I remember riding my bicycle at age 10, on the streets of India, deliberately attempting to get lost and find my way back. Since then I've learned I love to wander off in new places, create new experiences, and then return back to my starting point and reflect. Like the expression he is a hopeless romantic, I am a Hopeless Wanderer.
The Sextons are my Lexington family. They have taken me in their home, treated me as their adopted son, invited me for countless Thanksgiving meals, Christmas and Easter dinners and various outings. They have also taken care of my mom when she came down to visit. When I returned back to the States after my 'self-deportation' they put me up in their home for an entire month until I found my feet and got settled.
I know my life in Lexington would be much more isolating and challenging if I didn't have them in my life. I can count on them for absolutely anything and I only hope one day I can return back their kindness and generosity.
I met Sharyn at church when I first arrived in 2001. She was in charge of Religious Education at St. Patrick's and also organized a Young Professionals event where I met one of my best friend's Amy. A couple of years down the road, she asked me to volunteer teach Sunday school which really made me discern my beliefs, opened me up to various faiths, and made me grow spiritually by challenging the status quo. We became much closer since we started to see each other more often while I volunteered for 7th grade Sunday school. Her husband Mike is retired Navy and worked for VMI for many years. He is the sole reason I can drive a car with manual transmission. Without practicing on his old blue truck on their hills I would still be stalling. I'm just glad he was patient with my slow learning process.
Sharyn, Mike, Sharyn's parents (the Porters), and I went out to our favorite restaurant: Southern Inn. Sharyn and I are big fans of an Old Fashioned so we enjoyed a drink together to toast to both our travels and talked about the future, my family and theirs, and mutual friends.
Food was delicious as usual. Can't really say much more than good things about the Southern Inn. It is my choice of fine dining in Lexington - even though there are other alternatives. I go there often and am always left very satisfied. Quality food and quality service is just the norm - and I think I take it for granted sometimes.
For my Spain travels they gave me a small but very important parting gift.
Sharyn watched the movie The Way and thought it would be important that I am well prepared for the winter-to-spring transition in Apr-Jun in Spain. The road to Santiago goes through different transitions and different altitudes and possibly weather changes, so it would be best to have a fairly light thermometer handy. Yes, it reads in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. And it does say Blue Ridge Mountain Sports so I definitely have a little reminder of Ol' Virginia during my travels... and who knows what conversations a Blue Ridge mountain keychain will strike up. It is a very small world.
I met Atin and Tinni in Lexington, by knocking on their door during one of my canvasses in Lexington for Barack Obama in 2007. They are of Indian descent so we instant bonded over our shared heritage in culture diverse city of Lexington (sarcasm) that we both live in .
Being ethnically Indian, when you see another person from the South Asian continent (namely Sri-Lankan, Indian or Pakistani) you instantly recognize the shared heritage ... and they do as well. The BIG question is do you nod or smile in acceptance of that fact or do you pretend that you didn't actually see each other and walk away feeling a small amount of guilt of not accepting your own heritage. Fortunately we nodded - I had to ... I was at their front door.
Atin, Tinni and I have shared backgrounds too. They came to the US for school in Mississippi, graduated, got jobs, got their green cards and now are citizens. I came to the US for school in Louisiana, graduated, got a job (soon to be had a job), got my green card, and only have to wait a little over 4 years for citizenship.
Over the years we have run into each other at the YMCA, around tiny Lexington, mutual friends, ... I wanted to reconnect with them because they are my closest "peeps" in area. I do have some close Indian friends in Roanoke, but none except for them in Sexy Lexi. Since there is no Indian restaurant in Lexington we went to the next best thing: Latin American food at Mano Taquira. It is amazing and very reasonably priced. I don't think there is a better DEAL in Lexington. Also, if you like a little extra kick in your food, then get whatever you order with the salsa verde.
They took me out to lunch, we talked about India and the US cultural challenges for non-Indian residents in the US who have culturally assimilated in the US to visit India which is going through its own evolution. Since they are well traveled, I asked for traveling wisdom and Atin was quick to share some 'really good advice' for single traveling Indian men. :P I'm still chuckling about it Tinni. Too funny.
And of course no Indian reunion is finished without an Oscar-styled Ellen-attempted selfie.
