Notables from Sampa

Well, as an update, there are some notable changes taking place here in São Paulo. I had dinner last night with my current flatmate, Renata, to mark the last night I will be staying at my current flat, and although unintentional, to celebrate my commencing work at a VC-backed internet startup.

It is definitely going to be a different experience spending 6 to 8 hours a day working in the office versus traveling around or enjoying a nice run during the middle of the day, but I'm excited by the opportunity to take apart various areas of strategy of the startup and put it back together in a stronger, more competitive form. I think the experience will be well worth it. I'm sure the color of my posts will change slightly and the weekends will be highlighted more; always seems to happen when working. Regardless, I am committed to making the most of each day, so we'll see how I can avoid that!

As it's been some time now since I landed here in Sampa, I've gained a particular appreciation for the unique features the city has to offer. The variety of restaurants and bars is close to unparalleled and provides a much needed break from the very work-oriented focus of the city. In this light, I've made it to quite a few nice venues recently. On Tuesday, I attended an Internations event at the British Embassy which was quite interesting. Wednesday, I made it to Bar São Bento in Vila Madalena to catch some of the Corinthians v. Boca match and share a drink with a good friend and her friends. Yesterday, it was the first day of work, so after a nice brisk run through the park, I spent most of the day working before having dinner with Renata at BarGallo in Itaim. Last weekend, Renata and I made it to Festa Junina which is a celebration of three particular saints within the Catholic tradition. Live music (primarily sertanejo), relatively cheap food and drink, and surrounded by good friends, the festa was a great view into the real fabric of Brasilian society. Seeing three generations enjoying themselves within the context of a greater social circle was really nice. I ate and drank my heart out and had a real blast!

***

Just said "Tchau" to my good flatmate, Renata, and her sometimes nice, sometimes louco dog, Elvis :). It's amazing how quickly we become attached to familiarity and people. We both are genuinely sad, but as is always the case, understand that it must happen. Goodbyes are a tough business, and when you are traveling, they seem to happen too much. It is the bittersweet aspect of traveling that really pulls at your emotions. You definitely get used to dealing with it, but never fully comfortable with the process. It was the first three weeks of this adventure (life is always an adventure) and definitely an experience that I will always look warmly upon. Great to know that I have connections here that I can tap no matter the circumstances.

And, as it always does, this day will continue with my moving and living with two guys just a bit further into Itaim; one from California and the other a true Paulistano (born in São Paulo). Should be fun and looking forward to it!

Will add pics to this post soon. p r e m

A Door Closes and Another Opens

Well, it's been almost three weeks now that I've lived in Sampa (local name for São Paulo) and as can be expected or not, it has been an evolving experience. When I initially flew down, I knew exactly what I came for, both professionally and personally. I had key relationships that I had built over my last trip - mostly friendships, others I considered to be more special. Professionally, I was ready to be working from day one. Unfortunately, or now fortunately, from one event to the next, the fabric of my existence within the city has changed greatly. It is funny how sometimes what seems so painful can be the best medicine one ever needed. Sometimes we lie to ourselves and tell ourselves that *this* is what we need - this particular person / object / position when in reality we know it is not the case. We delude ourselves with our own drug to make it seem perfect. It's interesting.

At one moment, I thought I should travel to Colombia and the Amazon to help ease off some of the pressure / confusion from these great changes. It can be rather traumatic to watch your desired goals and idols come crashing down; to build this temple in your mind and to watch your Gods stomp on the graces you laid upon them can seem insurmountable. We ask why and hold our breaths for the world to come to its senses. But, then again, now through the changes of a new day after days, weeks, I see the light of happiness - a new dawn and the real beauty of life - in the pitch of night after a clear, crisp night. This is to persistence and being thankful for what is given. How do I forget that I live an incredible life, that I am blessed with amazing friends and family, and that I have the real blessing of being. Each day that passes, I grow, I learn and I am one day wiser than the day before. Amazing.

