November 2005

I have switched into an outward, very task focused, mode. When I’m here, the internal dialogue switches from how I feel about myself, the world, and other people, to thinking about what is next on the list to tick off.

I have been home for 2 days. I can feel myself slipping back into the routine. But atlas, I hear a faint whisper in my ear, whispering a sweet poem, calling me forth: Sea Fever by John Masefield I must go down to the sea again, to the lonely sea...

“Man haven’t you heard of an airplane and shit? How we gonna handle our B. I. if you afraid to fly?” says Short Stocky Man. “I don’t like no airplanes man, ” says Tall Rasta Hair Man. “You afraid to fly? Man you done fought wars and shit and you...

Big scramble to get on the bus, there were about 20 people fighting for 8 seats. Apparently, the check in lady told people scheduled for the 8.10 bus that they could get on the 7.10 bus – my bus. Everybody wants to get somewhere, and nobody wants to be left...

Jay’s has the best hot wings in the country. Actually, in true American style, Jay’s has the best hot wings in the world! Oh and Jay’s Elbow Room is also famous for the highest concentration of ugly toothless women.

Missy walked into the mall wearing black. She hasn’t changed much – still tall and thin and sporting a tan. She has a few more lines on her face, but looking good. We hug and say a few pleasantries. While shopping, I felt compelled to tie up a loose end...

There are a few places that have a profound influence on making me the person that i am today. South Jersey is one of those places. I was suspended from the Military Academy for one year. South Jersey became my purgatory. Still a cadet, but no longer at the Academy,...

I met Fat Mike on the NJ Transit bus going to Menlo Park. I didn’t have the correct change to get on the bus. Mike changed my $20 bill which saved me a lot of hassle from the bus driver. Fat Mike (he literally fitted into 2 seats) and I...

New Jersey Been up since 3am, I couldn’t sleep any longer. I wrote a long letter and went for a walk about at 6am. I found a copy of the Joy of Sex lying on the side of the road. I read a few entries: …sex from behind is good...

America has become a paranoid nation and is obsessed with photo ID. I had to show a photo ID to get a hotel room, to buy a bus ticket, you even need a photo ID to deposit money in your own bank account! It seems every time I step up...

Boston Yes. I am in America again. There are a lot of men swarming around in uniforms and carrying guns. Even the baggage handlers seem to be packing heat. I feel like I have stepped right into a police state, which doesn’t do much for my confidence as i head...

After the requisite long goodbyes, I make an early start for the airport. Stepping outside my front door, i am greeted by a yawning town as dawn approaches. There is a hint of clear skies, a little red glow on the horizon. The only people stirring in my little sleep...

I am in a maniac rush to do everything all at once. But that general happens when you wait to the last day to get ready for a 14 day trip across a great big ocean. It has been over 3 years since I last returned to the States. I...