the end is nigh

it sounds dumb but it took me until this afternoon to realize that ill be back in the states tomorrow. ive always been aware of my 27 nov departure date but it was the combination of an overcast sky, chai tea latte, dull booze-induced headache and a stretch of vacant road outside the akasaka-mitsuke metro station that finally made it emotionally hit home.

a final glimpse of asian sky

after 3 months in asia im curious to know what will it be like to be stateside. i dont look forward to being overwhelmed by the white and obese, this xmas seasons old navy commercials or the agonizing verbal stumbles of our beloved leader each night on npr. i do look forward to reuniting with my family and friends during the holidays and the ease of familiar cultural nuances and routine.

im happy to say that months on the road has changed me. im curious if my altered physical predilections (and behavior) will revert and how ill bestow greater hospitality on friends and strangers. asia has been a remarkable host to its wayward longlost hybrid son and im grateful. with a mix of relief and trepidation, its time to get back to work.