I'm out of excuses...

When I last updated you on my spring break trip , I told you about my overnight train ride to Kuala Lumpur. I've given up on giving lots of details and writing about the trip day-by-day, but I have prepared a very nice slideshow for your enjoyment with pictures from KL. (I still need to put up pictures from the Batu Caves--sorry!) So, without further adieu...



I know I've been horrible about posting my pictures from this trip. It really was incredible--and inspirational, since it made Maureen and I decide to plan our RTW 2009 trip! Since I'll be home soon (2 DAYS!) I can show you all more pictures. Just ask!

However, if you want to skip ahead and read someone else's account of our time in Ho Chi Mihn city (Vietnam) you can go here: Kyle & Dan's blog

They even have pictures that look almost identical to some of my pictures! (-: They are much more thorough writers than I am, but interesting, so if you have some time, you should read it.

Happy Birthday Georgie!!

It’s official…

Yes, I am moving back to Texas. On July 18th, I’ll fly away from the place I’ve known as home for the past 2 years and go back to my first home. It’s still pretty surreal to think about, but I’m slowly getting used to the idea of being back in the states. Most of you that I saw in May (when I was home for the Duke wedding) know that when I was asked, “Are you excited to move back?,” I replied with a resounding, “Umm, not really.” You’ll be happy (or maybe not) to hear that I actually am looking forward to being back home. I’m not excited to live in the states, but I am excited be back with family and friends. Of course, along with that, I’ll miss so many people that I’m leaving behind in Japan. It’s still a concept I’m getting used to…leaving Japan. It just seems like moving back to the states will be the end of all the fun of living somewhere else. Recently I was reading a book and the author (J. Maarten Troost) said something that perfectly explains how I feel:

“I had grown accustomed to life being interesting and adventure ridden and, rather childishly, I refused to believe that this must necessarily come to an end and that the rest of my life should be a sort of penance for all the reckless, irresponsible, and immensely fun things I’d done before.”

Of course, he ended up moving to a small island in the middle of nowhere…and that doesn’t seem like such a bad idea either.

I’ll be taking a few trips when I get back (to Austin and Minneapolis—in that order). I also really want to take a trip on the Amtrak. I think I should test out the good ‘ole USA train system. Of course it will be very disappointing compared to the shinkansen (bullet train), but it should still be entertaining, nonetheless.

Anyhow, I will see many of you soon—so get ready. I want some Mexican food!