Tag: world

June 24, 2019 – Crosslake, Minnesota

And I’m back. I can’t say that I ever really pictured coming back to Crosslake for round two, but here we are. I visited Mari and Syr (my first hosts) recently, and Kaia happened to be in town …

March 6, 2019 – South Lake Tahoe, California

“You really inspired me! I’m giving away all my stuff and leaving at the end of the month.” STOP IT. Are you serious? I’m nearly in disbelief as I read a Facebook message from a friend and fellow …

October 31, 2018 – Yankee Hill, California

And so my stay here nears its conclusion. Emotions typically escalate toward the end, and have a tendency to come from both ends of the spectrum. Sad to leave these wonderful people and this peaceful place behind. Uncertain …

July 10, 2018 – Petaluma, California

Thus begins the depressive slide into normality. Living with family, working a cush job, spoiling myself with television and increased alcohol consumption. Not for a lack of trying: I’ve sent messages to hosts listed in the Petaluma area …

May 28, 2018 – Sausalito, California

What a nightmare. It’s Memorial Day in Sausalito, California. Countless tourists flood the streets. They come to see the sights, visit the shops, enjoy the weather. With this view of San Francisco, who can blame us? I’m walking …

February 13, 2018 – Lutsen, Minnesota

So, it’s not exactly a new place. But this time around, there are plenty of new faces (along with many old ones). The amount of redundancy is further curbed by holding a new position in addition to the …

February 22, 2017 – Bozeman, Montana

“Are you building a wall?” I ask the young boy at the bar as he places multiple check presenters upright and positions them next to each other in a row. “Yeah, it’s Donald Trump’s wall!” I laugh out …

End: Year Two, Bozeman, Montana

Reflections: 2016. Two years in now. Although my year in Montana has come with more surprises than my year in Minnesota, I’m feeling more adjusted to my “routine of change.” It seems I’m becoming more of a seasonal …

September 28, 2016 – Seattle, Washington

“How do you know when to stop putting everyone else’s needs above your own?” …the gentleman sitting across from me asks, rhetorically. He’s holding both of his arms out, palms up, painting a picture for Miri and I …

August 10, 2016 – Bozeman, Montana

Our food system in this county is appalling. Working in the food service industry for over ten years has shown me plenty about America’s wasteful habits, but this is new to me. Dumpster diving. Not necessarily your typical …