Conner Varin's Photography in Glamour South Africa...

Many of you know Stephanie (Conner Varin) from her previous feature as a Nomad•ness Gal, and/or as one of my closest friends. In the end of October, this woman packed up her life and moved to Jo'Burg, South Africa on some 'I'm just going to make it work' type ish.

And through the ups and downs, that's exactly what she's doing.

Today in the Tribe she posted up a seemingly innocent link...until I clicked it. This woman has worked her magic onto the Glamour Online Magazine of South Africa... pow!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SPREAD!

Here's to you love... so proud.

reality check....

Not to turn my blog into a momentary Lifetime Special...but...

I was in Poughkeepsie for Christmas (rare occurrence) and happened to be looking for checks to take back to the Bronx. Going through old packed up boxes and bags, when a blank check from Rudi falls out. When times were extremely rough, he handed me this check, told me to make it out for however much I needed, and to just call him before I cashed it. I never used it.

I have been blessed in the past to have some amazingly supportive men in my life. Rudi, is one of those men that I have to reflect on in my life, and the unique love that we shared as best friends, lovers, and even this existential relationhip we share now.

I pray to him. I ask him to watch over me, my travels, my business. I know my guardian angel is looking down on me for real. He's always on my mind, but I see he had to really make his presence known on Christmas... I got you Rudi. Can't stop. Won't stop.

my best friend's wedding...

It's officially midnight. The day of one of my best friend's weddings. Though friends, and Iona graduates, with both bride and groom, Josh holds a special bond that few friends of mine have, none actually. It still baffles me that it was this season, Fall 2002 when he and I first met. Iona freshmen trying to find our way in the world and our way around campus. He and Rudi were living in the Marriott acquiring the lowest GPA of their college careers, and I was busy in Loftus 9th floor, navigating a basketball player.

Some way, some how our paths crossed. Actually three paths intersected, Josh's, Rudi's, and mine. As much as I can try to, I can't write about knowing Josh, and not write about knowing Rudi. College was us, 'The Triad'. The tripod. We were inseparable. In many ways, even with Rudi's death last year, we still are.  Somewhere in the center was an energy between the three of us that kept us balanced when we were together.

If I had to peg me as the creative one, and Rudi as the business one, Josh was the political one. It was these three assets, bridged with his soon to be wife's no non-sense attitude that formed the Executive Board of Iona's Council of Multi-Cultural Leaders (CML). We ran shit, to put it lightly. And what was so ironic about that senior year was that love was floating the air. Josh and Chanel booed up. And Rudi and I gave it our own try. 

Seasons changed, loves fused and parted, years went by, and I moved to Japan. One morning I woke up to an email from Rudi: 'Yo V, call me as soon as you get this. Josh is going to ask Chanel to marry him." Before going to work, I was on the phone with Rudi and getting the low down. We were concerned, not knowing if she'd say yes or no. So we devised our own secret plan of 'save Josh' in case she said no and prayed for the best. Rudi was able to make it to the engagement and I was not.

Ironic, as now I am able to make it to the wedding, and Rudi is not. (that sentence opened the flood gates. f@%k.)

Fast forward to today, and later this afternoon I'll be on a train to Long Island to watch love conquer all, after 7, neary 8 years of dating. Traveling has made it hard to be in town for friend's weddings. I had to be here for this one. No question.

Josh, you are one of the most endearing, loving, sensitive, and forgiving men I have ever met in my life. Your energy is so nurturing and fun. Your laugh is priceless, and your heart is golden. You show me, in being a good man and friend, that it is pure fallacy that there are 'no good men out there.' You embody a sense of values and tradition that I revere at times. And most of all, you have been a support system for me during all that life has brought during and after college, including the death of our friend. I love you and support you and Chanel with every ounce of my being. You have chosen a gorgeous bride. And she has chosen a no more deserving man. I promise, when the time comes, I'll be on the speed dial for babysitting.

Love you both.

-Verbal

"Wake Up" to Mr. Ivory Snow: Tonight on Rosenberg Radio NYC

Though I've never told him this to his face, and will even deny it after I press "Publish" on this blog, I put Ivory in the ranks of a budding Ryan Leslie prototype (and it's not just because he's tall and slim). Not only an emcee with apparent talent, and an infectious flow, he also has a knack for the production of his own work, and that of others. Including, and not limited to, the Nomad•ness webisode theme song, "Traveling Girl." You've definitely heard him before on this site.

