Africa kicked my bottom.

no way around it.

I went with an idea, a good idea,

but no money.

no visas.

and not understanding how things work.

it wasn’t SE Asia.

and I wasn’t prepared.

that’s all it is.

it scared me, but to not have been shaken would be strange.

but I still tasted African soil.

which is what I wanted.

I wasn’t ready.

I most certainly wasn’t ready.

so, with barely enough to afford the airport taxi,

the bank of parents were called – even though they don’t have any money.

33 and calls his parents.

at 33, my Mother was taking care of a 9 year-old me,

at 33 my Father was providing for a family of 4.

something to think about.

dinner in Addis, breakfast in Cairo, lunch in London.

it sounds great, no?

but I was ready for something familiar.

2-3 months I can do – haven’t I already said that?

Nat Geo – here’s where I stand with them,

and here’s how it went.

they had an idea, much like mine.

we traded emails and calls,

they ‘shut down’ during the blizzard in D.C.

said we’d reconvene as soon as they were back to the office.

and that was it.

I’m not upset, it was a compliment to be called.

but I’m disappointed, as they know what a call like that does to someone.

and so, the rainy south of England.

I’ll stay here for a month or so,

make a few pennies to get back Stateside.

and then…

oh, f- it.

I’m done planning.

tea – that’s as far as I’ll scope.

a nice cuppa tea.