From Arizona to Amsterdam

It was definitely a good idea to stay with Lyn's family in Arizona prior to our departure. The stay provided a buffer between the hellish last two weeks of moving out of our house and the departure day. We could handle few last-minute chores and preparations with calmer minds and attitudes, thanks to Steve and Tracy who made us completely at home.

We enjoyed the scenery of the desert and the hills. They were gorgeously illuminated by the full moon, the night before we left the US. I did a little meditation under the moonlight. It definitely eased the tensions and nervousness for the beginning of this trip. Although I had expected an agonizing sleepless night, I fell right into a short but deep rest.
Tracy. Bless her heart. She took us to the airport at an extremely early morning hours and sent us off with loving hugs.

We reflected how calm we were at a coffee bar inside the airport. The calmness continued even during the flights. Is this the clam before the storm, or are we still exhausted, or maybe the new reality hasn't just sunk in yet? We would find out soon enough.

Our journey has started.

Empty House, Full of Heart

Our house was empty in the morning of the day we drove out of San Francisco Bay Area. But our hearts were full of gratitude, excitement, sorrow and all kinds of mixed emotions.

For vacating our house, we had tremendous, tireless help from Dave and Monica, who spent three evenings of their time for helping us. We underestimated the amount of efforts to move out of our house, and their helping hands were hugely valuable. We also had young strong muscles of Kaya and Tashi from Santa Cruz, when we moved out all the furniture into the storage. We can’t thank them enough for their support.

After 10 years of living in our house, we accumulated so much, even though Lyn got rid of a lot on eBay and we thought we were conscious of living lightly. How much stuff do we really need to live? I got sick of looking at them as they were being stored away, and it actually felt good that we had this opportunity to think about it.

On the other hand, we really felt what is really important in our lives. Not just words. We felt it. Our family members and friends kept calling us with the kindest words. We are truly blessed to have them. It’s a kind of realization that we might confirm during this trip, but we experienced it even before we started.

We both had a mentally hard time with leaving Willow behind. Willow did sense and eventually realized that we were leaving to somewhere. She followed Lyn around within 3 feet during the last few hours at our beloved home. She knew.

We drove out of our neighborhood around noon. Arizona was far, we were exhausted, but we pressed on. It was about 2AM when we arrived at Steve and Tracy’s house at the foot of desert hills just north of Phoenix.

The moon was getting full.

A Bon Voyage at Jill & Robs

A Big Thanks to Jill and Rob for hosting a terrific gathering of some of our oldest friends at their home in Marin. It couldn’t have come at a better time, as all the details and planning was beginning to wear me out. Both of us were really looking forward to a few hours kickin’ back with friends.

Jill suggested that I bring some of my artwork and set up a mini-show in her living room. Renata picked out the pieces to bring, and on Saturday we loaded the car with art. We set up a corner of the living room with easels to hold the framed work and a print bin for the matted work. Many of these old friends had never seen my art before, and I think were pleasantly surprised by what they saw. Maybe now I can get them down to the South Bay for an art show after we return.

Kathy suggested that we pin up a world map and list up the places we are planning on exploring. The list became a world geography quiz. Claire had to bring out her world atlas book to help find some of the places. A few of the stumpers were Ahmedabad, Lake Baikal, and Ulaan Baator. (Do you know where these places are?)

Soon the house was filled with familiar faces, and the table began to overflow with the bounty of a potluck. Then, before dinner, a spontaneous circle formed holding hands and our dear friend Wumby said a beautiful prayer sending us out into the four corners of the globe. Rob chimed in saying “YOU GUYS ARE THE EYES OF THE WORLD.” Well, that’s what Jerry sang, “Wake up to find out that you are the eyes of the world.” It’s true; we are ALL the eyes of the world.

As the evening progressed, goodbyes were said, and the house began to slowly empty as friends went home. 2am came and went, and then 3am, and before I knew it, it was 4:30am and I was still in conversation with a few women. It was a magic hour, and we sat outside by the fire discussing the depths of life.

A few hours with friends turned into an all-night slumber party and we finally found ourselves on the road home around 3pm on Sunday, exhausted from all the fun, but strangely, completely refreshed and ready to get back to the details of planning for our departure. Thanks friends, you gave us a big shot of love and support right to the heart.

Welcome!

Welcome to Global Fusion!

First of all, to all those of you who have been supporting us in so many ways, from encouraging words, making suggestions and critiques, sending us recommendations for our destinations, to making donations, and buying Lyn's artwork. THANK YOU! Without your help, support and encouragement, we wouldn’t have made it this far.

Now, we are busy in the final stages of our preparations.

Our house has been rented!

Our other concern was our cat, Willow. She is an important member of the family, and we agonized about how she would be affected by our departure. We are much relieved, now that one of our neighbors has kindly volunteered to adopt Willow. Ever since she was introduced to the family, she has been visiting them regularly.

Taro had been busy with a project that finally came to an end last week. He gave notice to his employer, and his last day will be Friday, April 16.

Lyn has rented a storage space, made some reservations for accommodations, arranged travel insurance, and started packing. She has been filling up her iPod with some of our favorite music, too.

We are looking forward to seeing many of our local friends at the NorCal Fusion Bon Voyage Party at 12 Galaxies next Monday.

The flight to our first destination, Amsterdam, is May 5. Three weeks and counting...