I think it hit me.
by Zac on Aug.21, 2006, under Design
Today the words left mouth like so many slippery snakes. “I leave in ten days”. I’d said it ten times already today. This time it came out just as easily, just as proudly, just as boastfully as every time previous. When I heard it this time, something happened. Something I didn’t expect. My stomach sank. My conversation suddenly didn’t matter, as it fell from my lips, tumbled down my esophagus, racing through the linings of my stomach and settling deep into the dankness of my intestines. I felt it. It’s really going to happen. I’m leaving.
So many people ask, “Are you crazy? Mexico City?”. The answer escapes me. Perhaps, but I’d be crazy to stay. I’ve been dying. Having George W. Bush for a President. Having Hitler for a landlord. Working for people who don’t care about anything but their bottom line. What about life? Give me death if it means a full life. Give me street corner muggings and new friends and hugging. Rejoice. This is MY choice. I could stay. I could get a job. I could be just like you. I could get a car and drive everywhere I go. Just like you. Just like everyone else. But I’m not you, and I’m certainly not everyone else. I’ve never followed convention. I’ve never been one in the crowd. Even when I was in, I was consistently skirting the outside. Now, now I plunge. Now I am ready. Now I have never been so nervous, so anxious, yet so ready. When I first decided to leave, I wanted a travel partner. Someone to share the experience. Someone to help ease the burden of the weight of 30 million people tossed upon your back. Now, I know. I can only do this alone. This is my experience. To the ones I love, I plan on seeing you again.
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August 30th, 2006 on 6:46 pm
So as the words left my mouth; Zac leaves today!
Right on Zac, passed through my smile! What a great adventure; what a life expereince; what a gutsy thing to do. I’m really proud of you Son.
Keep your journals up to date and let the rest of us expereince the adventure through your eyes and thoughts. Have a most wonerful exventure and remember “you get out what you put in”.
love DOD
August 31st, 2006 on 8:15 am
I think that it’s really brave to go from pre-packaged life American into the unexpected. It won’t be as scary as everyone is picturing it will be. It’ll be an amazing adventure that you’ll end up learning a lot from. Good luck, Zac. You’ll have a great time. :)
September 9th, 2006 on 12:02 pm
Zac, you are doing exactly what I have wanted to do all of my life. I almost did it too, when I was much younger than you, but your grandparents wouldn’t let me go. I would have done it when I was your age if I wasn’t already married by that time, and living the “conventional” life, lol! Have a wonderful time, and savor each and every moment, and each and every experience, but do be careful, please.
Con mucha envidia y esperarle tenga una experiencia maravillosa!
Tia Aimée
September 9th, 2006 on 12:45 pm
Zac, you are doing exactly what I have always wanted to do all of my life; what I almost did at a much younger age than you, except your grandparents wouldn’t let me go. I would have done it at your age if I wasn’t alread married by than, and living the “convential” life :-)
Enjoy everything, savor everything, and remember it all!
Con mucha envidia y esperarle tenga una experiencia maravillosa!
Tia Aimée