Two Years After

Two years ago today, I made one of the biggest decisions in my life:

I embarked on a one-year journey to South Korea.

It represented a defiant abandonment of established norms in my selected career choice and an unapologetic challenge to outside influences. I elected not to labor in the finance industry - which I majored in - rejecting the rigid structure of Corporate Finance and, instead, opting to explore new alternatives abroad.

And dammit, I grappled with that decision: I risked faltering behind other graduates who obtained positions or internships and/or studied for post-graduate education or certifications. Moreover, I wasn't certain exactly how joining the English Persons in Korea (EPIK) program to teach English in a South Korean public school would bolster my resume or business-sense. But that Tuesday morning - consequences be damned - I began the journey toward a new life in South Korea.


It is extremely important to understand, however, that working in Korea did NOT change my life - it was how I utilized this opportunity to unlock new possibilities and challenge my vaporous habits. I read. I wrote. I studied. And I read some more.

I shattered my illusions of stability. And it was incredible.

- New Dreams -

Fueled by the confidence I developed in Korea, I pursed a dream that I previously buried because it clashed with expectations and norms - I decided to live in Taipei.


I aspired to obtain a financial job in Taipei, so I planed to enroll at a school to a) secure a visa, b) buy time while I searched for work, and c) improve my Chinese abilities. Although I never achieved my goal of working in a financial institution (not surprisingly, my technique of door-to-door job interviewing failed), I acquired more than I expected....


....and a few friendships that will last a lifetime.

Furthermore, while in Taiwan, I drastically revolutionized my understanding regarding love and happiness. I also endeavored to launch a business idea, spending hundreds of dollars and devouring hours and hours of time. Ultimately, it failed - that's another funny story - but it taught me a few things; most-importantly, that I possessed the confidence to chase an idea no matter how arduous or how far away it stood.


I would once-again employ that ability in Australia.

- South Korea: One Small Step Giant Leap -

In hindsight, if I did not travel to Korea, I may have never attained the courage to effortlessly jump to new locations and never discovered my abilities hidden within. I might have never pushed the limits of life and gained a wealth of experience. Ultimately, that one-year teaching contract in Incheon mutated into a twenty-three month odyssey around the Pacific Rim.

At the moment, I'm back in Los Angeles, biding my time and searching for work. Although I initially struggled with my return to the United States, I slowly accepted it as an unscheduled detour and an opportunity in disguise. What's next - Australia again? Costa Rica? Malaysia? Argentina? Italy? Antarctica? I have no idea. I'm certain, however, I will be ready when the time arrives.


- Before And After -

Although I experienced a dramatic physical transformation in the last two years, the most radical change occurred internally. In short, I no longer worry about money or the future. I plan, but without craving. I seek, but without desire. Sure, I have a variety of preferences, but I won't suffer if they don't come about.

It wasn't easy, though. You tend to feel lonely when no one shares similar beliefs. When no one sees what you see, and when no one thinks how you think. Sometimes it's frustrating, and sometimes it's magical - crazy to think it's only been two years.


Two amazing years.

Expect The Unexpected

It was quiet.

I stared across the peaceful water on a cool night towards a sleeping web of steel, glass, concrete, and electricity. I could barely sense its vital signs. I peered over my shoulder - no one. I sat at this enormously famous landmark - typically brimming with tourists from every corner of the world - seemingly discovering it for the very first time.

The Victoria Harbour, the natural divide between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, offers some of the most spectacular views in Asia, boasting a unique blend of timelessness as well as human development and ingenuity. The waterfront of Kowloon presents stunning and unabated views of the glittering Hong Kong skyline.

Yet when I woke up that Tuesday morning, I had no clue I would be there.

I had no clue I would go to Hong Kong.

And unbeknownst to me, I was already kicking off what would be an incredible two-day adventure.

What a way to finish 2010.

- It's A Beautiful Morning -


Tuesday, December 28th was a gorgeous, sunny day in Taipei - the kind where you wanted to ditch your responsibilities, lay in a grassy park, and watch the the clouds roll by. For a Winter's day, it was unbelievable.... so I brought my camera.

Smart move.

My schedule was simple: visit the Immigration Office to get my Alien Registration Card (ARC) - providing full, legal work status - then head to work. By three o'clock, I sat with an immigration official and happily awaited to receive my ARC.

Only I didn't.

It turns out they uncovered a significant error in my application process:

In late-September, I arrived in Taiwan with student visa, which expired that Tuesday. However, a few days prior, I received a certification from the Taiwanese government to grant me a fifteen-day visa extension because my employers had nominated me for an ARC. Walking into the Immigration Office that afternoon, I thought I acted in a prompt manner to obtain my ARC.

