Enjoy..... See You on Day 503!

Sweet!!!!

::waits for trailer to download on dialup connection::

Cool! I recognized so many pictures! It is incredible when you put it all together what has been seen around the world

haha completely oversaw that, let's see...

wow you can really recognize a load of pictures.
i wish i could be there on day 503 :/

::still waiting::sigh::

Great vid man!! hadda take a break from superbowl activities to check it out, friends liked it too btw, your gettin more fans still!

Erik & Mark,

you both rock.... I feel like I'm on top of the world.....God bless you both.

My sincere thanks to everyone who accompany Erik in his world tour, you all made his adventure more meaningful. when he left Iwas very apprehensive but then you all came into his life, our lives & made things easier for me knowing that he is not alone.
again, I am grateful to his blog friends for all your support & most of all for the prayers..
God bless all of you......

LOVE IT!!! See you at the party! Can't wait to meet you for real!

nice work

:::still waiting:::

you're welcome, Erik's Mom! GOD bless you too.

(ahh, it still won't load for me.)

it finally loaded. awesome!
i'd so go, i just don't know how i'm going to get there, yet.

awesome! Watched it three times already and am still catching new pics - wish I could be there!

Excellent trailer... seeing all the pics again, and I know the music cuz I bought the CD...

My wife and I are convinced that you can have any job in web marketing that you want, if you're out of work for long, we promise to eat our words.. (What program did you use to put all this together, and is it supposed to loop? It repeats even with the loop setting off for my Flash)

How I wish I could be there, but I'll just have to imagine it.. By the way, you guys kept mentioning Red Devils, what are those?

Thanks for the great trip..

ALYSON: I feel your pain; I'm on a dial-up where I am right now...

GREETINGS FROM AO NANG, KRABI, THAILAND! Glad you all enjoy the trailer... I've seen it over and over and over and I'm still not tired of it. (It's like watching my life flash before my eyes.)

I hope to have 3-4 new entries up for the WHMMR...

STAY TUNED AS THE COUNTDOWN TO DAY 503 CONTINUES...

DARCY: It's done in Flash MX, exported with Flash 4 settings. The loop isn't automatically-controlled by Flash, it's controlled by me; I put an ActionScript to revert the playhead back to the beginning after it ends -- because you can't just watch it once!

I'll be there... If I can make it from Cali, y'all can make it from other places too!

Hey Erik! Great vid man! You an your bro rock! I'm gonna watch it again right now! And I won some $$ on the game too! I'm gonna donate those proceeds to the blog!!-Finally-(Sorry I couldn't sooner, but was out of work -and very poor- most of the time u were gone.)

Sorry if I'm a little slow, but whats WHMMR??

Yo Bee, excellent trailer! Excellent trip! You did good my man. Unfortunely I won't be in NYC for the partay, but I'll catch up with you upon my return!

Word Life.

MOMAN!!

Cheif Boot Knocka!!

Man, Erik, that was GREAT! You've got some incredible pics, and excellent taste in music. I liked the first trailer's accompaniment so much I bought the album. You've outdone yourself on this one as well...

Wish I could be in NY on the 5th...But, I'll be stuck in my last month in Saudi Arabia...Japan bound after that. We'll be there for several years, though, so if you're ever out that way, you've got a place to crash...

Strange though...the end of your trip almost seems like losing a friend. I've looked forward daily to checking out what you've been up to. Definitely will miss that. Am I the only one feeling that way?

Again...kudos kathir, sediki. Fine work.

markyt=erik's hype man!

nice....

HYPE!!! That was WAY better than the Superbowl!

Erik:

You are the man! That trailer kicks ass - way better than any spot shown during the Superbowl. It looks like the prelude to a triumphant return home if there ever was one.

I really would love to be a part of the day 503 celebrations in NYC. However, the distance of my current home (Costa Rica) will unfortunately leave me unable to attend. As Dave and others who have never met you personally have commented, I feel like I have gotten to know you through the blog and will sorely miss the daily installments. I know I speak for all the BH's and SBH's in thanking you for the time and effort that you have put into sharing your travel experiences through the blog - I have really enjoyed it and learned alot in the process.

