January 2, 2005
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1:15am
back in my friend’s apt. in Baltimore
Just got back from ESPN zone. Pulled in another $100 tonight, definately got stiffed on some tables, $4 for a table of 6, $80 bill, but, that’s city kids for ya. I’ll admit, working at a restaurant makes you want to tip more, but, when I go out to restaurants, I generally feel I’m paying too much for food anyways, and so I’ve never been a big tipper. So…when I get stiffed, I can certainly understand not wanting to drop another $3-4 after overpaying that much for a burger to begin with.
Saw Lost in Translation today, heard it was good, saw the appeal in it, but it didn’t really keep my attention. The one part I did love for those who saw it, was when Bill Murray nearly gets killed on one of those ski exercise machines. Now…i’m about to pop in Anchorman for some cheap laughs.
So, to my readers, a question. What did you learn or experience this past year that is memorable to you, that in some way changed your life or your impression of the world? My years don’t really run Jan-Dec, but one thing I know for sure since last Dec. is there is no sensation in the world as good as being a traveler in a foreign country. Waking up with the complete freedom to stay or go where you are, to be a tourist or a local, to be outdoorsy or veg in front of the tv, to spend the day alone, or with a new friend. My experiences traveling in both S. Africa and here in N. America this past fall really showed me that travel is my passion, and that it is not simply a phase in my life, but something I will always work so that I am able to travel more. Reflecting over the past year, I also see just how much America is ethnocentric. Anywhere in the world, you still sense many things American, beginning with the language. Being home, I lose any sense that a foreign world exists. I haven’t heard the following words since last May:
“lekker,” “jol,” “boerwors” “briie” “matrics” “castle lager” “windhoek,” “baakie,” “sundowners,”
you can’t go a day in South Africa without hearing those words, yet, those words don’t exist here. It’s so strange to me. I’d actually love to open an international hostel in America one day that had theme rooms of a bunch of different cultures, all the best foods like kabobs, falafels, fish and chips, tapas…
Also strange to think that a year ago I was just beginning to use xanga…now it’s second nature. I’ve “befriended” a few people, whose names I don’t know, but who have taught me much, and probably know more about my life than 99% of my friends and family. Certainly, I’ve had my eyes opened more from this online community than any other I’ve encountered, and I look forward to what the next 12 months will bring.
-dan
Comments (1)
one thing that definitely had an effect on me was attending, and getting teared up at a same-sex union ceremony (gay marriage) and reception. i’ve really come to understand and feel passionately about the priority of equal rights for the lgbt community within our patriarchal, recalcitrant greater american culture.
another thing was meeting my biological mother for the first time, and learning the truth of my genetic heritage. but, of course, there’s too much to that to say here.