However, they failed to notify me that I needed to bring that certification to a police station to complete the extension. As a result, they deemed I could not receive my ARC, and I overstayed my visa.

I needed to leave the country.

- Murphy's Law -

Horrendously late, I raced to work and explained my situation with the school's staff. After contacting their head office, they recommended that I rush to Hong Kong, obtain another Taiwanese visa, and return to finally receive my ARC. However, because each additional day in Taiwan would accrue more fines and penalties, they suggested I leave immediately, conveying my sense of urgency to the government.

As the staff dialed travel agencies for last-minute tickets, I combed the internet for information about exactly what I need to accomplish. A few helpful English-teaching forums explained my objectives:

1. Proceed to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Hong Kong, located near Central Station in a building called the Lippo Centre.
[Many countries do not host Taiwanese embassies; instead, they carry diplomatic missions, which provide similar services. The office opens at 8:30 AM.]

2. Apply for a resident visa and request a "same day" service (not free).

3. Obtain the visa and return to Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the school's staff secured my tickets, which departed at ten o'clock that night and returned the same time on Wednesday. The tickets cost 8,000 TWD, and the school's director paid me about 4,000 TWD in advance so I had enough funds for my quest.

I left for the airport around six. I didn't even have time to go home.

- Leaving On A Jet Plane -


After a journey via the High-Speed Rail (HSR) and bus connector, I arrived at the Taoyuan International Airport irate and frustrated. The worst moment occurred when I had a spat with some officials over their miscommunication between front and back offices: one official claimed there was no fine, but another disagreed. Ultimately, they penalized me 2,000 TWD for overstaying one day and probably gave me kidney failure for good measure. I silently proceeded to the security checkpoint.

Would you believe I knew the woman who inspected my bags?


Interestingly enough, I arranged no accommodations in Hong Kong. In my haste to leave, I merely planned to sleep at the airport and venture to the city in the morning. However, when I arrived at Hong Kong International Airport, I found no place to unwind; aside from uncomfortable chairs, the only other rest area had expensive prices. Fortunately, I visited Hong Kong a year before and recalled several hostels in the Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) area of Kowloon - I decided to try my luck there.

- The Adventure Begins -

Sitting in the Airport Express train, I chatted with an American businessman who, with his iPhone, searched for some hostels in Kowloon. He found a few located at a building called "Chungking Mansions", just south of TST Station on Nathan Road. "Great," I thought, "I'm familiar with that area."

I alighted at the cavernous Austin Station around one o'clock and wandered towards the exit. I could barely grasp how the city looked as I strolled through the vacant streets - somehow, in one of the densest areas in the world, I could only hear the breeze and echos as they bounced around the buildings above.


Journeying along Jordan Street, I scouted different "accommodations" for a warm bed and some much-needed rest. The first place allowed me to stay for thirty minutes if I paid for a handjob. If I sought to stay the entire night, I had to pay for sex. [The last thing I wanted at that moment was sex in a shithole. If I actually paid 8000 HKD to stay the night, I probably had more issues than Jet Magazine.] At the second location, several young, scantly-clad women lined the hallways and the hostess acted very pushy. As I inspected the room, I wasn't exactly sure if it was a whorehouse - but it certainly exhibited all the symptoms.

On my way out, I shared a very awkward elevator ride with an older gentleman and his mistress.


Several minutes later, my hunger brought me to a McDonald's on Nathan Road for a Big Mac and fries. There, I met a suspiciously-friendly Pakistani who explained he could provide whatever I wanted - weed, hash, heroin, ice, cocaine, etc - I felt like I was at Whitney Houston's house. After receiving an angry call on his mobile, he left the McDonald's and I sat dazed, wondering what would happen next.

Eventually, I located the Chungking Mansions. The lobby overflowed with loiterers and starkly contrasted the quiet streets outside - groups and groups of Africans, Middle Easterns, and Indians waited around for nothing. Surprisingly, I was the only Asian-looking person there. I trekked upstairs in search of lodging and found only decrepit hallways, broken doors, and garbage.

I left with much uncertainty and mulled over my next move.


- All Night Long -

Something about late-night decision-making always appears so brilliant at first, yet truly awful in hindsight. Around three-thirty, I devised my new plan of action:

Refueled on caffeinated beverages, I would walk to the Kowloon waterfront - encompassing the Star Ferry pier and the Avenue of Stars - to rest and watch the Sun rise over Hong Kong Island. "It's only four hours," I thought, "I can do that."


