back in Seattle

[astroterr]

and I wish I was still on the road. I have not seen any of my long time friends from home yet, only my parents and my cousin who lives here with them. I already miss my friends from Kathmandu. I am not quite sure of what to do with myself here in Seattle, in the comforts of my own room in my parents house. I'll find my purpose here soon enough.

My friend Steven wrote this poem a few days ago, and while it is not about me, it does capture some of the essence of the travel friendships I have made and the people who have shared my life for the last three months.

We met along the way to different destinations,

Since changed since meeting,

Because we both understand now,

After starting out here,

That your plans can change,

That you have the power to change them at will,

As experiences can change the willing,

Along the way,

And we both understand that,

At times you meet friends,

For four-days then forgotten,

While other times,

You will find like-minds,

To not soon, if ever,

You fail to remember,

The short time you had with them.

I have to remind myself,

Of the single-serving friends, backpacker creed,

You’ll have friends for as long as you’re in town,

Or they are.

Out here,

You can hope to meet again,

But not plan for it,

Or help it,

Just accept it.

Attach yourself only to the wandering,

And retain memories of good times.

But nothing more.

If strangers are the friends you haven’t-yet met,

Was a faith in the world to have,

Then Danielle bolsters that belief,

In me,

And I’ll miss,

Her