Photo bombed by the Mano Taquira staff ... Grrrr
Reaction
Reattempt.
We resigned to traditional pics. Indians cannot do good selfies (sigh).
When I was a practicing Catholic, I used to attend mass/services at St. Patricks Catholic Church in Lexington, Virginia. I had gotten to know the Campus Minister David Kaufmann very well. He became a good friend and a spiritual advisor during my time at St. Patricks. Over the years, I left the Church in search of my own sources of spiritual growth. However, we still stayed in relative contact when seeing or running into each other occasionally in town. Just like old friends things picked off where they were with warm hugs, and friendly chatter.
Sometime last few weeks David, I and his wife Angela have ran into each other at Lexington Coffee Shop. David with his son, and we caught up again and I told them that I was leaving Lexington and planning to do the Camino in Spain followed up a trip across the US. Apparently they watched the movie The Way as well and were contemplating walking a pilgrimage possibility at some point in the future when the moment was right so our conversation about the Camino/Spain deepened.
I am always intrigued how the universe or God or 'insert your favorite spiritual name for a higher power or higher being' weaves old threads back together. Before I left Lexington I wanted to see them one last time. There is something deeply spiritual that I reconnect with when I'm around them.
They look me out to lunch at the local Kind Roots Cafe. Food there is always great, although being located at the YMCA - as opposed to perhaps downtown Lexington - is a little odd.
Before I left, David gave me a card and a pouch. The card explained what the pouch contained.
Over the past twenty years, David has used these prayer beads as a part of his spiritual path and he offered them up to me on my journey to use it as I please. What an amazing gift!
I'm looking forward to wearing it on my wrist during the Camino to remind myself to be present to the current moment, embracing the "nowness", and being unattached to the past or future, and allowing life to unfold naturally instead of focusing on following a master plan. Sometimes the right people connect with you at the right moment to give you the right message. Are you listening?
The weekend arrives. I wake up and after getting through my morning routine I realize that instead of starting my weekend at the office, I should take a much needed break before going back to the office grind. I go to my favorite weekend hangout spot: Lexington Coffee.
I'm perusing through the facebook newsfeed but my mind is still really at the office. Okay, I need a distraction.
I find myself at Walkabout Outfitters in Lexington digging through their shoes and their backpacks contemplating what to buy for my trip to Spain. After trying out some equipment, I return back to the coffee shop and think about calling my leisure day off and returning back to the office and the phone rings.
My two close friends Mary and Amanda are going to meeting up in Charlottesville, Virginia for a fondue dinner and want me to come join them and their families. Say what, fondue dinner. SOLD!
I drive up to Charlottesville, visit Ragged Mountain Running Shop, and explain to them about my travels and my shoes needs. I try about three pairs of shoes, walk up and down in them. The one great thing out Ragged Mountain Running shop is they watch you walk/run and assist you in picking up the perfect shoe. After trying about three, I decide on one that is hugs the shape of my feet, is breathable, not too light or heavy, has good stability for with my stride, and appropriate padding and grip for the various conditions I am about to endure in Spain. Seriously didn't think finding a shoe would be that hard but I'm feeling good about it.
Now, off to dinner with my girls.
The six of us (Mary, her husband Ted and their son Andrew, and Amanda and her husband John) sat down around 5:30 PM. I think we left around 9:30 PM or so. All I remember is
I was starving before dinner. I had to loosen my belt at the end.
We all got caught up in each others lives and other mutual friends lives.
Andrew provided endless entertainment with balloon disappearing acts, eye pokes, and various other acts of cuteness that would take a separate blog post to describe.
Appetizers: the cheddar cheese fondue (aged, medium-sharp cheddar and Emmenthaler Swiss cheeses, lager beer, garlic and seasonings) and the fiesta cheese fondue (cheddar cheese blend with lager beer, jalapeño peppers and salsa made as spicy as you like.) served with chips and veggies
The lone salad without the dressing (you know who you are)
Main courses of sirloin, duck, pork (and yes, I can eat pork - thank you for asking only me dear waiter), shrimp, sausage ... cooked in a traditional season court bouillon (fresh seasoned vegetable broth) or the Coq Au Vin (burgundy wine infused with fresh herbs, spices and mushrooms.)