At 21, there's something youthful, yet learned about Ivory. Not manipulated, or jaded by the non-sense that tends to be hip-hop these days, the regard he has for artists like J'Dilla, Anita Baker, Jay-Z, Ryan Leslie, Peter Hadar, Stevie Wonder, all the legends is infused in his music catalogue whether through sample, subject matter, or inspiration. Old soul.

I've known 'of' Ivory for about three years now, but I've known him personally for about a year. In that time he's impressed me enough with his style, and work ethic that not only have I become a fan, and supporter, but I even took the initiative to ask him if he'd join the Nomad•ness team as Music Director for the show. This coming after a studio session, in which he completely revamped the theme song, that I'll be debuting in the coming months. While I was working in the background on Story producing the pilot episode, I heard magic happen. What started off as a blank canvas, quickly morphed into a drum beat, a break down of vocals, a melody...and a track that I'm now obsessed with. I always say that music producers do with sounds, what filmmakers do with visuals. It's just two different forms of magic.

Fast forward to today...a huge accomplishment for this Connecticut native is in store.

Mr. Snow's track, "Wake Up" is a part of the compilation album, "The DocuTape Soundtrack". This particular track was produced and performed by him, and still stands as one of the most popular, and most purchased tracks on the entire album. Defintely worth an audio peep.

But tonight...WAKE UP WILL BE PLAYED FOR THE FIRST TIME ON NYC'S HOT 97.1 DURING PETER ROSENBERG'S SHOW 12a-2a!

I want everyone in the Tri-State area to tune in on the radio, and everyone elsewhere to tap into it online. Love it and purchase it!! It's all supporting artists on the come up! Evie certified.

CLICK HERE TO PREVIEW AND PURCHASE IVORY SNOW'S "WAKE UP" ON iTUNES!

the dude with the lens: Pete Monsanto

The first time I met Pete, it was through an Inbox message from my old school website, evitaspen.com.

At that time, I was a well known spoken word artist in the college circuit, and he was a stranger to me who felt the need to spin a male version of one of my signature pieces, "I Have..." This was circa 2003. 

I read the piece on my computer and was equal parts "I have to meet this dude..." and "Who does he think he is sending this to me?" Needless to say, it got my attention. Pete's got a knack for thinking outside the box. 

Stepping outside the online veil, I found out that his sister attended my school, and he'd seen me perform a number of times. The performances compelled him enough to rewrite my sh!t. Thus, our friendship started.

A few years back, Pete divulged in me his blossoming love for photography. He'd always been a sneaker head (take him to Dunk Detox) and a hip-hop junkie, so him bridging his two loves was inevitable.

He had those preliminary jitters, and I was on my Nike steeze, telling the dude to 'Just Do It!' He did. And through some of the most horrendous ups and downs in his personal life, he kept doing it and...doing it well. 

To the point where he is now noted as the go-to photog in the industry, and the Official Def Jam photographer, in his most recent interview with www.respect-mag.com. Through the storms, you have to keep the seeds planted. I'm proud of Pete in more ways than one. Check out the interview link below and show support. 

Photo by Pete Monsanto

CHECK THE INTERVIEW WITH RESPECT MAG HERE!

PS. Another reason I adore Pete...I call to congratulate him on the interview and he utters:

"I'm trying make enough money to just bounce to Europe with Evie for like 9 months!"

Love this dude. 

PETE'S TUMBLR

my friend's house burnt down...pay it forward

Sometimes life hits people with real shit. I don't know how else to say it. This weekend isn't about promoting bags, or even blasting Berlin right now because I got a phone call that shook me to the core less than a week ago.

Many of you will remember Jeremiah from my time in Thailand, with Jet Set Zero towards the end of 2010. Close to my heart, I shared everything from food, to Thailand, to a bed with this young man. The trailer of our season is posted below to jog some memories. He's the one laying on the tiger.

Season 8 - Thailand (Teaser) from Jet Set Zero on Vimeo.

Jeremiah called me on Saturday night, while I was leaving Rudi's memorial BBQ in CT, to notify me that his house had burned to the ground earlier that afternoon, destroying everything his family had and killing his two dogs.

Sadly, I can say I know about this first hand as the same thing happened to me but as a very young child. I couldn't imagine it as an adult.

Jeremiah has tough pride. He tried to go without eating for days in Thailand, while I did everything but shove food down his throat, because of lack of money. The kid hates asking for help....so I'm going to for him.