If you ever find yourself in CR, you definately have a friend here and place to crash.

Felicidades,

James

Erik - can you do top 10 lists for those of us who will miss the party?? :) Ok, top 10 might be cheesy, but I like 'em! I'm sure you're dying to type all of these up too LOL
My suggestions (and there are many!):
- favourite places
- favourite countries
- best UNESCO sites
- greatest nature sites
- best activities
- best day trips
- best events / festivals
- scariest things that happened to you
- best meals
- "weirdest" foods
- transportation (e.g. a specific bus trip not "bus" as a general concept)
- things that surprised you (e.g. different than your perception before)
- friendliest countries
- countries with the hottest women (that's Hiroshi's contribution)
- places you wish you had more time for
- places you'd go back to if you had a chance

OK, I know that is tons. Did I miss anything LOL

Wow!

DARCY: Red Devils... I don't know what exactly is in them, and I don't want to know. It's like 9 shots of something all mixed with some sort of juice; in the end it's a concotion of lethal Kool-Aid...

HARRY: Western Hemisphere Monday Morning Rush.

This week, look for an all-new acronym, the WHHDS (Western Hemisphere Hump Day Spam).

LIZ: Actually, I was going to make the "Best of" list for one of my post-trip entries... Don't worry.

ON A RELATED NOTE: If anyone out there would like to write a comment -- the kind you see on the back of a novel -- about this Blog, post it or e-mail it to me with your name and title. (I'm going to start compiling them.)

wow! that was an awesome trailer. i like that song, who is that by? i need to get a copy of that song. dude, i was there for your send-off party, how can i not be there for the welcome back? hell yeah, i'll be there. i'm gonna watch that again....

I loved it! I am so sad that you are almost done. I loved that you used the photo of the pizza hut logo through the window looking at the pyramids, haha. Lots of funny little random photos put in with the serious ones, that's great. I still think you need to make a global trip coffee table book.

The trailer is f-ing awesome!

RSVP: 2 (myself and Ali). Already posted on another page, but moving here to join the "official" count.

I'm impressed! See ya there.

That was awesome!!

RSVP: i'm hoping it'll be me and one other ... i'm working on my plans to get there.

RSVP: I'm there!

RSVP: I'm there! Maybe with the Raichelsons

DAMN!!!
Great trailer Erik! I think it's your best work yet. Way better than all those eschool videos of kids learning to read.
Admit it - you thought up the trailer first, and THEN you decided to go on the trip.
Of course I'm gonna be at there - someone has to peel you off the sidewalk after a night of Red Devils!

cool as......wish i could be there on day 503...serious video.....

DUNLAVEY: Thanks! Looks like I haven't lost my touch with being "Grand Master Flash."

Red devils... bring them on!!!

kick Ass !! great Trailer .. worth the wait ... RSVP: count me in from D.C.

reposting here for the offical head count, rsvp for 2, alice and rob. thanx!

DARCY - Here's the recipe for a Red Devil (Erik - Stop reading NOW!) Pour 1 shot of vodka, 1 shot of peach schnaps, 1 shot of sloe gin, 1 shot of sothern comfort and 2 shots triple sec into a cocktail shaker with ice. Stir. Pour in 2 ounces of OJ and a splash of grenadine. Shake. Pour into a pint glass with fresh ice. Drink. Call hospital.

RSVP: Count Patrick & I in for the festivities. Wouldn't miss it! You know that trailer rocks!

Any chance of someone (markyt) hooking up the party with a live web cam? You know so the rest of your Fellowship can join in on the fun from distant points around the globe?

Can't wait to see you, and that beat up Yankee cap. We're going to need some other games too, like a life-size cut out of you marking all your injuries and ailments like the Operation board game.

CHRISTY - live web cam?

Don't know about getting a dedicated line at the bar for that....or even if they have one...i'm sure the Fellowship would be jealous seeing it if they couldn't be at day 503...

RSVP: Udz and I will be there to welcome you home. I can't believe it's been 16 months already. We may have a couple of extras with us also.

