A journey is best measured in friends, rather than in miles. – Tim Cahill

The night passed more quickly, and sleep found me with more ease after participating in the shenanigans of the previous late night conversations. Since I refuse to wear a watch, I have no idea what time I made it to bed, and this is a far cry from my life back in the States, where more often than not, structured appointments dictated my daily schedule and has thereby demonstrated the constraints which permeate the illusion of what life is, to what life can be.
This morning brings a small amount of sorrow as Valentina is departing the island to make her way up to Mexico. I know this is going to be an ongoing practice, saying goodbye to wonderful new people that I am fortunate enough to meet, and, call friend. I have always been a strong believer that people come into your life for a reason and not just out of happenstance. Whether they are lifelong friends or brief moments passing in time, whether they appear to teach you something or whether you are there to affect their life in a way you may never know–it is with this philosophy that I seek to aspire to be no one but myself and enjoy the opportunities that life grants, to me, this truly is the great interaction and dance of life.

Even the days that are uneventful still bring a sense of accomplishment, knowing that I have taken that leap towards a life that is without boundaries and every day is a new gift of freedom.