As I finish up a nice long Monday here in Sampa in my apartment here in Itaim Bibi, I am genuinely happy. Good people, friendships and new opportunities = Very good feeling. From Festa Junina and Ultimate Frisbee to my productive Portuguese lessons, great roommate and new professional connections, things are beginning to get really good down in the real capital of Brasil. I bid adieu with a smile and a nod. Goodnight from Sampa.

#happinessissimplicity

Risk, Opportunity and (sometimes) Sozinho

Café No Sé (Meaning Cafe I Don't Know) - a fine establishment in Antigua, Guatemala and the perfect line for why you sometimes find yourself where you do. Although any decision comes from a line of thinking and probably research, it is also the result of a multiplicative of previous decisions whether they are your decisions or those of a woman teaching a class in Belgrade. This is the level of interconnected complexity that humans find themselves within each day and try to, as my father says, "Make the best decision possible" given the obvious reality that our actual ability to control outcomes and events is incredibly minute.

Given this background of thinking, I find myself staring out my 20th floor window looking on the sometimes beautiful, sometimes miserable city of São Paulo. Its first impressions have never done it justice in my eyes, though, as the real beauty of São Paulo is in its spirit, its people and their fruits showcased in world-class restaurants, diverse array of art, incredibly amicable bar scenes, an exceptionally go-go attitude for the productive mind and, also, their understanding of just how important their local economy is to the whole of Brasil. This is a city that sets the agenda for the country, economically-speaking. It is where decision makers reside and the future developments in the country take shape. I say this knowing quite well the enormous power the government in Brasilia exudes upon every Brasilian, but also knowing that the private sector and the people that constitute it are much stronger for surviving the infinitely backwards policies the government puts in place to force outcomes. Brasil has found a way to grow and its people have found their bearings, thus bringing about the "Brasilian Miracle 2.0". With high growth trumping that of other economies, Brasil's seemed to defy the global slowdown; now, unfortunately, a slowdown in commodity demand from China has brought that same reality to Brasil... But I digress.

Along with the absolute joy (beach, sun, fun) I attained earlier this year when I traveled through Brasil, it was the combination of conversations with those I trust and my innate feelings that exhumed me to make the mad-dash to deny a summer in Dallas within the financial sector and jump ship to the seemingly exotic and chosen Samba economy (If I may, I love samba - the way bodies move, out of control - one of the many reasons Brasil is more than a rational choice). Beyond multitudes of readings and research that one undertakes when making a large decision, I have realized that it is a combination of gut and heart derived from an array of poignant moments that constitutes the real basis of the final decision. Yes, I can explain to others my rational belief that the budding venture capital scene in São Paulo vis-à-vis that of the mature US market provides more of an opportunity considering the growing middle class and the rapid adoption of mobile technologies and is the primary reason for my coming, and, yes, I can explain how it will provide a solid fill for my resume/CV - But in reality, my reason came down to my visceral and innate pursuit of my version of happiness in relation to the mosaic of my life's experiences and fortuitous connections gained over time. It came down to a desire for love, adventure and education; to live a full life. There is no better an education gained than when putting yourself in the maze of another country and no better motivator than to stand agains the start reality that you must grow/change/adapt or face failure and losing the qualities you came for.

Stepping into the unknown, as I have done quite often in my life, has led me to grow beyond my given identity and create a space of my own that I have developed through a plethora of both wondrous and challenging moments in a variety of environments far away from what I started knowing. Of course, we all prefer the former experiences in life (I do, no doubt), but sometimes those letdowns are the change agent needed to reach your real potential. Sometimes being sozinho - alone - every now and then gives you the great perspective and wisdom that only a bird's eye view or the ancient gaze of a mountain can provide to this hive of activity we envelope ourselves within. It allows you to see past failures and realize they positioned you for the greater success - failures rid the old in anticipation of the new and prepare you to face these opportunities.