RSVP: 4 just me.

will be there

im there. hopefully bringing 2-3 uruguayans like last time.

I will be there on the 503

I'll see you there Erik. How's coming with me this time. I'm also inviting my friends Aimee & Bonnie.

count me in. skols on me.
luv,
paulie paygerz

Will def be there and also bring my good friend, Sean - who was also at your bon voyage party. Full circle, indeed. Can't wait to celebrate - it is, without a doubt, an absolute honor to be in the company of someone that has had the most amazing experiences.

Trailer was, of course, phenomenal.

So, whats the hotel situation like for the weekend? How much are rooms in the area? Any reccomendations?

TJW - For Day 503, we have reserved a single "4 person" suite at a hotel (OffSoho Suites - http://www.offsoho.com) nearby Slainte (304 Bowery). If you care to crash, I'm sure space can be made, or you can reserve a suite at this place too. This place is very cheap for NYC. Prices going for a $89/nite for the 2 person suite and $149/nite for the 4 person.

There is also the affordable Howard Johnson Express nearby as well. This is located at 135 East Houston Street (between) Forsyth and Allen
New York City, NY, 10002 US (212-358-8844)

Marky: Awesome, thanks. I will post as soon as we make our final decision.

i'm there!!

STEPH: How about the rest of "The Real World: Cape Town"?

:O

Erik, that is one awesome trailer. Unfortunately I'm stuck in rainy England, so I'll have to rely on the good ol' blog!

Erik
How quickly time flies. I can't believe i met you right back in June last year, Egypt seems like only yesterday. I'm unfortunatly not going to be able make it out there for Day 503, but man i really wish i could. You invitation was amazing it gave me goosebumps and all. Makes me realise why i'm sitting in cold old london saving the cash to get on the next leg of my journey.
I'm sure you'll have an amazing night and remember as I always say 'Your special' lol. :-) Keep Smiling.
Cheryl

CHERYL B.: I love it when people tell me the trailer gives them goosebumps! Sorry you can't make it, but keep in touch! (P.S. Team Shawl wasn't invited.)

Thanks for the invite. Sorry I can't be there but I'm sure it will be a blast! Write about it for us poor souls that have to stay at home? ;)

Not so poor perhaps in my case, cause around that time I hope to be off to SE Asia. One person's homecoming is another's start of a journey I guess. Your blog has had me itching to go for months now. I bet many blog readers feel the same!

best superbowl ad this year.

SPEAKING OF THE SUPERBOWL... Any "tittilating" half-time news this year?

Super Bowl half time was completely boring.....Paul McCartney...eh

I wouldn't miss your return for anything! I am so there, can't wait to see you in person!

laqui's a FISH for bein in cali that day.

so i'll jus have to drink twice the amount
that night.. and puke twice as much to
cover for the FEG.

so im there!

and by the way... markyT is a FEG as well. =)

Wait, you were gone for over a year? Really? How come I didn't know about this?

OK, fine. I'll be there.

i'll be there at the finish line for 503...

Not only will I be there, Erik, Mr. Trinidad and Mrs. Trinidad, Mark, BUT you will be seeing my face plenty of times as I constantly come over and waste hours and hours of my life away playing video games in Erik's apartment style attic/room.
Oh and I am SOOOOOO there onthe 5th of March!!!!!
"Ball"....
Still funny!!!!!!!!!!!

I have been a semi-silent blogger with a stray comment popping up here and there but have always followed your trip...from day one. I just had to comment on your trailer. It was amazing!!!! - just amazing. Wish I could make it to actually meet you in person, but being in DC, well, I am closer than some, but still unable to get up there. You have had one amazing trip. Congratulations.

what time is the pah-tey?

of course, the trailer is AMAZING. I'll have to see if i can make it.

DTELLA - Time is still TBA...all depend what time Erik gets back...but i think around 8/9ish....

Superbowl, schmuperbowl... I'm coming to the REAL party this year!!

RSVP: 2 (me and my left boobie)

RSVP: 1 more. Already RSVP'd for 2 above, and bring another NYC friend along!

