Day Zero: Evening Arrival

 

No euphoric feelings of belonging yet.  No miraculous epiphanies spontaneously springing from the people or the streets.  No pervasive thoughts of permanent settlement racing through my mind.  After having arrived at the airport a little while ago, so far it just feels...cool.  We'll see how the next 99 days unfolds but, for now, I'm just happy to be here for a little while.  
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* The lovely girl to the right is my friend Athena, my gracious hostess for the next few days.  A once and present Hawaii resident, she is also a former Bruin classmate, a one-time New York neighbor, and a perpetually nice person.
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In order to make the girl to the right happy, I have posted a picture of Winston below.  Winston, of course, is her stuffed sheep buddy and my temporary night-time companion.
In addition to the picture is the following:
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"Ode to Winston"

Oh Winston, my Winston
Little little sheep,
White as snow, we all know,

Your cuddliness makes us weep.


Our little Winston,
So fluffy and so true,
Friend of friends, you make us glad,
Without you we'd be blue.


Oh Winston, our Winston,
With baby at your side,
In our minds, you are the tie that binds,
And now Athena can smile wide.