United-States on Kelvin Nicholson

Home by Christmas, but Not for Christmas

Fri, 17 Dec 2010 10:30:00 +0000

I’ve recently returned from a short trip home, and I had a wonderful time. I had the opportunity to visit family and friends, eat plenty of delicious food, and generally relax. I reduced the amount of old belongings stored under the house by 80% and gave away all my old books, which are archived on Goodreads.

Quick Trip to Hawaii

Sat, 27 Jun 2009 10:30:00 +0000

I closed my eyes, imagined being 16 again, focused on driving on the right-hand side of the road, and set off.

I had just returned from Hawaii for Ian’s wedding, and what a fun, fast-paced trip it was. I left work a few minutes early on Thursday and went straight to the airport, where I boarded my 6:00pm flight to Honolulu. The flight was slightly bumpy, and I tried to sleep. My airline of choice was Jetstar, which was mediocre as always (imagine flying EasyJet for ten hours), but I knew to plan ahead.

A Long, Long Flight

Mon, 16 Oct 2006 10:30:00 +0000

In the previous few years, I had been fortunate enough to travel a lot. International flights no longer fazed me.

After my exam, I jumped on the MRT to Taipei Main Station and had some lunch. Knowing that aeroplane meals are built for “average” appetites, I decided to eat more beforehand. Lunch was mediocre but filling, and I went upstairs to the bus terminal. The bus was already there; it left every 20 minutes or so, and I had plenty of time, but I still purchased my ticket and ran for it.

ATL and Coups

Tue, 19 Sep 2006 10:30:00 +0000

I am still in Atlanta, spending time with my sisters. One of them has just married, which is why I came to visit.

One of my sisters is raising twins and a four-year-old, so I have been helping wherever possible. Time with family has been good. Last night, I drove one of my sister’s friends to the MARTA station so she could continue to the airport. On the way home, however, I became slightly lost. There were not many turns, but the distance was considerable. My sister’s directions included an uncertain street name, while my mother’s map had the wrong address circled, albeit one that seemed consistent with the directions. Eventually, I found my way home, ate some good food, and fell asleep.

Football in the Hills

Fri, 09 Sep 2005 10:30:00 +0000

Today we wandered through the hills above Santa Barbara, exploring a maze of valleys before reaching the top of one. As we looked over the city, we talked about the “good old days.”

A concrete pillar stood nearby. After climbing onto it, Ben said, “I bet I could throw the football to Pav.” Both Ben and Pav had played football in high school, while I had been learning how to use Red Hat Linux 5.2.

Sleep, Errands and Cliffs

Thu, 08 Sep 2005 10:30:00 +0000

I am keenly aware that I am getting less sleep — tomorrow night, in particular, is going to be painful. Tonight will most likely be the last night I sleep in the United States for quite a while. What an adventure.

After briefly reading my last entry, I realise just how tired I was. In fact, my browser died halfway through writing about my day… We woke up, and luckily my packages arrived, including my airline ticket from Seoul to Kuala Lumpur. I’m very lucky! We ate some mac and cheese for breakfast and discussed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Status: Near Sleep

Wed, 07 Sep 2005 10:30:00 +0000

Many people are afraid when life becomes uncertain; I am embracing the uncertainty that will shape my life in the near future. My previous journeys have all been documented in some form of journal — this journey will be no different. Let me rewind and share the last few days.

I am no longer in Portland. That city has given me so much insight into the real world, along with experiences, compassion, tolerance, and hope (no pun intended). The time has come, however, to start another adventure. I’m nearly done with my education at Portland State and feel confident that I am prepared for the next stage in my life. The weekend I left Portland was hectic, naturally, but relaxing at the same time.

Almost Packed and Ready to Go

Tue, 07 Dec 2004 10:30:00 +0000

It is 11:00 p.m., and my flight leaves tomorrow morning at 10:00 a.m. I finished packing, though. Hurrah! I made copies of my passport, I am eating my last meal, and I am ready to go. I just have to call my parents in the morning to say one last goodbye and send a few emails. Give me a mission, simple or hard, and write in the guestbook! I don’t plan on being homesick (sorry, y’all), but every hello will make my day better. Talk to you from Europe.

Welcome Back!

Mon, 15 Sep 2003 10:30:00 +0000

The flight back was just fine. In St. Louis, I called my friend Sarah from New Zealand, and after arriving in Portland, I transferred this 50-page journal to my computer. Two days later, I started working, but more happily than ever before!

If you have any questions or want any tips, please go ahead and ask. There are certainly things I wish I had known, and the next time I go back to Europe, I will not repeat some of the same mistakes. One thing I will admit: those two months changed my perspective on everything.

Goodbye #2

Thu, 11 Sep 2003 10:30:00 +0000

[I wrote the following in the U.S. to sum up my trip.]

I finally arrived in Munich and quickly caught a train to Venice. I met Christy in Venice early in the morning, and we wandered around all day. She showed me her hostel, which was nice but expensive, and then the rest of the city. I was surprised by how dirty Venice seemed. I had imagined a romantic city, and although the canals were amazing, it did not feel especially clean. Not Amsterdam dirty, but not exactly pristine.

The Big Prep

Sun, 13 Jul 2003 10:30:00 +0000

The idea of going to Europe was circulating in the back of my mind for a few weeks. Financially, I was secure, at least for the summer, and I had a few jobs when I came back. Why not go to Europe? Routinely, I check for inexpensive airfare, but from Portland, Oregon, airfare across the Atlantic is always going to be quite expensive.

My decision to go was hastened by two friends, Sybil and Ashley, who were also considering the trip. Sybil was planning on studying in Barcelona for a few weeks, and Ashley just wanted to visit. The three of us all worked together and consequently booked our tickets at the same time. Through STA Travel, which had the cheapest tickets we could find, we acquired tickets for about $850. I also spent another $800 or so on my Eurail pass: two months of unlimited travel, which I intended to use fully!