RSVP: wow-weee...the trailer rocks. count me in!! 16 months and i never got to meet up w/you..boohoo:( i'll be there for day 503! can't wait to see you:)

markyt: hang onto your camera this time around.

(i'm jealous)

erik....
i only met u once...in capetown (with the rutgers trip)...but find you gutsy, lucky, phenomenal, extraordinary, courageous ....and soooo much more! you truly lived out my lifelong dream to travel the world! im soooo gealous of u. i am going to try my best to make it to that welcome home party.....just because i think u deserve a bowing-down to!...lol.....ok maybe just a round of shots....:) congrats on your returning home from a loooooooooooong journey....but im sure youll be out there again sooon...(cuz once you get the itch for traveling....u never get rid of it :)

DENISE - steph is coming so might as well contact her too!

ELAINE - don't worry i have a belt leash now!

RSVP: I'm 'dere...
will our dancin' shoes take us 'round the world and ay ay ay ay...

503 w/bells on...+1

lookin' forward to seein you!

GINA P. +1: HOLY COW!!! I got goose bumps all over from watching your trailer! B.R.E.A.T.H.T.A.K.I.N.G.!!! You are one man beyond talent. I just gotta be there to welcome you back.

Erik,

As a long-time observer of your professional video creations, I thought nothing could ever top your work on -- eMath, Grade 7--Module 5, Part 3: "I'm a Drunk Texas Teen with Diabetes, but I Love Jesus, W. and Algebra", but by golly you've done it with the 503 trailer. Sorry to say I'll be on a mini-teeny-weenie trip (compared to yours) of my own that weekend, so I'll have to catch you at an "after-party" around NYC. Feel free to share ALL your feces fotos with matto, as I hear he has a robust collection. Continued good health on the homestretch and I'm really, really going to miss those postcards!

YAY, I'll be there!!! the trailer is so fantastic!

Yep, Trailer is swell. Will raise a toast from here in India.

word!! welcome back! i might be in boston but i will try and make it back for sure!!
safe travels!!

Trailer is fabulous! Love It! (althought it makes me JEALOUS!!!)

Would love to be in NY but can't..Not much of a drinker but will make a very special exception and raise a toast from Toronto on day 503!
:)

The moment I've been waiting for! God Bless the Trinidads--sure made coming to work worth while. hm. Headcout: three for now.

Trailer rating: Total Niceness

Welcome back Erik after 503 days.
Yes, me and Tita Astrid will drop by.
Want to hear more about that smokin' V! What ya gonna do with your blog journal? Compile it and write a book. I'll buy one for my summer reading (in Atlantic city).Whew! include lots of digital pics.
Hot stuff too? I should start practicing that "welcome back KotteR" song. Nothing exciting going on except the propose changes in social security. Tax lien certificate is the way to go financially. Fund it for your self-directed IRA. Okay come back healthy and wealthy!

Welcome back Erik after 503 days.
Yes, me and Tita Astrid will drop by.
Want to hear more about that smokin' V! What ya gonna do with your blog journal? Compile it and write a book. I'll buy one for my summer reading (in Atlantic city).Whew! include lots of digital pics.
Hot stuff too? I should start practicing that "welcome back KotteR" song. Nothing exciting going on except the propose changes in social security. Tax lien certificate is the way to go financially. Fund it for your self-directed IRA. Okay come back healthy and wealthy!

I can't believe it's over!!! it seems like just yesterday when you moe and i had some spanish tapas and sangria and talked about your trip. Maybe you've forgotten who I am after all that time!! Kick ass invitation. So great that you followed your dreams. I live 2 minutes away from Slainte now (no more Hoboken!)....so when you pass out we can throw u on my couch!

AMMMMMMMMMMMAZING trailer, breath taking. Made me sit straight in my chair and pay attention to the screen. Waited forever for it to down load, but TOTALLY worth it.
Advance welcome back home on 503. Totally bummed that I won't be there for you partay =(. Take lots of pics.

Erik, You are SOOO Amazing!!!!!!!!!!!

