It has been a year since I left the boat in New Zealand and returned to the Unites States. In contrast to prior years, during the past year I have exchanged the threat of being in close proximity to hurricanes to being relatively close to rampant fires. Instead of haggling with natives for disturbingly inexpensive […]
Northern Exposure
There is a theory that posits that the key to a happy life is to establish a satisfying flow of activity. A stimulating job, loyal friends, and a caring family facilitate a meaningful existence that drifts by in a series of enjoyable days. For me, this philosophy holds some truth, though a key ingredient is […]
A Moveable Feast
After nearly eight months in Los Angeles, it finally rained. I still find this amazing and cannot help but expecting the skies to open up every time the smog gets a bit thicker than normal. For someone who enjoys relaxing rainy days, the adjustment to the constant sunshine has been a challenge. I would like […]
Escape from LA
I never should have gone home. Before my trip back east, I was content with my situation in LA. I had settled into a comfortable routine and had met some nice people. However, after a cross-country red eye flight, I was thrilled to find myself back in Cape Cod. Within several hours of landing, I […]
LA Story
Six months after leaving my boat in New Zealand, I once again boarded a plane and flew eastward to meet up with family. This time, instead of gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving, we were gathering to celebrate my cousin Maureen’s wedding. The journey began with a red-eye from LAX to Cleveland that departed at 11:00 PM […]
In the Land of Bukowski
Several weeks ago, I traded in the sun and superficiality of Los Angeles for a weekend of sun and simplicity in Atlanta. Lacking a washer or dryer in my apartment, my baggage was filled mainly with dirty laundry that I hauled across the country in a questionable effort to save a few dollars. Arriving late […]
La-la Land
Shifting about, I struggle to settle on a comfortable position. As I curl up under an insufficient blanket, a dim light flickers in the periphery. Immediately, I am on my feet in a sheer panic. The light grows brighter and appears to be drawing closer. Terrified, I strain to get my bearings. Is the anchor […]
Family, Friends, and a Scatological Scare
In his travel classic, “Soccer Wars,” the recently deceased Polish writer Ryzkard Kapuscinski described his difficulty returning home after an extended stay abroad as follows: “I returned to the editorial offices but had no idea what to do. I felt smashed inside, shattered; I wasn’t suited for anything; I wasn’t in touch; I wasn’t there. […]
Atlanta, My Hometown
I had been in the U.S. for less than an hour when I had my first conversation with an American. After clearing my kava bowl, kava powder, and an assortment of odd South Pacific souvenirs through customs, I was waiting in line to board my connecting flight from LAX to Atlanta. Behind me, a plump […]
Terra Firma
After spending a month in Vanuatu, the reintroduction to civilization in New Zealand was a bit of a culture shock. Striding through a well-stocked grocery store, we marveled at the variety of products on offer. We were barely able to contain our glee at the assortment of quality meats and the reasonable price of milk […]