I waited to post this today because Friday tends to be the universal pay day. If you can PLEASE Pay Pal/Donate anything over to him and his family it'd be greatly appreciated. ANYTHING! I'm working on getting an address where things like clothes can be sent. I'll keep you all posted.

I need you all to send this information far and wide!

The Pay Pal email address that will get right to them is: ortnerjeremiah@yahoo.com

Send whatever amount you can there as soon as possible!

Thank you all so much. Note, this will be the story/blog I push the most this weekend because of the urgency. Below is a posted local newspaper article, with photos of the damage. This family is going through it right now. Please help!

NEWSPAPER STORY LINK

PS. Talking to Jeremiah, after the emotion of losing his dogs, the second thing he brings up is his passport. One of the reasons I love this kid. Travelers understand that. Love you Jeremiah!

in remembrance of a Genius...1 Year Later

Approaching 1 Year later and you're still gone. The 'Anniversary' hits on June 17, 2011.

Nightmares have surfaced and anxiety has reared its head, the closer we get to the anniversary. My mind plays back your wake, speaking at your funeral, and the laughs Mom and I shared while visiting your grave for the first time. Luckily, I also remember the good times. Us running Iona and demolishing North Avenue. Our talks with Brother Devlin, and even kisses shared. I miss you, but I feel you. I talk to you. I hear you and see you everywhere. Gifts around my apartment. Hell, my apartment.

You're with me everyday and I know you've been aiding in all that has transpired in my life over the last year. Never forgotten, only more loved!

Spin n Peace DJ Genius

For those who knew him, contact me about the Reunion BBQ. It's on Saturday June 18th.

-V

Plan B...

So today I found myself entering probably the third agreement of its kind. I know all of my friends, and I'm thinking the greater public, has had a conversation with a friend of the opposite sex that went a little something like this.

"If you're not married with kids, and I'm not married with kids, by 'x' age. We need to just hook up and have a kid or get married."

It usually ends in laughter, but it also ends in oral agreement. I think the first time I made this pact, I was in high school. I don't even speak to that person anymore and have no idea what path their life has taken, but I write about this because lots of my male and female friends said they have had this very conversation.

So today, my friend and I made this pact. I'd venture to say it's a bit scarier when you say it as an adult.

I aimed for 6 years, he decided it'd be best to round it off at 5 years. I assume, his recently turning 30 would give way to that (no it's not Jason...I can already hear the speculation now). But it's funny, how as people we do these  types of things. The illusion of comfort in a back up plan. Plan B. 

I ask though, even if all in fun, is there a seriousness to this type of pact?

PS. Shout out to the VERY elderly woman, Sally I met today. My friend and I. He on her left side, and I on her right, inched our way from 12th and 2nd avenue, to 9th and 2nd Avenue, to make sure she got there ok. Enduring an endless conversation with the misconception that he and I were a couple.

"She's 27. You're 30. Very good ages. You've got a good girl," she said.

To appease her he simply responded, "I know."

Little Dove Bakeshop...

My amazing best friend Bethany Young has recently debuted her Little Dove Bakeshop. This woman has been pumping her kitchen to the max! Her updates are all about red velvet, cupcakes, pie....dessert heaven.

But there's more to her sweet tooth. By ordering from Bethany, you're eating for a cause. Proceeds from her healthy desserts will go to a different charity every month. This is a sure fire way to take the guilt out of the pleasure. So check the site out and indulge in the Little Dove Bakeshop!

Nomad•ness gal: Abigail Tarttelin's London bite

 

Nomad•ness gal Abigail Tarttelin is the first noted woman we've given this title to where it's difficult for me to write about her because I simply don't know where to start...

In an attempt, let's start on one afternoon in July 2006, Paris. It was the afternoon to shoot my short film, and I'd wanted Abby in it after using her talents for my mise-en-scene exercise earlier in the month. In the dark, with just she and I, and my DP, Batool, we created one of my favorite pieces of art below.

It wasn't until one of my very last nights in Paris that I realized in 2006 that Abby had just finished high school in London and decided univeristy wasn't for her. She's was making a b-line straight for her craft, and thus far everything has worked in her favor.

Her travels, mainly for work as an actress, had led her all over Western Europe, even attending the Cannes Film Festival, as well as within the United States with bouts of time in both New York City and Los Angeles.

Starting off in independent shorts, such as mine above, she eventually progressed into full length features like "The Butterfly Tattoo" and "Schrodinger's Girl" which premiered in the Official Selection of the independent film festival at Comic-Con 2009.

Her life, already, is a whirlwind. More recently to add to her list of achievements, Abigail just got her first book publishing deal and the official release of her debut novel, "Flick" will be released in April 2011. You can preorder HERE ON AMAZON.COM! Check her blog out HERE!

homecoming...the other side of travel

There's another side to travel that people who don't do it often, don't really know about....coming home.

Reverse culture shock is an actual thing. After being on the road, or getting used to a country's way of life, there is an adjustment period that takes place when you arrive back 'home'.

There's an unspoken bond among travellers, those who truly have it as a lifestyle for a period of time. We get the idea and understand the inevitable stress related to attaching and detaching to a place. When we come home, there is a psychological adjustment that has to take place.

When home, though most people from the outside see it as the place where you can chill, it's mentally chaotic for a little while. Varying side effects can include anxiety, depression (raises hand), feelings of being in a dream, disconnection from that once normal, disgust for that once normal, loneliness, and paranoia at all the new people who have popped up out of your ass apparently curious to see what you've been up to. It's a mind fuck. Apparently mine has been conjured up along with the holiday spirit.

What has me the most warped right now is that I realize that of those people that I consider to be best friends...people I can do the ugly cry in front of, yet still love me in the morning, about 95% of those people are scattered around the world. It's a bit of a hard pill to swallow, especially in New York. I always say New York has one of the highest populations of a city in America, yet you can feel like the lonliest soul walking these streets sometimes.

I don't run in a pack. Extrovert with very introverted tendencies. Yet, I miss the allure of friends. Of all the places I've been, New York is probably where I spend the most time by myself. The photo above shows what was nearly an every weekend occurance when I lived in Japan. Thailand...shit I lived in a house with five other people, enough said. Even my small bouts of time in other countries, you mingle and have a good time with people on that same personal journey as you. I find the hardest struggle in this area to be when I'm home. My phone can not ring.

Acquaintances and networks are one thing. But when you need substance, you need your friends. So my heart reaches out to Ferndale, Michigan; Calhoun, Louisiana; Madrid, Spain; London, UK; Niigata, Japan;Sydney, Australia, as well as New Rochelle, Yonkers, Bronx, and Poughkeepsie.

It's sinking in...I'm really home.

rewind...video of a Japanese Christmas 2009

REWIND!

I'm here writing the memoir, and I'm up to the part where I'm writing about Christmas last year. Where I was, who I was with, and how it all went down. I was in Japan, at Kotoyo's house surrounded by new friends and lots of love.

Helping to jog the memory, I remembered that I created this video last year, bringing my Japanese Christmas to you all.

I had to rewind back to it, and damn if the nostalgia doesn't nearly bring me to tears, exactly one year later.

I couldn't help but laugh at Kotoyo's "Not yet." to being called Suguru's wife. One year later, they are married. I have an amazing set of friends on that side of the world.

I love  and miss you Kotoyo, Suguru, Sakaia, Megan, Yoshi, Roni, Mami, Miwa. Definitely visiting sooner rather than later.

looking back...Jean-Pierre

Came across a few photos that Jean-Pierre took of me while in Thailand. I always loved the first. It encompassed my search for self on the journey in Thailand, so much.

These moments will forever live in photo, and some in video form.

I miss you kid! Do Australia like I know you will. See you in NYC.

LA Laker Matt Barnes' message for Bethany...

Tonight 1 York Street in NYC entertained a great event. The Maserati dealership was the home of LA Laker, Matt Barnes' non-profit Athletes vs. Cancer Silent Auction. Tyson Beckford, Melyssa Ford, and a number of who's who was in the house, but the cause itself is what hit hardest.

Unbeknownst to me, Barnes lost his mother to cancer. He spoke briefly, over the drunken murmurs of the disrespectful guests taking full advantage of the open bar, and opened up about the personal reasons why he started Athletes vs Cancer. It was definitely a moment. I have a lot more respect and insight for Matt and his fiance than I ever had prior, Basketball Wives included.

Earlier this year, my boyfriend lost his uncle to a bout with cancer. For years my best friend, Bethany, has been a cancer survivor. Just recently it was brought to my attention that her remission has subsided, and she's back on the fight once again. I went to this event looking for network opportunities, and I left with nothing/no one on my mind but her.