If I were home in DC, I would definatly come up to NYC. You are my idol and I would love to meet the infamous Mr. Trinadad in person.

Congrats on making it 16 months and welcome home on Day 503!!!!

THS alumni: Wow, Mrs. O just told me she's coming by!

HELLO TO ALL YOU NEW SBRS BREAKING THE SILENCE!

I've been showing everyone that trailer, I don't care if they saw it already, I just like watching it - totally amazing and totally jealous. Definiately there, don't know how many yet. Sad that the blog will be over, glad that you're coming home.

Ditto on what sis said -- I'll definitely be there. Woo!

me again. make that +3 on the RSVP. still hooked on your trailer. i'v fwd it to everone (!!!)... even people i don't like! it's too good not to share:)

see you soon! heather & i think you should sky dive into your party...haha...

can't wait.

(i'm jealous)

Erik, loved the trailer! Still sending the "Would You?" all over. I'm currently in D.C. and am really going to try to make it to the party! I would love to finally meet the famous adventurer -- my role model! If I can track down a place to stay, I'll be there. I'll update you as things progress. Thanks for the invite!

He Erik, I totally enjoyed the week we spent in Nhkata Bay and I would love to come and have another drunk night, but unfortunately Holland is a bit too far ... I might be around a month later, but I will let you know..
Enjoy every day of the last weeks, you really don't want to be home..
XXX

Wow, that is one hell of an excellent trailer. You should be doing this kind of work for Hollywood.

You've put together an excellent collection of photos and presented them in a very exciting way. Very well done. You're quite talented.

Makes me want to come to the welcome home party.

Erik, you're worshipped!!! Who'da thunk it?

that was a great video! i could watch it over & over ! i'll be there on the 5th:)

Wow!!! When you put all those photos together, the world looks so diverse and amazing!! Excellent photos.

I can't believe your trip is coming to an end. What are you doing after the trip? It would be hard to top what you've experienced.

Hi Erik,

brilliant highly addictive video - just makes you want to open the atlas and plant a pin for the next trip.

Hope Day 503 is an absolute hoot for you and rest assured you get mentioned frequently during our numerous chats about our trip around Vietnam.

Still reckon our Vietnamese guide made the rules up in the card game!

Very Best Wishes Mate

CHRISTY: OH, you should see the f-mail (fan mail) I get... that's another job in itself, answering them.

erik, chris real-world south africa, i'll be there with bells on and dancing with my hands in the air.
R.S.V.P (2)

Erik,

I'm actually returning from HK on the 4th, so I'll make it to 503 (myself +1) just under the wire. I used your Vietnam pages for my Hanoi/Halong weekend...you were nuts for riding a moto in that city!

See you back stateside,

Meg

i would like to meet u in person and have some exchange of ideas. take care and have great trip back to the US.

the wifey and kid won't be able to make it...but u can count me in!

+1

i'll be there with some people. can't wait to see you. awesome trailer.

Wow! I wish I knew about this sooner. When is the next trip?

Backpacking is so addicting!

I crave for more!

Glad I made the guest list by posting one comment in 16 months! I'll be representing SBR's in NYC on 3/5.

Glad I made the guest list by posting one comment in 16 months! I'll be representing SBR's in NYC on 3/5.

Hi there, Right now-- we are planning to be there... Looking forward to it! Aviva and Moe

DOGGER: "Breaking the silence" has its privileges...

It's all about Irish Car Bombs on 503... 503 minus 434 is 69 by the way..

"Wow!" Was all I could say. Very beautiful shots, Erik.

We'll be there!! I'll drive the civic......again.

Hey Erik you can count me in. One of your silent Blog readers (only posted one comment). Look forward to seeing you in NYC. Have a safe trip home.

Im in!

The logistics have been semi worked out.

I'll be repin' 1981ers everywhere on day 503.

testing testing 1 2 3

tjw and I will be coming to the party, and were bringing two more with us(4 total). Drunken pirates shall rise again!

BILL: Bring the scurvy and I'll bring the chum... YAARRRR!

one, two check, mic check..