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the only way out is through
The famous Champs Elysées, Paris, 1973
Ready, Set, Go to Paris
Moments before takeoff
1 Jan 1973
Today, I resolve to have a marvelous time in France. I’m so full of joyous anticipation I hardly feel a part of what surrounds me now…. I worked from 12-9 and then left for Paris in my mind by reading the Life Guide to Paris. I’m learning and leaning my spirit toward this new experience.
2 Jan 1973
It was a long day at work climaxed by a beautiful 2 inches of snow. Chris, Steve, Jay and Bud came by for a snowball fight. The backyard is full of light from the fallen snow. C’est très, très belle au-dessous la lune. Joanne called to say she’ll arrive Thursday. I hope for some good, laughing, rich times with her.
3 Jan 1973
I went through the laborious process of exchange in the stores today. I planned for my trip financially. My parents hate to think I’d stay in Europe “just to be staying” until August. I see things differently.
4 Jan 1973
I’m sitting here alone by the fire in an empty house and thinking about all the times I’ve been alone in my life and all the times I’ll be alone in the future. There is a void within me which makes me feel purposeless and unambitious. It was a struggle to get up this morning. I made $44 this week.
1977 finds me in Ivory Coast, riding my mobylette to the village where I teach local farmers how to write their names.
Karmic Côte d'Ivoire
Reflecting on Year One
Man, Ivory Coast, 22 May 1977
Went for a skinny dip at the Cascades hotel with Carly, Mauricio, Nino, and Filippo. Good times. Dancing again last night….
…The rainy season has begun again, and the cooler weather is quite a relief. Good karma in general these days.
When I look back on it, this has been a good, although difficult, year. I’ve learned a lot about myself and my own heritage as well as about West Africa. The experience has made me a stronger, calmer person. Living here has definitely improved my sense of humor and made me somewhat less sensitive than before. Sometimes, I think I’m becoming emotionally hard and cold. If I can just avoid extremes, I’ll come out with a good, stable character.
I’ve started reading again. A new campaign to revive myself intellectually. Sylvia Plath’s Letters Home was very stimulating. She was a sensitive, creative person. Just finished The Slave by Isaac B. Singer about a Polish Jew. “A tapestry,” Carly says, and I agree. It was fascinating. Thinking about taking on Nicolas and Alexandria next. Now I’ve the time and motivation, I plan to take full advantage.
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