For the first hour, I felt alive and privileged - on a serene night, I enjoyed an amazing viewpoint in solitude with a brilliant backdrop of careful angles and towers that spiraled into space. It was breathtaking. I pondered briefly about life and all the steps that brought me here, and I couldn't help but crack a smile.

Soon, however, fatigue settled in. The area lacked a spot to lay and rest, and I eventually tried in vain to nap against a wall that sheltered me from the increasingly-chillier winds. In total, I attempted to sleep on a gentle staircase, under another staircase, and behind a few buildings. Finally, I discovered the secluded area where the homeless slept. As they snored on the their cardboard boxes and pillows and snuggled under their blankets, I realized this fact:

They were more comfortable than me.


A while later, twilight began scratching the sky above. I leaned along the water's edge, savoring the changing of hues and patterns of the skyline. It appeared as if the city opened its eyes and slowly turned its gears to power the day.

With that, I headed to TST Station and started my voyage to the TECO office.

- It's A Beautiful Morning, Again -


Crawling into Hong Kong Island, I entered the Lippo Centre before eight o'clock and napped outside the TECO office. After successfully submitting my application, they advised me to return at four-thirty that afternoon to obtain my visa.

Now the real fun began.

In the Bank of China Tower, I stumbled upon free-internet access in a coffee shop and, via Facebook, found contact information of several, local friends. I borrowed a phone, called them, and we arranged to meet at the lobby of the famous, HSBC Main Building at twelve o'clock for lunch.

Awesome.


In the meantime, I strolled around the area, playing tourist and admiring a rare, crystal-clear day in Hong Kong.

Enjoying dim sum with friends I hadn't seen since January easily compensated for the difficulties that plagued my adventure. Eating, laughing, sharing experiences from the past year, and reminiscing over memories helped us forget our problems and anxieties. Sometimes it's easy to lose sight of the importance of great friendships; I'm thankful for those moments when we truly recapture that.


- Good Afternoon -

After we said goodbye, I stumbled across a hidden treasure, adjacent to the Central Business District, called the Hong Kong Park. It juxtaposed the intensity of the steel jungle with a tranquil enclave of flowers, trees, birds, water, and gardens. I made sure to melt away a few hours in this urban haven.


Two words accurately conveyed the emotions I felt at that park:

Pure bliss.

Crazy, but true. I hadn't a care in the world - no worries, no stress, no responsibilities, no attachments, and no concerns about work - I was isolated from them all. No concerns for the future. No concerns about money. I slept alongside the homeless and overstayed a visa - and I still brimmed with happiness.

When nothing drains your energy, you can fully enjoy the present moment.

"The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling truly alive."
-Thich Nhat Hanh

By four o'clock, I revisited the TECO office, grabbed my visa, and rendezvoused with a high-school friend at the International Financial Centre. We shared a lot of great memories - it was incredible experiencing them again. A few hours later, I hugged my friend goodbye and boarded the Airport Express to begin the journey back to Taipei. I realized a few things as I conversed with a Taiwanese woman on the train: One, I probably stank. Two, I looked like an insomnia patient. And three, I had a blast.

Opening the door to my homestay condominium, my homestay mother asked where I went.

"Oh, I just stayed a friend's house," I answered.

- What Are You Doing Today? -

It's often said, "he who fails to plan, plans to fail."

While I certainly agree with the spirit of this proverb, a plan can only guide you so far. Establishing definite goals enormously contributes to success, yet identifying and embracing the uncertainties of life represents the other, more-deciding aspect. There exists a vast amount of randomness, infinite possibilities, and chance happenings that shape our lives - the Butterfly Effect illustrates their magnitudes.

In hindsight, I could have corrected a few simple mistakes to entirely avoid my debacle - but it wasn't to be. The fact is, when I awoke that Tuesday, I didn't imagine I would fly over 1,000 miles, sleep at a tourist attraction, watch the sunrise, reunite with friends, and get fined by the Taiwanese government. In Forrest Gump, Forrest's mother frequently said,

"Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get."

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Seeing The Magic

Sometimes it's just too much.

All of our anxieties and concerns. All of our pressures and expectations. All of those obstacles in life that harass and injure us can sometimes completely engulf us.

Now and again, they viciously strike with no warning and with no remorse or sympathy to you or those you care about. The resulting emotional bloodbath demoralizes you and surrounds you with uncertainty.

But there are also those times - many as there are during our brief existence - where the beauty of life shines forth brilliantly.

How magical.

