A few years ago, I was crossing the desert somewhere in Death Valley, when my jeep (a 4 wheel drive open vehicle) gave up the ghost (an expression that means: it died). So I took what water and food I had, and set out on foot. I knew it would take me at least 3 or 4 days to get back to anything resembling (looking like) civilization. So, using my small pup-tent, I slept through the rest of the day, and traveled at night, when it was much cooler. Doing that took less physical exertion (effort), and I was able to stretch what water I had. Even so, after 2 nights of traveling I was running out of water, and had already exhausted (used up) what little food I had.
Just as the sun was coming up, I happened upon an Asian man sitting by a campfire, eating what looked like a large lizard, which he must have cooked over his fire. He offered me some of the lizard, and of course, I accepted. It tasted just like chicken, but the best darn chicken I had ever had. I asked him what he was doing out in the middle of nowhere, and he said, "I'm on vacation," with what sounded like a bit of a Chinese accent. Taking a stab (a guess) at it, I asked him why he hadn't gone back to visit the mother country. He said, "China is in my heart, no matter where I am. I never travel without Her."
He got me to thinking, and I realized I was carrying all my family and friends, all the people I love, in my own heart, on my journey. They are a part of me, it seems, that I can't leave behind. So, I suppose loneliness won't be much of an issue (problem). But it must be getting crowded in that heart of mine. I might have to be careful about how many more hitchhikers my heart picks up along the way. Or maybe, I'll just have to see if I can grow my heart a bit bigger.
Anyway, since I'm writing this, you can assume I survived my time in Death Valley. I think on my next vacation I'll see about crossing the Pacific on a raft. I know, it's been done before. But not by me.
That's it for now. Eddie (Edgar) keeps interrupting me for head-rubs. It's pretty hard to type while you're giving a head-rub. With your nose.
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