To my friend, my hero, my love...LA Laker, Matt Barnes has a message for you baby girl...

Omega Nexus comics have 'Ascended'...

Jason and his crew for The Ascended has started pushing the underground promotion for the Omega Nexus. Being as close to J as I am, I've known about this project for years. Staying on top of the inter-workings, all I was waiting for was the 'go ahead' from his end on trying to push it on my end. 

It has arrived. Above is a :30 spot  put together to help out with the promo efforts. Check it out and please visit the site, as well as Facebook page. 

iSUPPORT

one of those days...

Thinking about you kid...

This is definitely one of the days Tara said I'd have. When no matter how much time has passed, tears have cried, and memories relived, I will still feel the pain of your death.

This song reminds me of you so much and it was the anthem in the city this past summer, so I felt like you were tauntung me. You were :)

Love you Rudi. Help me get through it, please.

mind over matter from the Blvd...

Nightfall speaks on Mind Sexington from Nightfall 914 on Vimeo.

The best friend, Jason, dropped some jewels that gave me some perspective. I share my jewels with you all. Feel free to watch it here or on his site.

Touching on communication and responsibilities within a relationship, fidelity, keeping it new, and mainly personal and couple evolution.

Evolution is such a key part of who we are and what we're doing. As a youth, I made the mistake of being so concrete in my ways and beliefs, rarely leaving time for change. Change is constant, and with maturity, I allow some movement left and right. We all evolve. How do you allow room for your relationship to eveolve as well. People change, as do their priorities.

Thanks Jason, you're making me late for work!

ball of confusion...

Left. Right. Up. Down. Where to go?

Ever have a situation in your life shake shit up so much that you feel like everything you think you knew, and thought you believed was all tossed back into the air at once?

Concrete theologies, certainties...blown to bits and your mind, rapidly and persistent, tries to understand what the hell is going on.

I'm not sure anymore. What do I believe? What is right? What is worth it? What is my truth?

Figuring it out...I guess.

I haven't let the stream out in awhile...when did this all start?...I still don't know how I feel about Thailand, and everyone keeps asking...work today felt great...New York has my respect...I don't want to be the face of other people's shit anymore, therefore no I'm not applying...I love my sister...my Mom passes judgments, but she's learning to apologize...Jason is the best friend for real...I wish Bethany was around...in another space and time, it could have happened...Kombucha would be nice right now...red wine fucked my stomach up... I want to feel sexy...acknowledgment...is needing attention bad, or normal?...I'm getting sick of Facebook updates...sometimes I get scared when I check pages in Twitter...I feel overwhelmed, not because of work, but because of my brain...I want to go see Rudi's bedroom...one day he told me I was a genuis who thought too much, that's why I had anxiety...he's fucking right...sex...passion...lost to be found somewhere...money comes when most crucial...relationships are hard work, every type...need a vacation...need to sit down...mad at myself for not finishing the memoir...Jeremiah's one liners...Jean-Pierre's man crib...this long curly hair...balance being honest about my life and keeping enough hidden to suffice others...this writing is probably the most therapy I've had in months...working out again...feeling better, while feeling worse...why did he ask about soul mates?...leave me alone...Natalie Imbruglia "Torn"...feels like I am once again having to prove myself, just a different scenario...be here, now...i am...real talk...letting out...let me.

Halloween In NYC

It's been two years since being home for Halloween. Halloween is my favorite 'holiday' and definitely the creative playground for New York City. It's when the 'normal' can become crazy and the 'crazy' can act normal. Halloween in NYC is always known for the annual Village Parade, with thousand of people lined up down 6th Avenue, starting from Spring Street up to 16th. Favorite part of the city. Favorite holiday. I was in there...at least in the beginning.

Can someone please tell me what year Halloween became so cold? I remember yesteryears when I used to partake in Mischief Night, and Halloween was an all out free fall. Maybe a light jacket was needed, but the last few years Halloween has been an indication of an impending winter as much as it is of candy. I mean damn! Last night felt like -100 degrees. It was probably somewhere in the low 50s, with a Manhattan wind chill that made it feel 10 degrees less. 

I don't understand, anymore, how people (grown women) can stand outside for hours in scantily clad costumes. If you want to be sexy, go tight but go covered. Body suits, cat suits, astronaut suits, what have you.