As I stare out at the sometimes bleak, sometimes deeply precious blue sky that hangs over São Paulo and contemplate my exact reasons for being here, I have found that, to be completely honest, there is not an entirely rational equation for it - in reality, it is a combination of my drive to experience a challenging life that provides the best opportunity to attain my desired lifestyle and my close conversations within my trusted circle of hearts and minds that has placed me on my current path. Add a genuine love for travel and culture, a curious mind for interesting nightlife and the challenge of living within another system of government and you have the key influencers of my stay in Sampa. Sometimes sozinho, other times within the center of it all, I have found a path in life that continues to rewards difficult decisions, a move out of the comforts of the known and a persistent belief in continuous, on-my-feet education. Yes, this is why I am here.

written in São Paulo, Brasil

Opa Sampa - Finally! (São Paulo, Brasil)

Oi! Tudo bem? Legal... Yes, I'm learning Portuguese. Not formally yet, but it's coming. I have a ways to go, but my ability to understand others is increasing the most each day.

Having departed from Dallas on June 7th, it's been roughly 13 days since I have landed and began my adventure here in São Paulo, Brasil. I should mention that prior to landing on the 8th, I spent a nice afternoon in Miami on the 7th enjoying the sun, great hospitality and good foods served by a Ukrainian host on the famous Ocean Drive - the area full of Art Deco buildings in Latin capital of the United States. Here are some photos from Miami...

Great experience actually as I had roughly 8 hours to kill before I took off on the overnight flight to Sampa - this allowed me to buy a pair of swim trunks at the W Hotel Miami (pictured above), change in the restroom, have the reception hold my things, cruise down the beach in the sun, tour Ocean Drive, have a nice meal and then head back with an extremely pleasant experience under my belt. I even had a complete stranger run me down to hand me the bus ticket I dropped! Such great personalities started my trip off right.

The flights from Dallas to Miami and Miami to SP were all smooth and led to memorable conversations on both legs. I would have to say that I wasn't impressed with the food on the flights, but that is typical! Ha.

Ok, so the past 13 days - I moved into an apartment that I found on Airbnb.com in an area of the city that is convenient to most day and nightlife. It is considered quite a posh location in the city and, for me, is ideal due to it's proximity to both key industry, clubs and the famous Ibirapuera park. If I were to count, and I will.. I have been to Ibirapuera roughly 9 times since I have been in the city. That tells you how much it figures into my life here in Sampa. I always have the most refreshing experience running amongst the dense greenery and with the many motivated weekend and professional athletes that make the park their training ground. In addition, I, as expected, have had a taste of the nightlife through many pubs and also a club - SheRocks. I am not a big fan of the name as it doesn't exactly give any hint of the real nature of the club, but really enjoyed my experience due to the excellent live band and great DJ that spun throughout the night. I should mention that this experience did lead me to my currently less than healthy state, but it was a night worth making!

Through my time, many events have taken the attention of the citizenry in the area - EuroCup 2012, Maratona São Paulo and, of course, Brasilian futbol. My understanding of the latter continues to grow with each day. For example, there is a match between Corinthians and Santos today. Corinthians is from São Paulo; it is one of three teams that make their home here. The other two being São Paulo FC and Palmeras. Santos is a team from the close to Sampa city of Santos. I am assuming they are in the same division, but am not sure. Still more to find out here as I would consider it a somewhat critical part of planning nightly activities (watch game at pub vs. dinner & club). Regardless, my allegiance can be bought at this point, so let's see how that goes~ ha.

My impressions so far: very much like New York in terms of the size and scale of activities at one's fingertips. Definitely, less of everything, but still quite plentiful. The art scene is not as vibrant, but much more than I anticipated. The restaurant and club scene is actually more impressive than I initially assumed. Also, given that you hopefully don't waste your life away in traffic sucking down exhaust fumes, you will really enjoy a nice quality of life as you walk to and fro work and home while striking up random conversations and sharing a brew are the local spot. It's as likable a city as it is dislikable, depending on the amount of time you spend in traffic.

My final observation I will make for the night is that prices are exceptionally inflated in Brasil and especially São Paulo. Whether it is groceries, gas, taxis, electronics, rent, restaurants, pubs or clubs, it's all quite painful, mainly due to regulations and the punitive tax regime currently in place which supports the graft and general disfunction of the national governmental bodies. I am still getting a handle on Brasilian politics (I think this will take a while!), but as I have read and seen, it is one of the prime culprits for the general "quality of life discount" for the average Brasilian.

