Wow. And just like that it's over. From 6 weeks in a jungle to back in Marin. From a motorcycle with no cars on the road to Bay Area traffic and my Audi. From noodle soup everyday to well, noodle soup everyday. Some things are not going to change if I can help it.
What did I learn from this trip? Did I change at all? Does the world make more sense now?
In bullet point form I will do a mind meld and see what comes out of everything... Also I will put in some of my favorite photos.
* The Laotians and Thais are wonderful, gentle, and generous people and the kids are incredibly beautiful
* Riding a motorcycle without having a fat butt hurts after many hours.
* BarBQ'd sparrows are tasty and crunchy. And they don't taste like chicken.
* When you get into the "zone" of travel, which takes some time, and if you trust, magic will happen.
* The Thai people love their king but dislike their politicians.
* It is much cheaper to live on the road than at home.
* I never felt threatened once and the only scary moment I had was on the landing back at SFO when the plane skidded sideways on the runway. Irony?
* I pushed my comfort zone to go solo on a motorcycle to a place I have never been and that is a good thing to do periodically.
* Getting away from America is good. Getting away from American news is imperative!
* I can work as a professional musician in Asia. I am glad I know that.
* A smile speaks volumes and is often the only communication you may need.
* The opium in Asia is good but you have to smoke a lot of it to really feel it.
* America is once again in the good graces of the international community. Thank Obama!
* Being alone for an extended length of time is good for you. You really learn to appreciate those most important to you.* Saying my thanks and giving gratitude for all that I have is an important ritual. I try not to forget that.
* To simplify my life will take some work. That's irony isn't it?
* To simplify my life will result in others having more.
* The Laotians really like each other and seems like all the different tribes (about 87 different ones) get along very well. What's our problem?* We have a chance to help make the world a better place now that Bush is gone. The whole world is counting on us Americans to do the right thing and to do the hard work. I am already starting. What are you going to do?
* Getting away for an extended period of time allows you to shed your skin.
* Beerlao is an excellent beer. I think I'll have another. Hopefully it is available here.
* Sometimes the wrong road is the right road and you just have to follow it to understand why you are there.
* Coming back to America felt just right. This is my home and no matter how great other places are I am so blessed to be in this country, to be in California, to be surrounded by the family and friends and community that make up my home.
* A journey like this is a once in a lifetime experience and I am so blessed to have been able to have done it and return with all my limbs in tack. I think the Buddhist monk who placed the blessing string on my wrist at the start of the trip gave me a protection that is still there today. I send this protection to all my friends and family.
Blessings,
Jefe
Here's some of my favorite shots:
