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Date:
June 8, 2002
Hello from Lancaster.
I hope this email finds you all well.
My hometown is located in the eastern part of the
state of Pennsylvania halfway between New York City
and Washington DC. The area is know for the Amish who
embrace a simple lifestyle. They shun the use of
electricity and cars.
I arrived home after 32 hours in airplanes, buses and
airports. I was praising the service I received form
LanChile airlines. Then they lost my bicycle in
transit. They found it two days later.
The culture shock that expected on my return home
never materialized. I was overjoyed to hear a NYC
accent at JFK airport. Within hours of my arrival home
I was surrounded by familiar sights, sounds and
smells. The local farmers fertilize their field with
manure. Buenos Aires seemed like a distant memory.
I socialized and ate heartily for 14 days. I enjoyed a
curious phenomenon that accompanies and returning
loved one. Everybody wanted to feed me. I happily
obliged their wishes. Friends came from North
Carolina, Florida and Massachuesettes to see me and I
was interviewed by my local newspaper.
My primary reason for returning was to attend my
stepdaughter`s graduation from high school. My
presence fulfilled a promise that I made to her many
years ago. As I watched the ceremony I felt pride in
her accomplishment and regret for missing her senior
year. She starts college in August. I love you Ali.
I have decided to end my trip after Europe. I will
return home and move back into my house for Christmas.
My reason for this choice is fundamental. I feel my
talents and energies are better served at home for the
next few years. The cycling has become redundant for
me. To continue beyond Europe would be more compulsive
than enlightening.
I do desire to see the " rest" of the world. My
passion for travel has increased with time. I intend
to become certified to teach English overseas. My
future hope is for several one year contracts in the
country of my choice. I believe by working in the
community I can absorb much more of the politics,
history and culture of that particular area. Where
will I teach ? The wish list is long. The beauty is
that I have the remainder of my life to explore.
During my time at home I discovered what really intimidates me. It is not a
14000foot mountain pass, foreign culture, headwinds or a lack of
knowledge of what tomorrow brings. What I find daunting is the struggle
to obtain happiness in familiar surroundings. Where it is so easy
to repeat the mistakes of the past.
To those that I did not see when I was at home I hope you understand.
Today I depart for England and I invite you all along for the ride. Dennis
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