In other news, I am working towards my first position in VC here in Brasil and had a great interview yesterday - let's hope it leads to something fruitful! I am excited to get this part of my life underway. Also, basically locked up a three-bedroom place in Chicago with two great guys - look forward to starting that in the near future as well. Great things on the horizon, great people in my life both here, at home and in my future activities. Merci, Obrigado, Tsekkur Ederim, Tak Tak to all of you :)

Oi Brasil... Oi!!!

Oh Brasil! You crazy woman. You land of desire and dreams. The way your palms sway in that warm ocean breeze. The way you walk by me on Ipanema. The music blasting through your doors in Floripa. The water from your Iguaçu Falls quenching the thirst of the entire continent. From the unbearably hot land of Cuiabá to the laid-back northeastern peoples of Fortaleza to the beats of musica sertaneja / samba / bossa nova / forró in each of cars and discos around the country, I found a home away from home. 

Timeline for Brasil 2012: 

LEAVE HOME!

1. Rio de Janeiro

2. Buzios / Arraial do Cabo

3. São Paulo

4. Cuiabá

5. Foz do Iguaçu / Cataratas de Iguazu / Paraguay Border

6. Buenos Aires

7. Montevideo

8. Punta del Este

9. Florianopolis

10. Fortaleza

11. Jericoacoara

12. Rio de Janiero

FLY HOME!

Total Travel Time: 48 days

Total Photos Taken: 5485 Photos

Favorite Spot: Floripa (Florianopolis) - because of the surf and clubs

Worst Spot: São Paulo / Montevideo - bad weather, no beach time

Most Unusual Food: Eating chicken hearts in a Churrascaria

Favorite Food: Prato de picanha, arroz, feijão e farofa

Least Favorite Thing: Putting the TP in the lixo rather than down the tube (bugs me!)

Best Purchase: Paez alpargatas from Buenos Aires

Best Drink: Caipirinha

Most Exhilarating Moment: Riding dune buggies in Jeri & getting dunked by a big wave in Leblon

I'm back!!

I'm ready to write again. With so much on my mind and many new events in my life, it's the right time to share my thoughts again. I will be posting roughly once every two weeks; maybe more if inspiration strikes! Thank you world for being receptive :)

"Gone" by Jack Johnson

Look at all those fancy clothes,
But these could keep us warm just like those.
And what about your soul? Is it cold?
Is it straight from the mold, and ready to be sold?


And cars and phones and diamond rings, 
Bling, bling, because those are only removable things.
And what about your mind? Does it shine?
Are there things that concern you, more than your time?


Gone, going. 
Gone, everything. 
Gone, don’t give a damn.
Gone, be the birds, when they don’t wanna sing.
Gone, people, all awkward with their things,
Gone.


Look at you, out to make a deal.
You try to be appealing, but you lose your appeal. 
And what about those shoes you’re in today?
They’ll do no good, on the bridges you burnt along the way.


And you're willing to sell, anything?
Gone, with your head. 
Leave your footprints, 
And we’ll shame them with our words.
Gone, people, all careless and consumed, gone


Gone, gone, gone, everything. 
Gone, don’t give a damn.
Gone, be the birds, when they don’t wanna sing.
Gone, people, all awkward with their things, Gone.

Los Pensamientos..

From two weeks ago...


I'm in quite a reflective mood. On life and my desires. What I want to do next. Just had a late workout, had some dinner showered and now laying out just organizing life and it's many lessons. Such an amazing puzzle piece with what seems like an endless array of possibilities with regard to a life's impact. The many forces tangle and tango each and everyday to create the image we encounter each day. Do we stop and ask why we do what we do? What is the purpose of my work, my life's labor? Is it all too excessive? Should we follow the path laid for us by those around us or create the trail that will lead to what it may? Does it matter? How does desire interact with inertia? Is it simply that we shutdown at some point? Is it that we forget what passion really is? I need passion. Prem is passion. It is me. I crave an expedition deep into my heart and soul. It is here we find our collective heart and soul. By discovering yourself, only then may you finally see the truth in others. Have I discovered myself? Yes. But I am ignoring it. Trying to delay what is true. Trying to believe that the masses are correct. Society knows what I want, what I need, what will complete me. Yet, after it all, I still feel a deep sense of unaccomplishment, possible regret and most definitively a real craving for something shiny and new to pursue. Is it just that I need a change of scenery or is it my work that is the culprit. So much more later. It's hard. Life, but I know that you must make decisions and make them with your heart. The outcome will be dealt with no matter.