As I scribble this, savoring a gorgeous and unabated sunset from my seat, the wonder of the Earth slowly but surely reignites itself. I can do no else but peacefully admire the changing hues of the sky as the golden brown light settles for the night. It is at this moment when I remember this humble fact:

I will truly miss all this when I pass. And I must do all I can to appreciate its beauty --

41,000 feet above the Earth.

Dreams Matter

I still remember those overwhelming emotions when I first arrived in Sydney: excitement, adventure, wonder, gratification, uncertainty.... here I was, settling in the most iconic city in the Southern Hemisphere - thousands of miles from home - christening a new start and a new chapter in the novel of life.

I had spent the last seven months in the humid island of Taiwan, learning Mandarin, immersing myself in their culture, and laboring away as a part-time English teacher. In my heart, however, I understood this wasn't, and would never be, my calling - by February, I knew it was time to leave. With nowhere else to turn, I decided to reignite my interest in finance and devise my return to the West.

Honestly, I hunted for jobs with a fervor I missed for years; I almost exclusively resided in coffee shops, searching online for hours and hours (unless I was interrupted by an attractive girl or something); I continuously revised and enhanced my resume, chasing the elusiveness of perfection; I sent email after email, cover letter after cover letter, and application after application. Soon, I rediscovered why I majored in Economics, and why I wanted so badly to pursue a career in finance in the first place: I sincerely enjoyed the work.

One afternoon, I stumbled upon an investment bank which took interest in me.... based in Sydney. It was the opportunity of a lifetime - work at an investment bank AND travel to Australia. I paused to wipe the drool off my chin. The opportunity was simple: beginning mid-April, I would intern for three months unpaid and, if I performed well, they agreed to sponsor a work visa (Subclass 457) and grant me a full-time position.

After much deliberation and careful scrutiny, I finally committed to traveling Down Under and exhausting all my abilities to achieve my goals. I simply couldn't ignore the chance to achieve these dreams.

- New Beginnings -


Seventeen hours and two timezones later, I arrived in Sydney ecstatic and spent the next few days preparing for work and reuniting with Australian friends I previously made. Ultimately, for the entire duration of the internship, I stayed with a close friend from university. Although I struggled to part with some great friends in Taipei, I knew inside we would meet again:

"Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends."
-Anonymous

I journeyed to the Central Business District the following Monday morning, gazing at the twists of steel and concrete above. The city beamed with life - I could sense the electricity of the atmosphere and the echos from the streets. Armed with a new suit, pocket square, and a slick haircut, I marched towards Chifley Tower, prepared to battle and obtain victory. Entranced by the marble halls of the lobby, I found an elevator and exited at the twenty-ninth floor foyer.


The view was breathtaking: stretching from the Oprea House, the Royal Botanical Gardens, all the way to the Eastern Suburbs, Sydney was clear and bright - I could've seen the edge of the Earth. I excitedly awaited my start when, suddenly, an employee entered and told me the office was in a different location.

I never went to Chifley Tower again.

This employee - younger than me, yet also an intern - led me through the streets of Sydney until we reached a tiny office near Circular Quay. Stepping through the glass doors, the company of four employees greeted me with a Vietnam-War-version of a Hero's Welcome: silence, awkward stares, and a pervading sense of confusion. To add insult to injury, the personnel shared quite an impolite and impersonal coexistence. However, I was determined to attain success, so strove to learn and assist in all aspects.

That was Monday.


On Tuesday, I entered the office and met the company's newest intern - who began THAT day - and another girl had already interned for a few months. The situation became more bizarre: the company had four full-time employees matched with four interns. As for duties and responsibilities, I had none; the manager gave me very useless tasks to complete, which I easily finished before lunch.

I remember voicing slight concern because the company so vastly misrepresented itself through their website to a coworker two years my younger. He said, voice cracking with discouragement, "don't be mislead by the website; it got me, too."

Fortunately, the office closed from Thursday to Monday for Good Friday, Easter, and ANZAC Day. Meanwhile, the company planned to transition to a new office, so I hoped for some encouraging signs.

- "What Goes Up Must Come Down" -


The power of the written-word sometimes possesses the strength of sword, painstakingly forged with layers upon layers of steel. Late-Thursday night, I opened an email from my manager, the electronic equivalent of a letterbomb:

Because of the small size of the new office, there was no physical space for me. I could no longer work with the company, effective May 5th.

I hadn't worked an entire business week, and they already squeezed me out. I felt extremely dejected and, honestly, quite embarrassed. The following Tuesday, I explained my situation to a coworker (the one disappointed about the website), and he asked:

"Have you started looking for other jobs?"
"No, I was really dedicated on working here."
"But they said there's no room for you, right?"
"Yeah...?"
"I'd look for work."

