There's No Place Like Home

To me, writing is like a muscle and, when you don't practice it enough, it atrophies. Simple as that. I'm trying to ease back into doing that which I love oh-so-much so please bear with me in the interim.

Allow me to tell you a story, then.

I met a boy while traveling. His name is Roberto and he hails from Madrid, Spain. He's been traveling around the world and mentioned that one of the most beautiful places he's been to in his travels was Colombia (yeah, the country well-known for salsa, coffee, and, oh yes, cocaine - and Shakira!).

As it so happened, I participated in the jetBlue All-You-Can-Jet deal wherein between 9/8/09 and 10/8/09, you can travel anywhere jetBlue flies for $599. Surprisingly enough, on top of a lot of major US destination, jetBlue also flies to the Caribbeans... and Colombia. Kind of odd, I thought. But remembering that Roberto had mentioned Colombia in our many conversations, topped with the fact that I've always wanted to go to South America, I decided, yes, let's fly to Colombia. And I did.

Roberto told me that if I went to the same city he did, he would tell me about a particular hostel to stay at with, who he described to be, the nicest man who worked at the reception desk that he's ever met. So at this junction, I'm basically thinking that my quest is a little strange, but sure, why not? I'd love to meet the nicest man you've ever met.

Not to spoil it or anything - but the man (Jairo Andres) turns out to be one of the coolest people I've ever met as well. And I'm glad for the opportunity to talk to him in between Club Colombia beer runs with fellow hostel-mates.

The thing that really stuck with me in our conversation was his genuine desire to see more of the world. Normally, my yuppie guilt would kick in right about then ("Why do I get to do all these things and he doesn't? Just because I was born at the right place, right time? Life is so unfair!!!") but I just calmly shared my travel adventures with him and encouraged him to start local and explore his town, region, and country. I had read in a book a quote that said (to paraphrase), "Sometimes a person can learn more from a walk around the block than others from a trip around the world." I agree with that to some extent because if you're traveling just to do exactly what you would be doing at home anyway, why bother? Whereas with those who are more observant, give them just a city block and they'll learn all that and more.

I gave him my email address so hopefully he'll stay in touch, especially if he's ever in this neck of the woods. Going around to so many places has made me really love the area/city that I live. San Francisco is pretty friggin' amazing, constant fog-infestation and unswimmable ocean aside.

It's good to be home.