Photos from China..and some thoughts on the big C

Here is a link to the pictures from the trip that I have put up so far: China Photos

Annnnd my thoughts ->

So, I really wasn't sure what to expect. Would people live in abject poverty a la dwellers in India? Was the newfound wealth visible past the shiny buildings in Shanghai? Did people live better than they used to? There are many more questions here, but that should give you a basic idea of my ignorance on all things China-related. Luckily, this trip would again quench my quest for knowledge and supply me with the answers I so desired.

Speaking of which, everywhere I traveled, I saw the same thing: desire. I saw it at every level of the social strata. Life was changing for the better and at a pace that was unprecedented. I don't believe I EVER saw a car that was more than five years old. Shops, restaurants, streets and buildings were all filled to capacity with citizens of all descriptions. I felt such chaos all around, but at the same moment, a deep sense of resolve and peace in the people. The world was changing, and, finally, it was for a better future. This was the theme; it was the overarching canvas on which Chinese life would be painted.. Growth, prosperity, and fear??

Fear. Yes, even in China. Housing and food inflation, the obvious and growing discrepancy between the coastal rich and the interior poor, government graft, and a faltering political regime have many worried that the worst could happen at any moment. The good times, the golden age, could be cut short by a structure that does not want to acknowledge opposition, does not want to include the people in decision making, does not want to champion free-will. An economic collapse / political revolution are not topics that seem so far from what could possibly take place in the near future for modern Chinese. Whether it was sitting on a train, chatting with a passenger on a flight or talking over drinks at an eatery, it always came up. Ordinary people have to run just to keep up with the massive growth that is sucking away the traditional pace that captioned life for so long. So, yes, fear.

But, fear withstanding, the China dream is fast becoming the symbol of new world growth. Export driven and capitalistic (not minding the many state run operations), China found its bearings by producing for the West. Now, it, too, is transforming into the consumer society it once fed. It is becoming a center of culture, political power and economic prowess opposite to the US and Europe. It yearns for its rightful place atop the world's governing bodies and is now finding those avenues open. An amazing run that has brought countless hundreds of millions of Chinese out of poverty and into the middle class, the Chinese growth story is captivating. It was definitely one of my top reasons for going; to actually make contact with this system and see it in the flesh, and to understand if it was sustainable.

So is it?... Yes!     ?

Ha, that is the current state of the conversation. Wage growth vs. Inflation, Private companies vs. State companies, Individuals vs. Government, Interior vs. Coastal Cities, Chaotic growth vs. Stability. What wins remains to be seen?


t r a v e l  b e a u t i f u l

p r e m i n c h i n a

My Purpose:

To explore the culture, economics, tourist spots, hospitality and, most importantly, food and beverage of the unknown land of billions known as China.

My Journey:

Fly out March 2, 2011 - Fly back April 4th, 2011

Beijing 

Xi'an

Chengdu

Shanghai 

Yangshuo

Guangzhou

Shenzhen

Hong Kong

Home

What an incredible trip. Surprised. Thrilled. Happy. I booked the trip two weeks before I had left. Although such a short planning cycle, I had envisioned making this trip for far too long. I had initially booked the trip for Aug/Sept of 2o1o, but canceled due to an Emory leadership class that I decided was more important at the time. Finally, it became real. I was set myself free to be mystified by this ancient, character dependent society that, before our eyes, was transforming itself into a global power.