I pray for the rest of you waking up with pnemonia in the morning. I took about an hour of the inclimate spectacle. Twenty minutes of which was in a pizzeria watching a man argue with a woman about how New York City pizza is better than anything made in Minnesota. She kept throwing her cheese into the box, in disgust. It was entertaining.

So I rummaged through the streets, kept my eye on the costumes, and realized my next Halloween here will have to have one thing added...a party. Next year, I want to invest in the Webster Hall Halloween Party. The parade is amazing, as per usual, but the weather is making it nearly unbearable to witness in entirety. Something enclosed works best.

This dude Jigsaw is the hardest working killer in Hollywod right now.

Couple Halloween costume executed very well!

A few pointers for next year:

Depending on how long you want to be outside, pick your viewing spot smartly.

If you know the cold is too much and you still want to see the actual parade, head father downtown, as close as you can get to Spring St. That way you don't have to be out all night to see it all.

If you want to show up a little later and catch it, and you don't mind massive crowds, I'd say for you too head around 11th to 15th Street around 7:30-8:00pm. You'll be there for the good stuff and at the most crowded point (14th Street).

Hope everyone's Halloween ended up well. I was slightly drunk at Applebee's with Jason by the end of the night, and drinking Apple Cinnamon tea in a Diner with Nelson before bed. I'm no fool!

a river runs through it...

Crying is actually my default stress relief. When I have had no more, I've reached my brink, and emotions are at a high, I cry.

I'm not good at this saying goodbye piece. Never have been, never will be. I have trouble letting go, and wish I could take everyone and everything I've ever come across with me for life. I've been in the middle of a week long goodbye. I got my fight (excuse me, medley of flights) confirmed, and in 4 hours, I will start the first leg, having me end up in Bangkok before the night's end.

My next two days: Chiang Mai-Bangkok-Hong Kong-Dubai-NYC

It's a lot. Bittersweet as it is, I stand by my decision to leave the show, and Thailand, early. Approaching the 8 week mark, of 12 weeks, to be exact.

Another day, another blog, I'm sure the details will come out. Today is not about the goodies. It's about the love. All that needs to be known for the moment is that, for a number of reasons, it was time for me to head stateside.

I knew today would be difficult. From finding out last night that I'd be leaving today, I knew it was going to run me through the ringer emotionally, and it has. it's been hard for me to look Jean-Pierre and Jeremiah in the face today for fears I would collapse into tears at the very sight of their eyes. I genuinely love these two. I may have the front on now, but my heart aches, not for leaving Thailand or the project, but specifically for leaving them. They are what matters right now, on this side.

I think to the dinner they made for me the other night, and how much their actions of love transferred through their hearts and into my belly. That sounds gross but you get what I mean. I can't say enough positive things about both these men, and I am beyond grateful to have been able to truly offer them the title "friend". Friend to me, is as important as saying 'love' or 'trust'. Both of which I have for them.

One of the conversations I was dreading was that to be had with Thai Mom and Dad.

I knew, walking into it, I was going to end up as a lost cause. In the security of one of their guest houses, they sat me down in what looked to be a double therapy session.

"What happened? Why you leave?" This was repeated. I wanted nothing more than to stop myself from crying, because I know it worried them. I tried to explain that I cry because I am sad, but nothing bad has happened. Mom doesn't really play that though. She's yelled at the guys, on my behalf, for letting me walk into town alone...when it was really absolutely fine. She's made sure I was fed. Dr. Cosi drove me to and from hospitals and constantly checked up on me during the recovery of Dengue Fever. This has been a legit Thai home. I don't know what has left more of an impression, his care, or the words he left me with today.

"If you really feel I am like your father, and she like your mother, then I want to say something as like my child. When you grow into adult, sometimes you have to make a decision and not look back. You have to just keep straight if it is right for you." I needed to hear that more than he knew.

I apologize to the men of the house, in advance, I tried to calm their worries, but when Mom stops sending you free food, you'll know why.

Their daughter is a travel agent and even scored me a cheap last minute flight to take care of the leg I was missing from Bangkok to Hong Kong. Again, love. I'm surrounded by it, and grateful for it.

To these gentlemen, this house, Thai Mom and Dad, and Thailand...you have been a gracious host. I adore you for the hospitality, the learning about others and myself, as well as the very newfound appreciation I have for the concrete jungle I'm getting ready to return to.

Ka pun ka! (Thank you!)

I'm out...