Remember that trip I went on? It was that really fun and soul-searching one that had me skipping through Southeast Asia, India, and strange places like Papua New Guinea? Lasted about 9 months?
It’s over!
I know it’s been over for a while. I know this.
But I still can’t believe it. It consumed me for all of 2008 and 2009.
Now that I’m unemployed again, I’ve had time to reflect on 2010. It’s gone so fast. And furious. Not really furious. But fast. And busy. And where did it all go? I don’t know, but I already miss it. And I miss 2009. And I know I’m not supposed to dwell on the past, but I must indulge, just this one time. This one tiny time. Ok, along with several other times because the past is what brought me to right now, and I’m pretty psyched about right now even though I pretend to complain about it. I wrote this poem on the road. And, now, here is my updated response:
I miss being a foreigner.
But it’s nice to talk about grilling and Legos and have people understand.
I miss being detached from everything.
But knowing the details makes me feel important.
I miss having absolutely no responsibility.
But it feels grown-up to be responsible.
I miss getting lost on purpose.
But I secretly love my iPhone GPS.
I miss monks.
Yes, actually I really miss monks.
I miss being able to bargain for every single thing.
But I don’t miss bargaining for every single thing.
I miss making instant new friends every day.
But there’s nothing like sharing wine with old friends.
I miss trusting total strangers.
Oh wait, I still do that.
I miss not knowing what celebrities are doing.
Why am I obsessed with Spencer and Heidi? Please help.
I miss being completely unfindable.
But I also like hiding in my own bed.
I miss wearing the same thing every day.
Oh wait, I still do that too.
I miss the unbridled curiosity about me and my country.
But it’s nice to walk to a store without anyone asking a question. Sometimes.
I miss forgetting what day it is.
I’m pretty sure it’s Thursday.
I miss not worrying about my career or the future or finances.
Maybe I should stop doing that now.
I miss not knowing where I’m going until I step outside.
But I vow to do that more often.
I miss big fat meals of stuff I’ve never heard of for three bucks.
And strong Asian women who want to take me under their wings.
And reading entire books on long bus trips.
And real, silent wilderness.
And trains filled with curious people who share food and smiles.
And hour-long conversations in the language of hand gestures.
And I just miss Traveling. I miss the whole damn thing. But I’ll see it again soon.
For now: Living by the beach & Souplantation it is. I know a few guys here in Venice who speak only in hand gestures anyway, so it’s almost like Traveling.
Yeah, that’s me in 2009. Me and my friend, The Great Barrier Reef. Now I’m drinking coffee and listening to hipsters talk about their bicycles. 