I somberly returned home on my final day and felt disoriented regarding my current situation and my immediate future. What the fuck should I do? Should I go? Should I stay? How could I tell all the friends and family, who so-generously congratulated me, my company terminated me after a week?

I vividly recall craving a beer.

In the following weeks, I fielded a few frequently asked questions:

"Is that legal??"
"Didn't they know you were coming??"
"How small is their new office??"
"He didn't even call to tell you??"

To quote a friend from Seattle: "Wowie wow wow."

- Picking Up The Pieces -


It took some time - and some stern convincing - but I decided to search for opportunities once again. With a new approach, I contacted any financial company even-slightly related to investment banking, corporate finance, advisory, or capital markets; I sent emails, made phone calls, and submitted applications, yet I still confronted a range of obstacles: I lacked experience, I could not legally work in Australia (I came with a basic tourist visa), and most-of-all, companies were not hiring.

Internally, I also struggled to overcome the powerful feelings of discouragement, cynicism, frustration, and worst-of-all, resentment. At times, I wanted to give up; I longed for simpler times in Taiwan and pondered my return to America. Other times, I exhibited overwhelming frustration with the job market, Australia, my previous employer(s), and/or whatever scapegoats I could get my hands on. Still worse were the times - and I detest to admit it - where I even experienced jealousy and bitterness towards others.

Look, I don't claim to be a saint; nowhere near it. I frequently grapple with my poor programming, unforgotten experiences, and reckless habits - that should be expected. But we all have the opportunity to improve ourselves and a choice over our response to different stimuli. I won't dwell too much on this, but believe me - we really do.

Afterward, my life became a blur; I lost track of the day, the date, the time, and where my days went. My daily schedule usually resembled:

Wake Up.
Turn on computer.
Search for jobs.
Email companies.
Send resumes.
Make calls.

I actually managed to escape the house - three days a week, I went to the gym (it gave me a good reason to change out of my pajamas). I'd still attempt to play and relax on the weekends, but in the blink of an eye, it was already late-May, and I was still jobless.

- "Hey Brother, Can You Spare A [Job]?" -


As fate would have it, my luck began changing.

One morning, a company I previously contacted asked if I could visit them for a chat.

My heart raced: was this the break I so desperately sought? Hoping for the best and bracing for the worst, I cautiously journeyed to their office to demonstrate my value and give my all. Stepping through the doors, I noticed an enormous contrast to my previous company - this office flowed with life and energy: employees paced about, executing transactions on their headsets, high-definition televisions relayed financial news, computer screens flickered with quotes and trades.... it actually resembled a trading-floor.

I spoke with the Managing Director, Tom, and he suggested I begin as an intern - unpaid, of course - for the remainder of my tourist visa; if I performed well, they would apply to sponsor me for a Subclass 457 Visa. I could only oblige; at least with this company, I had a slim chance.

The very next day, I performed my duties: I called hundreds of new contacts to create leads, also known as "cold-calling." Inexperienced and disorganized, I struggled and returned home worried this internship concealed a hidden déjà vu. Nevertheless, I yearned to succeed, searched for information regarding cold-calling, and aimed to improve my abilities.


By week's-end, I successfully demonstrated an eagerness to learn - much to the delight of my superiors - and gathered more confidence towards my work and future. Although my responsibilities fluctuated over time, I continued to labor with positivity and zeal. With less than a month remaining on my visa (mid-June), I inquired about the possibility of a sponsorship and received only delayed and ambiguous responses.

After much coaxing, Tom decided to speak on a Monday evening with a broker and budding friend, Peter, who worked with the company since its inception, regarding the decision. I would receive the answer on Wednesday via email because Tom would be traveling to Singapore.

On Tuesday, Peter explained it was "really unlikely" the company would sponsor me; he expressed concern that the salary would be too high and did not want me to be "taken for a ride." With this new reality, he recommended I should "enjoy the rest of [my] time here."

I left by lunch.

- Unemployment Now Redux -


After those unpleasantries, I browsed for flights back to Los Angeles. And using a legal pad I stole from work, I started brainstorming below a scribbled title, "WHAT DO I WANT TO DO??:

Keep Traveling -> how?

Problems:
1. I'm running out of money
2. I'm tired of failing

Solutions:
1. Find a job (where?)
2. Start a business
3. Go back to Korea?
4. Go back to Taiwan?

It didn't look great. But, of course, things would change once again.

- Advance Anthony Fair! -


Thursday afternoon, surrounded by the echos of a Westfield's food-court, I received a call from an unrecognized number: the man identified himself as my Managing Director and asked, "why aren't you at work?"