The timing of the trip couldn't have been better as the weather was generally quite pleasant. Yes, quite cool, but also bearable. I'm sure the summer would have been sweltering at best. There was also the annual meeting of the Communist Party in Beijing which added a bit of spice to my stay there. Finally, the tsunami and resulting nuclear catastrophe allowed me to gain a significant insight into Sino-Japanese relations.

Before I left, I had my doubts. How would I be received? Would I simply hate it and believe it to be the biggest mistake in my traveling career? Was I going to be jailed? Would I be able to comprehend hanzi and pinyin? Would there be any meaning to the trip? Was it simply going to be a polluted, mannerless wasteland of corporate communism that would suck the life out of my soul? Would I be moved? and, finally, Was there better out there? Would I regret it?

Yes, lots of questions! Although with any trip, you do go through some hard times (travel pains), for the most part, I refuted all of my worries on this trip and actually LOVED China! How could this happen, you may ask? How does a person that has not a clue about another culture, who is ill-prepared for the experience, and knows nothing of the language or which way he was to be traveling even have a chance at surviving much less thriving in this foreign, non-democratic territory? Well, it's actually pretty simple: Just eat, drink, sleep, talk, walk, dance, question, laugh, smile, love and move like the locals. Doing this, I was loved by those around me and had the best time learning so much about our Red Giant (and Giant Pandas). :)

Flowers in the Pot

The seeds are in the Pot.

They will grow more each day with sun and water.

The Sweethearts will rise from the soil via Spain.

In the pot from Barcelona.

With the soul from Turkey..

A soul that lives and breathes across the oceans.

Ready for the moment. Every moment.

Ready for air. For breath. For life.

A sweet fragrance they give.

Stars shining from their petals.

Their time will come.

The flowers are in the Pot.

Top Ten Lists : Bikinis And Bourbon

Top Ten Lists : Bikinis And Bourbon: "#10: Hamburger
Hamburger means of or from the city of Hamburg, Germany, where this preparation of meat, originally called 'Hamburg Steak', originated. In the U.S., the name was applied to the sandwich as well.
Frankfurters, by the way, originated in Frankfurt, Germany, where they were often served in beer gardens. And wieners? Named for Vienna, Austria."

Desire

Suddenly all the things I have known all my life flash before my eyes, and they mean nothing. The wants, all of the wants, disappear.  The car, phone, papers, clothes, money...the chatter and advice...all of it fades.  The needs pounding at the door do not seem to register anymore.  Food, water...I can feel the pangs no more.  Sweat dripping down my face, down my arms, down my legs, between my fingers and toes, my hair and behind my ears, running down my back; completely, absolutely drenched and, utterly lost. My breathe comes in heaves, blasting away the hope found in the before unthinkable reaches of my lungs and swallowing in all the pride I once had. So loud is this breathing...the confusion of the whys and the unimaginable meeting. The last bit of life in the now numb legs aching from run to a once perceived destiny.  The rug pulled out from under my feet by what I thought was a benevolent God...the unimaginable come true.  Everything you wanted in life, gone; all that remains, the sweet hope to have the only thing you now know you need. But it, too, tries its hardest to convince you it, like all other 'things', is just a false promise leading to another illusion. Wait for hours, hours, hours...no sleep, little food, water, can't sleep, can't eat, just a little water....there are no alternatives, nothing... but what you know you must do. You sleep with the homeless and eat with the birds, buy the ticket and get on the bus...dream of what might register in some time...but it's still unbelievable..this much bad luck, this much loss, sacrifice..emotions torn, spirit shaken, faith deeply rattled...it won't, it can't...keep going. just keep going....it must, please please please please say it must.. let it be mine.. You continue to chant the mantra again and again and again... be mine...     be mine...     be mine.... but all you can see is the darkest abyss as you inch closer to the cliff's edge.  please, be mine... be mine... be mine....legs tense, body numb, mind afloat in the sky... only one thing left to do, to take the leap in all its necessity, the time has finally come. The moment of truth announcing its arrival....

so you jump. 

...to the digusting, hopeless, and gut-wrenching moments we experience in life and the incredible sweetness that all of these moments together, hopefully, come to produce in the end. We find life only when we have come close to death and love only when we have experienced great loss.

