Blog #1
Nov. 27, 2007
Well, It's just a few days before I depart for Asia... My to-do list seems infinite, and my travel anxiety (that you aren't suppose to know about) is at a relatively healthy, yet elevated hum; rather than the usually revved up, dread inducing levels of the past. That's a really good thing and I take note with a confident inner smile, kind of like that rare occasion in mid life when you like what you see in the mirror... At any rate, it's looking like the foo dogs of departure are already barring their teeth and will surely be nipping at my heels as I leave the ground for the wild blue yonder. The good news is that Austin is just about as big as my thumbnail at 30,000 feet.
Crossing the big water is always a welcome but scary rite of passage for me. Something about my body hurtling through space, then dropping down from the sky and skidding to a halt just hours later on the other side of the planet... It's always been difficult for me to wrap my brain around but it's something of comfort to see that no matter where you go, tarmac always looks the same.
There's a particular point of this Asian passage that I've noticed over years of traveling here and that is the avocado green linoleum tile floor at the customs area of the Bangkok airport. It's become familiar to me like a pleasant river crossing in a reoccurring dream, and also the dinner bell for pad thai and coffee just upstairs at my favorite funky little cafe.
But the economy has picked up over there and so I'll be arriving at a spanking new airport.. So the best I can hope for is the same color scheme and my usual lunch.
Lots more to come I suppose... I better get with the program as the list is beckoning!
And considering my anxiety, all I have to say is: "If I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture."
Nov. 27, 2007
Well, It's just a few days before I depart for Asia... My to-do list seems infinite, and my travel anxiety (that you aren't suppose to know about) is at a relatively healthy, yet elevated hum; rather than the usually revved up, dread inducing levels of the past. That's a really good thing and I take note with a confident inner smile, kind of like that rare occasion in mid life when you like what you see in the mirror... At any rate, it's looking like the foo dogs of departure are already barring their teeth and will surely be nipping at my heels as I leave the ground for the wild blue yonder. The good news is that Austin is just about as big as my thumbnail at 30,000 feet.
Crossing the big water is always a welcome but scary rite of passage for me. Something about my body hurtling through space, then dropping down from the sky and skidding to a halt just hours later on the other side of the planet... It's always been difficult for me to wrap my brain around but it's something of comfort to see that no matter where you go, tarmac always looks the same.
There's a particular point of this Asian passage that I've noticed over years of traveling here and that is the avocado green linoleum tile floor at the customs area of the Bangkok airport. It's become familiar to me like a pleasant river crossing in a reoccurring dream, and also the dinner bell for pad thai and coffee just upstairs at my favorite funky little cafe.
But the economy has picked up over there and so I'll be arriving at a spanking new airport.. So the best I can hope for is the same color scheme and my usual lunch.
Lots more to come I suppose... I better get with the program as the list is beckoning!
And considering my anxiety, all I have to say is: "If I don't see you in the future, I'll see you in the pasture."
6 comments:
Hi, how are you indeed. Looks like you've got the camera figured out. good stuff. When are you due back? give a shout. let's hang out.
best,
eb
Wow Ben. I love reading your Blog. Having traveled over there so much, it makes me envious that you are there and I am here.
By the way, I thought you were as funny as you thought you were!
You are a brave and wondrous boy! Maybe I can grow up to be like you some day....
Colleen
Hey Ben, I'd left you a comment or two earlier and now they've seemed to disappear. hmmm??? Just to let you know that Dot and I are kissin' cuzins at this point but she does miss you, I know. I enjoyed your latest "gas" blog. My best wishes regarding putting some fuel to the fire and getting some potent words to go with the wonderful pix. Can't wait to see more. Love, sue
Oh yeah, Anne said something interesting the other day. She said, "Ben's built his own spirit house." Of course, she's talking about the one I'm presently in. She's so right. The spirit is always calling you, it seems.
Hey bug-breath,
Sounds like you hit the jackpot! Congrats on your new found "jooey-ness". Jabydoo!! Sittin here in the purple haze of the BenDee neon considering the juxtaposition of you documenting delightful spirit houses and me headed to the Country Club to "shoot" Richie Rich's kids on santa's lap. Smile dammit! Oooo ... Somebody's getting pinched! Okee? As it should be, per usual. Wherever you go, that's where we are. Thanks for the ride!
Love oont Keeses,
yer pal in Dawgfuk
Kevipoo
Ben, missing you here in Austin. Sounds (and looks) like a great adventure. I can hardly wait for the songs that will come out of it and the stories, too,
Gerald
Dear Ben,
I spoke with your Mom and at her request sent you some info on our Thai exchange student--however, the message bounced back from the address she gave me (surprise). In any case, I forwarded it to your yahoo address--can you access that one?
I keep promising Boat that Ginny and I will come visit, so I am very envious of your adventure.
Ann
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