During our conversation, I calmly articulated my displeasure with the situation and explained my dedication to execute any tasks with relentlessness, if hired. In response, Tom petitioned me to return to work and begin training, but I refused - I demanded to know if I would be sponsored. He answered:

"It's pretty much a yes. I mean, I wouldn't have people waste time to train you if we didn't want you.... Look, I think you would make a great stockbroker."

Several smiles and kind words greeted me as I returned to work on Friday.

We agreed to straightforward conditions: the company would sponsor my visa and I would work as a Deals Assistant, obtain my RG146 (a financial credential), and transition to stockbroking. They requested a police check and copies of my passport, diploma, and letters of recommendations, and I happily obliged. Meanwhile, they labored to create a job description and formulate a contract.

News spread throughout social circles and congratulations trickled in from friends and family, alike. New concerns emerged: finding an apartment, studying for stockbroking courses, and devising my budget.... good problems to have, indeed. The company submitted (in Australia, they use the term, "lodge") their applications - sponsorship and nomination - on June 30th.

We soon discovered it contained glaring errors.

- "[Sydney], We Have A Problem." -


On the Fourth of July, with ninety-five-percent of my application completed, I revisited the Department of Immigration's website to verify a few figures, but something was amiss - the numbers had changed.

Unbeknownst to us, the government increased the minimum salary for 457 Visa candidates by almost 2,000 AUD, effective July 1st. Subclass 457 Visa laws stipulate a candidate's salary must match or exceed a minimum threshold and the nominated occupation must originate from a pre-approved ANZSCO (Australia and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) list. The company breached both rules, requiring them to amend their nomination.

The woman conducting Human Resources, Lisa, explained that salary and occupation changes required approval from Tom. Simple enough, right?

Then things turned for the worse.

On Thursday, July 7th, fictitious allegations from competitors surfaced, which persuaded a prominent provider to terminate services and withdraw all accounts. The resulting hysteria caused an estimated thirty-percent loss in revenue in one day. By late-afternoon, the directors addressed all personnel about the emergency and their protocol moving forward. Sadly, my appeal for a change in my visa disappeared in the frenzy. Although my tourist visa ceased on July 12th, I transitioned to a Bridging Visa after lodging my application on the eleventh.

I waited six more days.

Finally, on Wednesday morning, I spoke with Tom and Lisa regarding amendments to their nomination application, and they finalized their decision:

In light of the new difficulties, they withdrew their sponsorship offer and declined to amend the incorrect information on their nomination application.

It was eleven o'clock.

I left at twelve.

- "Stay Hungry. Stay Foolish." -


At this moment, I have not yet purchased my return flight, but I know I will depart soon. The past few days evaporated quickly, but I strove to make them invaluable. I haven't a clue when I will return to Australia, but perhaps more-importantly, I haven't a clue what I will do when I return to Los Angeles.

On a superficial level, this debacle cost me several thousand dollars, months of wasted effort, vast amounts of frustration, and - maybe - an ulcer or two. But upon detailed inspection, although I failed to achieve my dreams, I advanced bravely and thoroughly into my life. Was it worth it? Only time will tell.

I titled this entry, Dreams Matter, because the more I live, the more I realize it is absolutely and utterly undeniable; our relentless and unapologetic ability to dream motivates and fuels our spirit. Catastrophes can plunder almost everything: your job, your house, your children, your loved ones; but you shall always possess your dreams and your ability to dream.

Until my dying day, I will vehemently refuse to accept that humans should achieve anything less.

Sweet dreams.

*Each person's name has been changed to protect their identity.... I'm not looking to get sued.

Memories

Last Saturday was a rainy night in Sydney, so I stayed indoors and combed through all of my photos in South Korea and Taiwan for the best ones.

I was stunned.

It was like I discovered an enormous gap in my memory - I couldn't believe I did and saw all those things. There were so many places and faces I forgot. So many amazing days. So many amazing evenings. So many amazing people. Just the freshness of it all left me speechless.

I could remember the feeling that possessed me when I first snapped those pictures. The wonder that swept my body and captivated me to press that button. That feeling in the air; the electricity of a warm Autumn's day, or the crispness of a strong Winter's wind. It was breathtaking. I could even remember the music that I heard and where I was at the time.

Even now, I still get goosebumps when I hear "Now and Forever" by Richard Marx - I reminisce to the music from my Aunt's car radio while we drove through the streets of Kaohsiung. I remember listening to "This Plane" by Wiz Khalifa through my headphones at work in Incheon. Or jogging to "Oh" by Girls Generation while admiring the view from my gym. Hell, I can still hear the garbage trucks that screeched and echoed through the high-rise jungles of Taipei.

