A Big THANK YOU and Call for Feedback

I just wanted to say "Thank you! Thanks! Gracias!" to YOU!!

Yeah, y'all look decidedly good
on the '80's headboard.

I've had a roller-coaster week here, full of ups, downs, and new experiences and friends. Knowing that I can write this, that you wonderful people will read it, and that I'm maintaining some semblance of communication open with all of my family and friends is pretty much the most magical feeling in the world.

So... thank you. Thankyouthankyouthankyou. You provide me with the will to keep documenting, laughing, and dreaming my way through this blog and the adventure I'm on! I hope you're enjoying my writing so far!

Now I want YOUR input. 


I'm slowly starting to settle into a rhythm with the blog, and it's exciting. I'm slowly finding my writing voice again after a long absence. Things are looking up for the future... maybe because posts about food are popular? (YESSSS.) I recently started a new series where I dare myself to eat weird stuff from the supermarket - for science, of course - and I'm looking forward to that. I'm planning on continuing my series on eating out, covering street and restaurant food & drink - don't worry, your food porn is about to come back with a vengeance (I've got pictures of every dish from the wedding!).

This is what's on the bottom of the picture of my sister and I.
It's a pretty awesome fortune.

To help me sort, filter, and understand my complicated ideas about traveling, I've started a series on what I've learned so far, which I hope you like (although I understand it doesn't provide a lot of immediate use for you in the Heartland).

Also upcoming is a series called, simply, "How to Move to Vietnam" and will have in-depth coverage on everything I did (and wish I did!) in the 6 months leading up to my trip and the first months after I arrived. After I start volunteering you can also expect to hear about that, and how it relates to my past experiences in service, including the best volunteering job ever (essential plug: Are YOU in Chicago? Do you want to volunteer with cool people, animals, and nature? Get involved!).

And, naturally, you'll get more tales of my exploits and cultural adventures and (and misadventures, although they remain very manly), personal musings and reflection, and observations on the ups and downs of traveling and life in Vietnam.

I want to hear what you're curious about, cultural and food requests, and anything else Inquiring Minds Want To Know. 

Fantastical rewards await.... 
at least in spirit.

I enjoy the two-way communication that Facebook, Twitter, and blog comments allow us - every post, like, tweet, and comment I get reminds me how far, yet close, you and I are. Let's utilize it - shoot me an idea and I'll write a post just for you! This doesn't have to be a monologue - technology encourages dialogue, and I want to take advantage of it.

Today is my birthday (on my side of the world, at least), and I couldn't ask for a better present than to hear from friends, family, and new readers who are following along. :) I hope to talk to you soon.

And please: keep reading, commenting, sharing, tweeting, and liking!

Love,
Ben