40enWed, 07 Jul 2010 03:15:44 GMTWed, 07 Jul 2010 03:15:44 GMT
And with that, the second leg of Matthew’s World Tour began. Next stop: Oh, Canada!

wasteroftime, expect a visitor.
]]>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 03:14:59 GMTMatthew experienced a complete change of heart, and in this instant, decided to travel no longer, but instead to live out his life with Ladia. He spent month after month in Ladia’s company as he watched the young life within Ladia grow. At 7 and a half months, Ladia suddenly began experiencing sharp pains. With pain quickly escalating, Ladia was rushed to the hospital. The baby needed to be taken out now or else both she and her son, Mathias, named after Matthew himself, would perish. Ladia was rushed into the OR, still full of living, loving energy for her Matthew. Such was never the case again.
Matthew was devastated. He had lost his love, his son, and nearly 9 months. Emotionally distraught, Matthew decided to end his world tour. Pillz and love were evidently not the answer to Life, nor was it any “good news” as he previously believed. It was time to tie up his foolish meditation and return to the real world. And so, Matthew took the first flight back to United States, to be reunited with his loving family after a year and a half of separation. Matthew greeted his parents with heartfelt hugs. Over dinner with his family that night, Matthew divulged the events of his world tour. It was an amazing experience, but it was surely time to return home.]]>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:02:25 GMTMatthew was these last 9 months? Here’s what happened:

Matthew journeyed to Kazakhstan with Kinbaku fully intending to continue his world tour towards fulfillment. However, once Matthew arrived, he quickly found himself caught up in infatuation. The girl, Ladia, was 25 years old and native. Very beautiful too. Before Matthew knew it, he had forgotten about the tour and instead focused his attention on the girl, whose charisma pulled him towards her like a Siren. No more than a week later, he was sleeping with her, well aware that he would soon be leaving Kazakhstan to continue his world tour.

As days passed, Matthew grew closer and closer to her. Whenever Matthew wasn’t exploring Kazakhstan’s treasures, Matthew was in Ladia’s loving embrace. Tomorrow was the day that Matthew would move on to Uzbekistan to continue his path to fulfillment, yet Matthew could not muster up the strength to tell his lovely Ladia about his imminent departure. After careful consideration, Matthew resolved to flee at night so as to not be tortured by Ladia’s plea against the separation of their love. As soon as Matthew had packed his bags and abandoned his hotel room, he received a text from Ladia: “Meet me at my room. It’s big.” Feeling weak at heart, Matthew met up with Ladia. “I’m pregnant”.]]>Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:39:17 GMTMatthew awaking with the excellent mood and he decided to visit the most famous museum of Moscow - Tretyakovskaya gallery. After looking the remarkable work of the most famous artists of Russia I proposed him to visit “northern” capital of Russia - Saint-Petersburg. City with an enormous quantity of bridges and the paved roads. That you can make the most excellent in Saint-Petersburg - this to be walked on the bank of river Neva. Visit Cruiser Aurora and to admire by new fountain.

After our jaunt, Mathew said that to it time to continue his journey. He go to the solar Kazakhstan toward the player with the nick - Kinbaku.]]>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 19:30:49 GMTMatthew in the airport in the capital of Russia - Moscow. Since it arrived flying at night - we decided to leave to regard how was beautiful the capital at night into the autumnal time. The cupolas of Russian monastery at night very beautifully sparkle. By monastery and by churches is famous not only Moscow, but also all Russia. After a certain time, carried out in cold air in Russia, Matthew was starved. In the restaurant we ordered to ourselves pancakes with the roe, and to the hors d oeuvre vinaigrette. From the alcoholic - vodka! After leaving from restaurant we left to hotel in order to have a good sleep well and to begin the following day with the complete of forces.]]>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:30:55 GMTMatthew couldn’t help but comment how nice the people were in Canada. Even though our attractions are not fancy and I only showed him two of our many provinces, he left with a lasting impression of the welcoming nature and hospitality that Canadians can’t help but show. Montreal is a truly multi-cultural melting pot of a city, and that makes us more accepting than you can imagine.
I told Matthew that there was someone waiting for him in Russia by the name of Slava N, and got him packed and prepped for his trip. I sent him on his way, wishing him a nice trip and hoping I would see him again in the future.]]>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:29:37 GMTMatthew felt inclined to visit every single shop that had a colourful sign, which was 90% of them. Once we had gotten past that, we saw the walls of the fortress that Quebec City was made into by the French to slow the British invasion. That didn’t work so well because Britain ended up winning in 1760, but it was cool to see anyways. We spent 5 hours in Quebec City, then drove back to Montreal for a home cooked meal and another good night’s sleep.

