day, and the next they are shaken up by unpredictable variables. I’ve become very used to this unstable set of circumstances, and although it’s cliché to say it is apparent that as one door closes another opens.
Everything fell apart with the cruise line, but it has hardly fazed me. There are a few bids on my house right now, and it looks like I may be able to start my RTW trip sooner than imagined. However, this time around I’m not making any plans until the final paperwork is in hand. In the interim, I’ve felt it’s best to spend as much time exploring my own country as possible. Last week I took a short trip down to Washington DC to work on some music with my friend Pravin. [read on]
A couple days ago I had to go down to Philadelphia to get a physical for the cruise line and a few other things. I live about half an hour from Philly… so why am I posting this? Cause I brought my camera and got a few cool pictures and panoramas to share with everyone that hasn’t been there… enjoy! [read on]
12:30 – Hamilton, NJ – It’s been exactly one month since I’ve returned from Spain to US soil. My wanderlust has been far from quenched, and I yearn for the day I can leave this dull town once more. My house, the key to my impending freedom, is also the very rope that ties me to this place. So today I’m bound for New York City. It is not only a day trip and diversion from the monotony of life in Hamilton, but also a step towards cutting this metaphoric rope.
I have an interview with Norwegian Cruise Lines. I figure if I’ve got to sustain my property any longer, I might as well be doing it in style… [read on]
4pm - Hamilton, NJ - It has begun. A few hours ago I left work and started my journey. I sit now on a train bound for New York. My pack is loaded with only the essentials and my heart is beating in anticipation. Although I will not be continuing around the world after Spain, this is still my first taste of the backpacking life.
It is still hard to believe it is actually happening. It is a greater feeling than any childlike euphoria I’ve ever experienced. My mind is stirring, and my insides are tingling. Today feels like the first day of my life. [read on]
It’s well past 3am, and my eyelids are far from heavy. Tomorrow I will leave US soil for the first time in a year.
I have packed my bag, repacked, and repacked again. Somehow everything managed to fit, with plenty of extra empty space left to spare. My flight is confirmed, and a hostel is booked. In 24 hours the flight will land in Spain, and I will take the first steps alone in a foreign land where I hardly speak the language.
Ironically, right now I actually have use for one of the few Spanish phrases I know… I really never imagined I’d ever have a legitimate use for it:
¿Donde es mis pantalones?
Seriously, I can’t find my work pants… anybody seen them? I didn’t leave them by anybody’s bed over the weekend… did I?
