And there we go—a month in Sri Lanka (and hopefully more in the future). Here's hoping you enjoyed an our little tour. And here's hoping you enjoyed *this* little zine thingy or whatever it is. I did. And I’m happy we turned it into something more beautiful.

 

It’s July 02nd, 2023 as I write this, already deep into Isaan—squashed in between Thailand, Laos and Cambodia—in the middle of which many stories will be coming for Issue 03. But July marks my final month with a job. As of my birthday on Aug 02, I’ll be fully dependent on this—my little stories, films and photos—which is equally as exciting as it is scary. Maybe I’ve already mentioned that. 

 

All that to say this: Thanks to another round of, ahem, those commercials I can feed myself this month, so am just hoping to raise money for a really, really big trip for my birthday in August.

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See, I've always wanted to experience Japan, but it's always been out of financial reach. I mean, 10 days there would be more than $2000 which is much more than I make in a month. And as of August what I hope to make in three months. However, since I'm about to be back on the bicycle, I did a bit of research and Sept-Nov is supposed to be peak outdoorsy time there, so I'm saving all of my pennies to fly into Hokkaido—as far north as possible—and then spend three months following the colors, all the way down through the country—the entire country. I know!  It'll cost a bit, but not nearly as much as before, when I had hotels to consider. So a big trip to Japan is what this issue and next issue's donations go towards. 

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... but while it might be hinging on repetitive, I'll remind you of the two truths of this project:

 

This is how I'll make my living and will gladly accept any couch cushion's change you got lying around..

 

If you don't have it, don't find a way to get it. That would take away from the entire spirit of my stories. It always works out, but won't if you're stressed out about donating.

 

And there you go! I’m off to bed now. My time spent in a hotel with hot water and cold air conditioning are quickly coming to an end, so I'm going to enjoy this while I can.

 

Thanks for coming along, by the way. I realize it takes a lot more effort to follow along here vs. the ease of Instagram, but I really think these travels deserve more.

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So, again, I appreciate you making the effort.