The next day was Ottawa, Canada’s capital. That about summarizes the reason people visit Ottawa. We went and visited Parliament, the House of Commons and other places like that. I happened to know a bit about them because I am somewhat of a history buff and am going on a visit there with my AP World History class in a month or so. I gave Matthew the grand tour, but he wasn’t quite as impressed here as at the U.S. Capitol, for obvious reasons. We’re just Canadians, right?]]>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 18:29:09 GMTMatthew took a relatively long bus ride from Daexens home in Maine to the beautiful city of Montreal. I say relatively because it may have been long, but not as long as some of the other travelling times he has dealt with so far. I met him at the bus station in downtown Montreal; it was already about 6 o’clock, so I figured I would show him a bit of the night life. We went for a light bite at a classic Quebecois fast food restaurant, La Belle Province, where we had the classic poutine and hot dog.
http://electron.mit.edu/~gsteele/poutine/new_photos/plate_poutine_1.jpg
Then, I took him to another Montreal staple, a Montreal Canadiens hockey game. We were playing buffalo that night in a division rivalry. He got the full experience, because the game went all the way into overtime, ending a Canadiens victory! The fans here in Montreal are crazy so he got the chance to be swept through the mob as well. Luckily, he sticks out a bit so I was able to keep track of him.
http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/hFK8pCZOoCQ/Boston+Bruins+v+Montreal+Canadiens+Game+Seven
After that, we walked down to Crescent Street, where there is a two block radius of clubs and bars that every Montrealer knows about. This wasn't quite Matthews’s style and he was pretty tired, but happy to have gotten a look. So I took him back to my place for a good night’s sleep.]]>Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:44:36 GMTMatthew convinced me to climb it... ouch a 4 hour hike up - there goes the day lol. Ok, so down was easier, but it still took time. Back on RT 95 and heading north again. It was after dark by the time we reached Presque Isle - at least there was no need to pay for a hotel since my apartment is in town

Day 5: Said our goodbyes and from there it was a 15 minute drive to the Canadian border. Time for Matthew to continue his world tour and Regal_WMD has volunteered to show off some of Canada ]]>Sat, 10 Oct 2009 17:39:05 GMT
Day 1: Started off in the White Mountain National Forest, taking a scenic trip through the Kangamangus Highway, stopping often for pictures. Perfect season with the autumn colors permeating the forest scenery. Swung around to spend the night at one of the cabins at Coos Canyon (have to say that you've stayed in a log cabin in the woods of Maine lol).

Day 2: Time to go coastal. Drove down to Portland - arrived just in time for lunch. Maine for lunch? Of course it had to be seafood - specifically lobster - at the Weathervane Seafood Restaraunt... delicious. A short drive south brought us to Two Light State Park in Cape Elizabeth and some gorgeous scenery of the Casco Bay area. Spent the afternoon walking the park and taking pictures. Ended back up in Portland and the Eastland Park Hotel for the evening.

Day 3: Time to drive up the coast a bit. Freeport, Maine - ok L.L. Bean was hit simply to say it was done, but it was more fun to hit the Desert of Maine, a hilarious 40-acre tract of land covered by glacial silt that makes it a real desert by definition (probably the smallest desert in the world lol). As amusing as it is, it doesn't take long to explore, so it was back on the road north to hit Acadia National Park. Oops - spent the rest of the day there. Had to spend the evening at the Sunset Chateau, which was very nice ]]>Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:46:24 GMT (Mathew's perspective)
I cant believe i need to go to Seattle for a little concert. I mean, im so tired from visiting all those places, where i got so many scare as souvenirs. No kidding, i almost got stomped by an elephant in Thailand, a tiger got loose when i was in Indonesia, someone put a bomb in my case when i was in Iraq, i mean whats up with that?Anyway, my manager forced me to smile and sign autographs to my "fans" in Seattle, (http://www.seattle.gov/html/visitor/) and do a little concert. Same routines i do when i visit any other countries....]]>Tue, 29 Sep 2009 11:50:45 GMTMatthew (U)!

