Saturday, February 16, 2008

fate smiles on the bold

Cheeky fucking bastards. I almost want to thank them. Almost. The thieves turned in my passport to the US embassy (my first time on US soil in about six months). Hopefully, I'm picking it up tomorrow morning. Too bad I had to bribe the local police $130 to sort this crap out (at least I'm getting this bribery thing down - you know, you can actually haggle a bit with the right attitude). But whatev, after a bit of a stumble, what do you do? Get back on the damn pony.

To answer a few questions: No, they didn't have weapons (thank goodness, or things could've turned out much, *much* worse). Yes, I was somewhat, though not incomprehensibly, drunk. No, it wasn't a friendly mugging, they did actually attack first and didn't bother with the niceties of asking for my money (which I would've frickin given to them happily, stupid punks). Yes, I busted out my (albeit drunken) ninja skillz, and yes, that's why they didn't get all my valuables. I don't really condone violence, but they struck first, and by the way my knuckles look and feel, I bet they don't feel too good today. In other news, it's really hard to do shit when your hands are messed up. Fetching stuff from my pockets hurts like a bitch.

Sorry for the somewhat less-than-eloquent message this time, but I just wanted to let you all know how much I appreciated all your emails of support - seriously, it's what got me through this day. Knowing all you guys are backing me up means so indescribably much when you're this far from home. And I wanted y'all to know I'm a little shaken, but I'm shaking it off, and pushing on to Vietnam as soon as documentarily (I don't think that's really a word) possible. (I know it's a bit cliche, but those fuckers can't hold me back.) You'll have to forgive me, as Vietnam will utterly lack any visual corroboration (see: stolen camera). But I've got a new notebook, so maybe we'll have some nice pretty reports from the front again.

I'm aiming for the jungle again in the Mekong delta when I cross over to Vietnam; peace, quiet, and some immersive, enveloping nature should be just what's needed for some recharging.

Thank you all again for all the shout-outs; it means a lot, and it just makes me miss you all so much more.

Your point man on the front lines.

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