Trains & Boats & Planes...

Will bring me back to where I come from. Those trains and boats and planes will bring me back to you, bring me back to you.

It is 3:30 PM in Bangkok and I am sitting at an outdoor cafe at a famous gay spa called Babylon. I just had the most amazing 90 minute massage (yes, it had a happy ending...you had to ask...Can I get an Amen in the house) well it should end that way because this entire odyssey should have a happy ending.

The first thing I did on this odyssey was to go to the Grand Temple. That is where I met the British sisters who reminded me of Maggie Smith and Judy Dentch. I did a long prayer in the temple to ask the Gods to look after me. I asked the Gods to keep me safe, help me grow, find people to laugh with, have unexpected experiences, make new friends and throw a little magic my way. I went back to temple to thank the Gods for hearing me and giving me more than I ever imagined.

I have no idea who I am these days and my travel buddies say you only know once you return. I feel different inside my own skin, my mind feels so much clearer and I am deeply proud of myself. I know that many people travel this way but I haven't.The last time I traveled for months alone I was 19. I can't tell you how it makes me feel when I open my passport and see those 8 countries stamped all over it. I had a certain degree of fear before I left. The fear was mosty the fear of the unknown. I have l always heard that as we get older we get set in our ways and I was no exception. I needed to shake myself up, scare myself, leave the comfort of watching design shows, challenge myself and walk out of my life. No, to actually walk away from my life. I kept saying to myself quietly like a mantra "Jon, walk out of your life so you can walk back into it.

I board a plane early tomorrow morning and will travel for 15 hours. My friend Matt, who's heart is bigger than the journey I have taken will pick me up. Once I step out of that airport I will begin to walk back into my new life.

I had a fear that this blog would be boring and just me rambling on...I have a propensity to do that. I thought my stories would be like people showing you their vacation photos, after awhile you just get bored. Because I have been living and breathing this experience I was not sure how interesting it would be. I then realized the blog was for me. Kudos to Allison, when she first mentioned it I thought is was a horror flick. Whoever wanted to share the journey came along for the ride. I carried all of your hearts in my hearts and I laughed and talked to many of you often.
It only seems appropriate that I end this blog with these words of Joni's.

California I'm coming home. I will see the folks I dig, I'll even kiss that sunset pig, California I'm coming home. Will you take me as I am, will you, will you take me as I am, California I'm coming home....California I'm coming home.

One Love,

Jon