Once devoid of hope, I have found my all. Thanks.

Sleepless in Dallas

AAhhhh. I am unable to sleep. Can't stop thinking about Istanbul...about all of the Turks enjoying Victory Day, running the Nike Human Race over the Bosphorus Bridge, singing and drinking and dancing to the best music ever (Turkish). I really can't stop thinking about the Fragrance (as I will now call her). I got home at midnight last night (Aug 30th), went to bed at 1am, and woke up at 4am...just tossing and turning. Asking myself why I left...why didn't I just stay. I know reality though. It isn't that easy. It takes time for these things to work themselves out as it takes time for everyone to adjust. I shed tears when I think about what I left behind. I am soooo excited about the future, but that's just it...it is the future. I guess I am a bit greedy at the moment. It's as though I need to smell, hear and see her to sleep now..to function really. I put a little of the perfume she gave me around my neck and on my pillow to see if it would help and, actually, it did. Everytime I took a whiff of that intoxicating Fragrance, I felt much more relaxed. Some things I am doing to help me relax: sending emails, uploading pictures of the trip to facebook, listening to some songs that remind me of our relationship, replacing the wallpaper of my computer to a picture of her with these beautiful flowers we picked up at the Polat Renaissance Hotel in Istanbul (after we got bumped off our flight), and writing about it every second I get! (like now :)

I feel so lost at the moment. As though the engine of my boat is elsewhere. The fuel is missing. I'm pretty sure all of this will change once I hear from her, see her..the most special Fragrance. Maybe then, I'll get some sleep, drink some apple tea, have some Turkish Delights (the ones she bought me at the airport) and, finally, be boosted by all of this.

I'm still so confused as to how I am here in Texas though...everything that has happened over the last 36 hrs is lost on me. It feels like an absolute blur. My bags packed, little sleep, very very sorrowful goodbyes, being bumped, then another last night, then more sorrow, then the actual departure to jfk...then movies, music, food, a few hours of sleep, crazy man next to me always complaining about blah blah blah, then jfk, wait wait and wait, and finally a tiny plane to dfw and then wait an hour on the ground with my bags and finally the family picks me up..then trying to not sound as though I'm disappointed, explaining my stories to deaf ears (how terrible a thing when no one really cares...)..then I see the emails and am excited for a few hours..then off to bed but not really and no real sleep..now it is the 3oth..the human race is today..I want to run it, but I have no energy...no one is running around here.. bummer...ok, eat some food, get some sleep... got woken up by a phone call...now I'm here. Uploading pics, again, to facebook and writing this post on my blog. Still in a state of confusion...aahhhhhhhh. Help?

Keep it a secret then. The future is bright. We have been blessed by God, our relationship can't be described..how beautiful it is. That's it. Just don't dilute it. Keep it within ourselves and our best friends, if that, and continue to work on growing and establishing a better way to communicate across the world. Eventually we will meet again and dance through the streets again and embrace each other again...feel that existential high. Que rico siento! Hold onto the things we have so tight. Keep the memories we have so close. Keep our eyes even closer. Mi amor, yo veniendo! muah. - to my Fragrance and my inner self; to anyone who has someone so very special across the world.

We Made It!

Well, after these 4 weeks, it looks as though both Jb and I have avoided the Greek and Turkish jail systems, all of our limbs are fully functioning, and we still have a little (very little!) cash in our pockets. From the bustling city of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys and caves of Goreme to the magical waters and ruins of Olympus and on to the Blue Cruise from Olympus to Fethiye with 13 crazy French/Aussie/Portuguese/American passengers to Saklikent and Pammukale and then to Selcuk and Ephesus and off to the Greek (Party) islands of Samos, Mykonos, Ios, and Santorini and finally back to the enormous, cultural capital of Turkey, Istanbul, we have survived and even picked up some souvenirs for you guys!