And who could forget the two different chocolate fondues we had. Actually I forgot their names... but they were too visually appealing to pass up on appearance - despite the enlarged bellies. They were served with fresh strawberries, bananas, cheesecake, rice krispies treats, marshmallows, pound cake and brownies.
You should totally check out The Melting Pot. OMG! Expensive, delicious, and worth it!!
During my Camino in Spain, I will be passing by La Cruz de Ferro. La Cruz de Ferro is a huge iron cross on the Camino de Santiago and is located between the towns of Foncebadón and Manjarín on Section 6 of the French Way.
It consists of a wooden pole about five feet high surmounted by an iron cross, a replica of the original preserved in the Museo de los Caminos in Astorga. At its base there has been a mound forming over the years. A legend says that when the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela was being built, pilgrims were asked to contribute by bringing a stone. The tradition is to throw a stone here, brought from the place of origin of the pilgrim, symbolizing what the pilgrim want to leave behind and get ready for rebirth on the last part of the Camino.
I have known James and Lucia since I starting working in Lexington for Sigma Nu in July 2001. James was one of the executives who hired me. Over the years he and his wife have been great friends and thoughtful, inviting me over to spend the holidays when most people are with their families - since mine are scattered all over the globe. When my mom came down to visit they were very kind to her inviting her and I out for dinner and welcome her to the United States and notably Lexington.
They took me out for dinner on Thursday at the Country Club in Lexington. I've always thought New Orleans, Louisiana had the best fried oysters, but the fried oyster appetizer at the Country Club is also to-die-for. I could have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner the next day. Do they accept to-go-orders from non-members? Seriously, do they??
We haven't spent time with each other collectively in while, but once we just sat down it felt as if we had seen each other yesterday. We caught up on old times, talked about the future, all things Sigma Nu, happenings in both our lives, someone's upcoming birthday, and the wonderful island of St. Lucia that they visit every year.
During dinner they gave me a card and going away gift. And after reading the gift cover I knew it was perfect for my journey.
It is transparent stone with an encased angel hugging/holding on to the world a.k.a Travel Angel
The front reads:
Wherever you may wander
Wherever you may roam...
May the Angels journey with you
And safely bring you home.
The back reads:
Use this Stone in whatever way feel right to you
Put the Stone in your pocket or purse to use as
a touch stone reminder that you are
indeed "Protected by Angels."
Some hold the Stone in their hands to use
as a Worry Stone to let go of stress or worries...
Others imagine Peace and Serenity flowing
into their lives as they hold the Stone.
However, you use it, know this Stone
has come to you for a reason...
I knew you had to bring a stone from your city of origin for the Camino. But it totally slipped my mind. Not sure if Lucia (who picked it) pre-planned it since they have a friend who has also done the Camino, or it was just mere fate/co-incidence. But I know that after I held it in my palm, I felt called to use it as my Worry Stone, my temporary cross to bear, transferring all my life's burdens, stresses, and worries on to it, before placing it on the pile of La Cruz de Ferro ... and leaving them behind as I walk away towards Santiago de Compostela.
We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us. ~ Joseph Campbell
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler - Let The Good Times Roll!
Living in Virginia on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) makes me homesick (relatively). I miss The Big Easy - New Orleans, Louisiana. So when the New Orleans themed restaurant The Quarter opened in Roanoke, Virginia and started having a Fat Tuesday event, I routinely organized a get together with my local Saints fan club and celebrated the occasion.
This year I didn't plan on going down to The Quarter; primarily being stingy by saving money to fund my travels to Spain and across the US. But sometimes the universe knows better. I had to drive down to meet up with my friend Hetal to review and discuss health care options post employment. As a side comment: She is truly a genius at what she does (Healthcare Broker with Benefits Group, Inc.) and was able to assist me quickly. I highly recommend her if you need assistance with the Affordable Care Act and HealthCare.gov website. In the meantime, my friend Samantha, Robyn and Dave found out I was coming into town and asked me to join them for the Mardi Gras celebration at the Quarter. Wow, I cannot believe that just happened - so I agreed to celebrate after my meeting with Hetal.