Day 1 Singapore tour
Upon arrival via the Singapore International Airport, Matthew (U) is greeted by Wind, his friend residing in the island state. Matthew (U) is famished and suggested to Wind to treat him to some local delicacies and the two of them headed to Newton Food Centre for sumptuous dinner.

Hawker Centres are easily the best places to enjoy food in Singapore as the variety is astounding and the prices are low. Newton Food Centre is no exception and offers an array of food selection from Chinese to Malay to Indian to European and fusion foods. Matthew (U) and Wind reserved a table in the hawker centre and began their food orgy. Oyster omelet, Char-grilled Sting (U) Ray topped with sambal chilli, Spicy black pepper crabs, Chicken rice, Char kway teow, Barbecued chicken wings. They ate so much that they almost could not walk!
http://ieatishootipost.sg/search/label/1%20%20THE%20REALLY%20MUST%20TRY%20LIST

The night was still young so Wind brought Matthew (U) down to Orchard Road, the famous shopping belt in Singapore. Being a music lover himself, Wind brought Matthew (U) to The Heerens Shops which housed the largest Britain's HMV music store in Southeast Asia. A whopping 3-storey full of music of different genre, Matthew (U) was elated and immersed himself for hours in the world of music.]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:22:25 GMTMatthew dropped a quarter in a pay phone:

Daigon: "Hello?"
Matthew: "Hey, man."
D: "Who is this?"
M: "It's me, man."
D: "Me, who?"
M: "Me, Matthew, man. You know.. I'm coming to stay with ya? Euzebe toldja I'd be coming."
D: "Are you serious?!? That was months ago! Look.. Now's not a good time. Why don't you head on up to Daexen's place in Maine. I'm pretty sure you'll get a decent lobster dinner out of it."
M: "Dude... That's cold."
D: -click-]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:21:56 GMTMatthew felt ready to tackle the nation's capital. On to Washington DC! (http://www.destination360.com/north-america/us/washington-dc) With the strong European influence in architecture, and the nexus of the American political system, there was enough to hold Matthew's attention for a whole day. As happenstance would have it, few nights occur in DC without some political rally or another, and Matthew got a first-hand look at some of the finest performances ever to grace American music: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1CmKRpqa_E), (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vJNqep77vBw&feature=related) & (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiHS1M-FVbs&feature=related)

Matthew got his name on 43 petitions before dawn broke, and after another day visiting the free museums of the Smithsonian system (http://www.si.edu/Museums/), he took a quick catnap on the National Mall (http://www.american-architecture.info/USA/USA-Washington/DC-007.htm), before hopping the commuter train up to Baltimore. Here is where Euzebe promised he'd have free food and a bed.]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:18:19 GMTMatthew was back on his way. He took a stop in North Carolina to visit the Durant Nature Park. (http://www.raleighnc.gov/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_0_306_209_0_43/http;/pt03/DIG_Web_Content/category/Leisure/Parks_and_Facilities/Durant/Cat-Index.html) He'd really wanted to ride the Historic Raleigh Trolley Tour (http://raleigh.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=16), but alas, he couldn't stop at every exciting tourist stop, and still expect to make it home this year. As it is, he realized, he hadn't checked in with anyone since before Colombia. Whoops..! He'd sacrifice the opportunity this time, vowing to return someday.

Back on the road, Matthew persevered north, passing into Virginia all the way up to Richmond. Here, he found a great deal of cheap tobacco, and free history lessons in abundance. It was on a tour of the Virginia Capitol Building (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Richmond_Virginia_Capitol.jpg) that he heard the strangest thing. Contrary to all the children's books he'd read on the "New World", apparently someone beat the Pilgrims over here by 20 years. (Educational Flash game! http://www.historyglobe.com/jamestown/ )]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:17:47 GMTMatthew took his leave in Savannah, as the resplendent sunrise crept over the eastern waters. He thanked the kindly trucker, Bubba, and again promised him he would indeed 'seek salvation' from his current path (whatever that meant). It took Matthew a few moments to realize that he was far removed from Georgia-the-Country (http://www.nti.org/db/nisprofs/maps/georg.htm) here in Georgia-the-US-State (http://www.savannahvisit.com/tour.asp).

