Update coming soon

Well hello, world!

I am currently in an internet cafe in Montevideo, Uruguay, eager to get out into that late summer sunshine taunting me from the window. (Don´t worry, I am wearing sunscreen!)

Just wanted to say that South America is awesome, everything´s going swimmingly, and I will update you all very soon with Buenos Aires highlights (there are many), my trip to Montevideo (yes, I saw cousin Jake!), and plans for the next 2 weeks on this fine continent (hint: they involve my good friend Malbec). I´ve got photos and everything. You´re gonna be thrilled.

For now, I would like to share this poem that the illustrious Theo shared with me. I have copied it into my notebook and read it often, for inspiration and strength and to be reminded of the beauty of journeying.

Please Bring Strange Things


Please bring strange things.
Please come bringing new things.
Let very old things come into your hands.
Let what you do not know come into your eyes.
Let desert sand harden your feet.
Let the arch of your feet be the mountains.
Let the paths of your fingertips be your maps
And the ways you go be the lines of your palms.
Let there be deep snow in your inbreathing
And your outbreath be the shining of ice.
May your mouth contain the shapes of strange words.
May you smell food cooking you have not eaten.
May the spring of a foreign river be your navel.
May your soul be at home where there are no houses.
Walk carefully, well-loved one,
Walk mindfully, well-loved one,
Walk fearlessly, well-loved one.
Return with us, return to us,
Be always coming home.

---Ursula K. Leguin