After enjoying a short meet up with the gang, I said 'probably' my final goodbye to friend and fellow Saints fan Robyn. I will miss you and the times we shared together.
Dave has never been to Jack Brown's, and I found out that my 100 notch shirt FINALLY came in. So I coaxed Dave and Sam to walk down check out JBs and celebrate getting my shirt.
What is JBs and the big deal about a 100 notch shirt? Let me tell you ... When I used to visit Harrisonburg there was this restaurant that specialized in beers and burgers. They had 100+ beers available and a simple but delicious burger menu. If you drank 100 different beers you would get a free 100 Notch shirt. I'm mean seriously after donating all that money & tips for a 100 different beers 'the damn shirt better be free!' :-D The shirt is personalized and there are discounts and special privileges that are tied to being 100 notch club, 200 notch club ... A couple of small but important rules, you must drink all the beers yourself* and you must drink at least a beer once every two months, otherwise your log is discarded.
I started my first sheet in Harrisonburg, but found it difficult to travel there consistently since most of my friends lived in Roanoke, Virginia area. When another establishment opened in Roanoke, I decided to commit to it. Started in Apr 2013 and finished in Jan 2014.
Now, there are many similar establishments across the US like JBs, but what appeals to me about them is the following in ascending order:
the dive bar feel - including the noticeable variety of bras hanging from the chandelier.
a burger that comes a haberno pepper on it.
the variety of beer, frequently changing mini-kegs, and steal-a-pint events.
the friendliness of local patrons and visitors
the quality of service by the staff
the sassiness of 'my girlz' and the camaraderie from 'my boyz'.
A small shout out: whoever manages their fb page and fb group/person does an aggressive and awesome job of fb advertising/marketing their product.
I drank down the 100 beer on Jan 11th 2014 with the worst beer ever - my choice though. A classic Pony Miller High Life served by one of my favorites Haley. Actually Natty Light or Michelob Ultra probably would have been worse.
The local - 300+ notch - patron George who drank my 100th with me.
And the staff who celebrated with me - minus Sarah (who doesn't do pictures).
Okay girls ... I know you are over-analyzing the pictures now... so get over it. I don't look perfect either. :P Secretly, Sarah is saying ... see this is why I don't do pictures.
Back to Fat Tuesday where I pick up my 100 notch shirt with my Ali Baba name tag and celebrate with my friends Dave and Samantha.
Jack Brown's, thank you for the service and the celebration of the journey to a hundred: Ian, Sarah, Haley, Jessica, Lesley, Joyner, Heather, Brandy, Trevor, Raymond, and one more person ... whose name I just don't remember (Sorry!)
Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler - Let The Good Times Roll!
Almost three years ago, around June 2011, I wanted to get something off my bucket list. I wanted to skydive. I kept postponing it for another month and year over and over, and eventually decided that it was unacceptable. If I really wanted to do it, I should make the plan to do it. So I set a date (July 7th 2011), sent out a note to all my friends and asked if anyone wanted to join me. Steve and Barbara jumped at the opportunity. It was our first jump ever, and we headed off to No Limits Skydiving in Victoria, Virginia - in the middle of nowhere.
Steve and Barbara went first on the tiny Cessna airplane. They were testing out the equipment prior to my jump.
And then I jumped out tandem with Kris. It was an amazing experience. One I will never forget.
I enjoyed it sooo much I went again and again and again. But the next 11 were all non-tandem jumps with instructor supervision and mostly at Skydive Orange in Orange, Virginia.
Over the next three years Steve, Barbara and I would occasionally run into each other at the local summer music festival, restaurants and bars, and sometimes in the streets of good ol' Lexington. So to catch up and say goodbye they took me out for a last Lexington lunch on an almost perfect Spring temperature in early March. Can't beat those Macados boneless wings on Sunday!!
In discussing about my upcoming adventure to Spain and US, I learned Steve has traveled to all 50 states. Wow, he is an amazing travel resource. One day Steve, I will catch up with you on the 50 count - and if I'm fortunate maybe by September 2014.
I also learned that if you want to find a significant other, get a puppy, go to the nearest Veterinarian Clinic and ask for assistance. Play the 'I don't know anything about taking care of dogs' card. Good one Steve. :P