I reminisced about my haircuts near Bupyeong Station, where the gentleman was always so thrilled to see me.... and always greeted me with an extravagant high-five. Or the many, mind-blowing and often-hilarious conversations I shared with strangers - for example, analyzing the butt sizes and shapes of two very cute girls while walking through the maze of stores and restaurants across from the Taipei Main Station. Or the simple things like walking through a quiet Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall on a still night, hearing only the wind and gazing at the moving clouds. Or the smells and sounds of a bustling night-market on a muggy, Taiwan evening.

All of the emotions and memories blew me away. And I smiled. And I remembered why I traveled. Why all of it was worth it: all of the struggles; all of the uncomfortable conversations; all of the experiences.

And I smiled some more.

Of all the sensational photos I took, I decided to share my favorite one (displayed at the top) because of the story that lies beneath. It won't blow your mind, but it's one that I hold dear to my heart. I hope it offers a glimpse of what travel and an open-mind can really do:

It was a rainy night in Seoul. After a long vacation with friends, a baseball game, and some microbrewery beer, I boarded a train and began my journey back to home to Incheon. I arrived at Sindorim Station to transfer, but it was quite late - so late that many of the trains were not operating. Confused, I asked a quiet girl on my platform where this particular train headed to.

Guro.

Not my destination. Not even close to my destination - I knew I had to leave the station, search for a cab, and pay a good amount to return home. And it started pouring again.

When I alighted at Guro, I didn't have a clue where I was going. I didn't even have an umbrella. I followed a mass of people and walked across a crowded bridge with an empty feeling - oftentimes when I was lost in Korea, it was frustratingly difficult to get help. I couldn't tell if this time would be any different. I remembered backtracking and desperately looking around for something or someone....

Suddenly, I ran into the same quiet, cute girl who I quizzed at Sindorim Station. Although she could barely speak English, at that moment, we spoke the same language. Taking me under her umbrella, she searched through the maze of taxis, the wall of rain, the barrage of honking, and the chaos to secure a taxi that would take me back home.

She haggled with plenty of cab drivers who either weren't traveling towards Incheon or simply refused to drive to my suburb. I can still remember huddling under her umbrella, waiting anxiously after every conversation.

At last, we found one. I looked back to thank my savior and jumped in the car. Soon, we were off. While speeding through the rain, I snapped this pictured and thought about what just happened.

Who was this girl, and where was she going? Didn't she need to get a cab too? What if she needed to grab a bus, and she just missed it? Or what if she just ignored me?

Looking back, the single most important thing I learned while traveling is how amazingly generous people can be. Time and time again, I witnessed how strangers willingly went above-and-beyond to help others. I caught glimpses of how we as humans can truly be.... what we can strive to be. And for that moment in time at Guro Station, amidst all the cacophony, I saw how beautiful our existence really is.

And I smiled even more.

Are You Bored?

I heard it once.

I heard it twice.

I heard it over and over again.

"Sydney is boring."

Boy-oh-boy is Sydney boring. I mean REALLY! There's nothing to do. There's no nightlife. Everything over here sucks. God, I wish I was dead! ....okay, the last one was a bit exaggerated, but I was on a roll there.

I've lived in Sydney for about six weeks now, and I regularly hear from Sydneysiders about how boring this city is. The common gripe explains how there is nothing to do and how the nightlife is non-existent. My usual, touristy reply is something like, "oh, but I like Sydney!" And the usual, non-touristy response is something like, "really?! Why??"

At first, I thought it might just be the wear-and-tear of living in one place for a long period of time. Then last Saturday night, the answer became crystal clear.

- Boredomitis (B1D1) -

"I've got a great ambition to die of exhaustion rather than boredom."
- Thomas Carlyle

I was standing in line for an exciting club in the Central Business District, making small talk with the people in my party and other club-goers. One complained about how boring the city is, and how there was nothing to do - thus, they went clubbing. Another person in line had the same gripe: the city was just so awful, and I should be thankful that I'm from Los Angeles.

A-HA.

Did you notice the fallacy? Take your time and ponder.

- "BOOOOORING!" -

The people I chatted with then asked if I thought Sydney was boring - I sensed they were searching for agreement. I responded with something like,

"Well, after traveling for the last few years, I've learned to be a tourist wherever I am. I try to see the freshness of every new place and take my time to fully enjoy what I see."

They were falling asleep. Sigh. Anyway, what was the error you detected?

