After three years of researching, planning, and scheming, and after three weeks of selling, packing, cleaning, and goodbyes, I closed one chapter in my life to begin another, as I set off in an attempt to travel around the world in two years.

After a short trip to Chicago to visit friends, a wedding, and a stop at the Chinese Consulate, I returned to Iowa for a night out with the former roommates of 323 Linn St, a James Gang breakfast, and an excellent going away party at Iowa City’s newest Asian fusion restaurant Formosa. On August 19th, I closed the door at 412 Bayard for the last time, said some final good-byes, and drove out of Iowa City (exactly 8 years to the day, since I had arrived) headed Westward on Interstate 80—knowing the next time I came again to Iowa, it would be from the East.

Thank you to Nate, Katharine, Justin, Ali, Jess, Dave, Tiffany, Jay, and Carrie for the fun in Chicago, thanks to Rob, Lisa, Courtney, Aaron, Stephanie and crew for coming to Iowa City for our 323 gathering, and special thanks to everyone who came out to see me off in Iowa City at Formosa and Quinton’s. I have always said, that in the end it is only the people that matter, and its has proven itself true again. It was a very great last few weeks in Iowa.
I have posted some links to photo galleries from my going away party below, as well as some photos of downtown Chicago for your enjoyment. (Click on the photos below.) Also all photos posted on this site are available at the; eventually I should have an option that will allow you to get prints for those that are interested—and help support my trip in the process. Please leave comments on the photos if you so choose.)
Next stop Omaha, Nebraska to see my family.