After a day visiting historical plantations, and filling his backpack with peaches, he headed back to the highway with a few new songs in his head. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlLUMwo_VVU) South Carolina came next, and with it, an hour's ride east of the interstate brought him to Charleston. Thoughts of the raucous Roarin' Twenties went through his head, with flappers and short skirts and that neat dance named for the very city he now entered. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJC21zzkwoE) Unfortunately, an attempt to recapture those days in a local bar brought the attention of several cadets from The Citadel (http://www.citadel.edu/main/), who encouraged Matthew to quickly return his feet to the open road.]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:17:19 GMTMatthew said good-bye to the remaining elderly and began his trek up the coast. Next up? It was a no-brainer. Even the most backwater residents of Poldachive-Golgovine knew where to go from here: Orlando, Florida!! (http://www.orlandoinfo.com/)

Here, Matthew, found himself gainfully employed as a costumed Goofy at Walt Disney World, somewhat surprising himself with his ability to pass a background check. (http://www.usatourist.com/english/places/florida/disney.html) His new dream job allowed Matthew to wander in a daze throughout the summer heat, sweltering in chemically-induced bliss beneath the 25-pound costume, taking pictures with kiddies and old folks alike. It lasted all of three hours before he ended up arguing with the Country Bears, effectively ending the Jamboree when he toppled the animatronic papa, exposing him for the lip-synching, banjo-playing fraud he is. (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3747344245873161548#)

With all this 'escorting' from place to place, Matthew was beginning to fancy himself quite the V.I.P. After consulting with his little black book, he decided to make his way up the coast. Taking once again to the highway, his weathered thumb served him well as he headed up I-95, the interstate route stretching the entire length of the eastern coast, paralleling the Atlantic Ocean from Florida up through Maine. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_95)]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:16:45 GMTMatthew simply distilled the seawater in the sun, using the recovered cellophane and the olive oil bottle to collect the drippings. He'd soon found that fish practically leapt into the raft, when you sprinkle a little 'happiness' onto the briny surface. Six days more he floated adrift. Once, he floated near enough to Haiti to be spotted by a freighter. But instead of welcoming him aboard, they pushed him over towards Cuba. With his reputation apparently preceding him, Cuba then tried to them push Matthew back.

Carried by the Gulf current, Matthew floated past the Bahamas (his only true regret on the voyage), and landed upon the crowded beaches of sunny Miami, Florida, early on a Friday evening. Here, he was warmly welcomed by several inebriated college youths, and several more darkly-tanned and wrinkled octogenarians. Matthew's tales of travel and adventure soon earned him a large audience, and from somewhere a dobro guitar passed from the small crowd into his hands. Never one to turn away from a public performance, Matthew began a three-day bender, rehashing all his old hits with The Windows, interspersed with monologues on peace, love and the importance of high colonics to the digestive system. (http://web.miamibeachfl.gov/visitors/)]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:16:13 GMTMatthew was sad to leave his newfound friends. He'd found his time working in the lush fields, fed by the Rio Guaviare, to be extremely rewarding, and thanks to the small stash he'd pocketed away each day, he'd been released with enough swallowed cellophane to ensure a lucrative future, if and when he made it to new lands. Getting to those new lands might prove to be the biggest problem. Well.. That, and actually retrieving the cellophane packets, but Matthew really preferred not to dwell on that subject.

Feeling good, with his address book, backpack and maps restored, and with a quart of olive oil as a colonic, Matthew began a week-long trek of hitch-hiking north to the town of Puerto Colombia, just outside the northeastern port of Barranquilla. From there, he bartered his way onto a small fishing boat, where he made the daily joke to his hosts of having to 'sleep with the fishes', just for the halibut. Having carped on incessantly, salmon finally haddock enough of the puns, and on the fourth day, Matthew was tossed overboard in an inflatable life-raft with a sole oar. He couldn't understand why they were being so crabby.]]>Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:15:40 GMTMatthew would stop at nothing until he'd once again become the single largest traveling supply of pillz or pillz byproducts in the western hemisphere. Next stop: Colombia.

- - -

Slipping into under cover of night at Tabatinga, where Chile, Colombia and Brazil come together at the Amazon River, Matthew made it as far as Leticia. It was at the Biblioteca del Banco de la República (http://www.panoramio.com/photo/260934) he was picked up by the local authorities, while trying to Google the local suppliers. He was arrested instantly on outstanding charges stemming from his leadership role in the "Free the Andean Condor" riots of ten years prior. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andean_Condor) At the time, it didn't seem to matter to Matthew that the national bird was already free. It was still one heck of a party.

- - -

Six Months Later . . .]]>