My Father an aircraft engineer for Her Majesty’s Royal Air Force (R.A.F) was stationed in Aden, Yemen. My Mom stuck in England and pregnant with me could no longer take the long separation and at 9 months pregnant got on a military transport and flew to Yemen. My Mom always blamed that flight to the thousands I have made since and non-stop journeys. But my Hakka Chinese roots are known as the ‘Wanderer Tribe’ and so maybe that has something to do with it. Either way I have been wandering the earth ever since. We emigrated to the U.S from England in 1974 and in 1988 moved to Hong Kong having the time of my life for the next 8 years. I moved back to Connecticut in 1996 and eventually moved to New York City in 2003. NYC proved to be a perfect place much like Hong Kong was nearly 20 years earlier. But alas my journey must continue.
So after 17 years, 13 years living in TriBeCa and 4 years in Brooklyn it’s time to say “au revoir” to the Big Apple. It’s been a very rewarding part of my life’s journey and I’m so grateful not only because of the many wonderful and amazing experiences that have contributed to me living and working there. But made ultimately by the remarkable people I have met and many I can call true friends as well as some spectacular colleagues. From Heads of State, Kings & Queens, Excellency/Ambassadors to the United Nations, Professors, Journalists, Artists, Activists, Artisans, Scientists, Entrepreneurs and Humanitarians, a veritable who’s who of which there are too many to list. I thank you all for the precious time you have allowed me to be in your world. I hope to see many of you again and that our paths cross in this amazing kaleidoscope of color which is my life. The interesting choices I’ve made along the way.
We are all certainly living in interesting times. Many can all look back a year ago and smile knowing happier times. Now we are living in a surreal dimension, the Twilight Zone seems a reasonable title. I looked back at one of the earlier articles I wrote 6 months ago predicting the nightmare that was coming. And I was sadly correct predicting mass deaths, curfews, protests, riots, even martial law that has arisen in some cities across the country, and so here we are trying to make sense of it all. I am not here to question or discuss the politics that brought America into this nightmarish reality. But I will say its guaranteed that in 6 months from now it will be much worse for the country and its citizens. For many it will be a stark reality that many are not going to be able to cope with. It saddens me as America is a beautiful country that has so much to give to the world and has, but alas its time has come like the fall of the Roman Empire so too the American Empire will fall. The divisiveness has gotten out of control and the lack of humanity and respect for each other has become lamentably grotesque. Think on this and I will say no more on the subject.
Shops: No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service.
People: Ok! No Problem
Traffic Laws: Wear a seatbelt in your car (For your own safety) or get a ticket
People: Ok! No Problem
OSHA: While working in certain places, you must wear safety goggles and safety gear. (For your own safety)
People: OK! No Problem
Airlines: You must be seated and wear a seatbelt (For your own safety), with your tray table up when taking off.
People: Ok! No Problem
TSA: Before getting on this plane, you need to remove your shoes, your belt, anything from your pockets and go through this x-ray machine. (For everyone’s safety)
People: Ok! No Problem
Grocery Stores: Please wear a face--mask while you are shopping to help reduce the risk of infecting others with a potential deadly virus. (For everyone’s safety)
People: HOW DARE YOU TAKE AWAY MY PERSONAL LIBERTIES AND RIGHTS!!
GO FIGURE…
As for me it’s time to find a new place to lay my head down. And though 90% of the world doesn’t want the American virus infecting their nations. I mean can anyone blame them? It’s certainly made traveling a little more difficult but no more than after 9-11. After having traveled to 120 countries I certainly have had some interesting experiences in crossing some risky borders. COVID-19 is just another monkey wrench in the mix. This is an exciting time to live in and an adventurous time. I’m so ready and like Kwai Chang Caine from the ‘Kung Fu’ TV series it’s ‘Time To Walk The Earth’.
Bon Voyage, my friend. Until we meet again...safe travels! :)