Besides the motorbike accident, the hospital visit, the refugee situation and my slugfest with the motorbike owners (along with the police ride), we made it alright. That isn't to say we weren't depressed after running 7k with our bags across Mykonos only to be shutdown at the port and watch our ferry release its ropes 30 seconds before we got there or not ever getting picked up at our hotel or ferry in Greece or paying out of our rears for ever disco, club, ruin and toilet? (yes, toilet) out there. But we counterbalanced those pay-me-now situations with our own lawless instincts developed in the backwaters of Texas (i.e. walking through a swamp literally in the Roman ruins of Olympus to avoid going through a tollbooth or walking into other hostels and having breakfast or evening acting like a local by cartwheeling or dancing in the street to make some extra cash, etc.).

Overall, it was one of my better trips with all of the adventure, partying, cultural exchanges and excursions, and, of course, the donner kebap! (lots and lots and lots of donner and souvlaki..many times a day or night if you catch my drift) That isn't to say that I didn't spend the most money I've ever spent on a trip or regretted using an overpriced travel agent help us poor backpackers to stay at equally overpriced hotels (budget: $3000, reality: $6000, ouch!) Lesson learned here folks. Do NOT use a travel agent if you have half a brain. The mistakes are a part of the joy of traveling. At least when you make mistakes, you can blame yourself, and if you do something great or see something unique and fabulous, you can thank yourself and adjust your travel plans accordingly.

So let's see...adventure, partying, cultural yoohoos, and, oh yes, the most important event on the trip...the women! Turkish women are amazing. They have this exotic flare to them, belly dance and cook a great meal to start. Of course, I am speaking from my experience here with my "fragrance"...your results may differ, that is if you have results. ha.

Ok, so, yes, if you need any guidance, Mr. Amor is here for ya. I got the lay of the land backwards and forwards from Istanbul to Constantinople..wait a sec...Istanbul is Constantinople! right right. Yeah, but regards, I'm your man.

Mama loves you babies! t r a v e l b e a u t i f u l , prem

Live from Istanbul

I can feel the end coming closer, by the second, as the wind brushes through the blades of grass in the park close to the Aya Sophia. Four weeks of bliss. Four weeks of pain. Four weeks of discovery. Four weeks of sickness. Four weeks of love. I have lived all of those at one point or another. Luckily, this time around 'luck' is now on my side (most of the time). Love is now the word in the air. Full-fledged, passionate, can't-stop-thinking-about-you, I'll-do-anything-to make-you-smile, you-are-my-only-one, dancing-in-the-streets, sleepless, exhausting, energizing, fulfilling, sweet sweet L-O-V-E love. I won't mention a name. Simply a fragrance.

Paolo Nutini's Musical Journey

New Shoes...
Jenny Don't Be Hasty...
Last Request...

:)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kg_KCsi6aw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogepRpymMT4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFrKBrlZYPY


this guy is really the best.

Feist - 1234... tell me that you love me more

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3vIv1EwO5A

how can anyone not like this song? it makes me smile :)

A Thousand Splendid Suns, Khaled Hosseini

Just finished reading the novel on the plight of two women in Afghanistan; really, I am shocked, profoundly moved by the material. Really puts into perspective the meaning of equality. How twisted it may get when placed infront of different looking glasses; how interpretations of ancient doctrines dictate every inch of a woman's freedom and force it deep into the soul, unexpressed and deeply repressed. The inherit right of a male to beat his woman as if another animal in his herd. Any machismo thoughts in my head quickly dissipated when I saw how soon the ideas of reputation and honor are pushed into a girl's life (and how they are not in a boy's). She gets married at 15? to an oaf who basically pays for her? pays to beat her? because her real father does not want to see his bastard child, harami, wow. mother hangs herself b/c she has been outkast to the woods. finally, she is executed because she killed the man that beat her everyday and was in the act of murdering his other wife? wowee.

Hosseini's writing style, the way the plot leaves you at a loss for words, and the notion that this is reality in many locales around the globe leave me speechless, confused as to what i can do... if anything.

I really do hate this feeling, but see the brick wall that we all see; this is a culture, a religion, a LARGE part of the world. can you change all of that simply for the sake of some Afghani women?

i really hope so.

Significant videos...