When I heard their complaints, my mind raced with questions: How can you complain about boredom and how Sydney doesn't excite you, but then go out and entertain yourself with such a fucking meaningless activity? And then do the same thing every weekend?

Look, if you feed your life with empty experiences, you'll have an empty life. But what are empty activities? Activities that focus solely on gaining approval, validation, and lust. Activities fueled by drugs and alcohol. Activities where you sell yourself to the highest bidder.... sound familiar?

Needless to say, I didn't go clubbing that night.

There's nothing that will enrich your life at the club. You can't nourish your soul by dancing with horny strangers. Eventually, it becomes a crutch in your life.

Geez, so what are truly stimulating activities? Well, I can't entirely answer that because there are so many, but I can tell you it is removed from the usual approval-hunting that plagues empty activities. How about a walk through nature? Star gazing? Reading a good book? Talking with good friends? Doing work that you thoroughly enjoy? Exercise?

Now let me interrupt and explain that there's nothing wrong with going to the club. There's nothing wrong with going to a bar. And what the hell.... there's nothing wrong with going to a strip club. Balance is everything. But.... there is something very wrong and erroneous with being bored. And THAT'S what I am getting at.

"Waste time and time will waste you."
- Anonymous

- Ineffective Cures For Boredomitis -

Whaaa?? Since when was boredom so bad??

Boredom is where all evils enter the world. Time is the most valuable possession on this Earth, and boredom is an utter waste. As an Italian poet once wrote, "we live in a flash of light; evening comes and it is night forever."

Ultimately, when a person is bored, they are bored with themselves. They see the world with such indifference -- THAT is the root of the problem. If they relocated to Manhattan, how long would it take before they are bored again? As The Talmud reminds us, "we see things not as they are, but as we are."

Flashback to last Saturday night. One of the people I talked with was hoping to get married soon, and move to Los Angeles. Oh, the illusions of a temporary cure for boredom! Will moving to L.A. really eliminate the problem?

"What good has travel of itself ever been able to do anyone? It has never acted as a check on pleasure or a restraining influence on desires; it has never controlled the temper of an angry man or quelled the reckless impulses of a lover; never in fact has it rid the personality of a fault.... it will not be traveling but drifting. All this hurrying from place to place won't bring you any relief, for you're traveling in the company of your own emotions, followed by your troubles all the way.
- Lucius Seneca

The 10-percent sales tax can't help, either.

People who are bored are bored with themselves - as a result, they engross themselves in meaningless activities, further cloaking their anxieties.... but that only works for so long. Once the distraction ends, the distress is renewed.

- The Cure For Boredomitis -

"If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I'll bet they'd live a lot differently."
- Calvin, Calvin and Hobbes

I rather enjoy Sydney - I honestly believe it offers so much. Aside from the Opera House and Harbour Bridge, there are plenty of other inspiring gems. What about one of the many, gorgeous beaches? How about the Royal Botanical Gardens? Or gazing at the Sydney skyline from Milsons Point? Have you experienced the cafes and restaurants that line the streets of Pyrmont? Or how about simply walking along a road, feeling the crunch of fallen leaves under your feet? I refuse to believe that Sydney - (cough)life(cough) - has lost its luster.

Now, I'm not saying I've never been bored before - until I saw these Eternal Truths, I was constantly bored. Then my life changed. And so can yours.

Be a tourist. Tour your own city and see the wonder that eluded you for so long. During my three-week vacation in L.A. before I moved to Taiwan, I went to the Griffith Park Observatory with one of my best friends and enjoyed the experience. The conversations were hilarious. The views were spectacular. But it's the memory that will last a lifetime.

Break free from the chains of boredom, breathe deep, and live free.

"If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change."
-Buddha

Next Stop??

I may soon be making my return down under.

Sydney boasts gorgeous weather, natural beauty, a phenomenal cityscape, and has consistently been rated as one of the best and/or most-livable cities in the world. Known for its beautiful, iconic landmarks and fantastic atmosphere, it's also a dynamic city that offers an amazing standard of living.

Last week, I was offered an unpaid internship with an investment bank located in Sydney. It's roughly a three-month program where I will assume the role as a general analyst. If I perform well, I will likely invited as a permanent employee. Although it is an expensive leap of faith, I've been waiting for an opportunity like this for a long LONG time, and I am very confident in my abilities. Also, I've saved a bit of money from teaching in Taiwan, which can help cover expenses.

It represents an enormous step in my life. But it's a step I'm ready to take.

"If you don’t go after what you want, you’ll never have it. If you don’t ask, the answer is always no. If you don’t step forward, you’re always in the same place."
- Nora Roberts