iCheetah @ Large

The late Moon 5:50a.m., 08162008, Ka Kuxta, Akumal, Mexico

Twenty years ago today, I left home for the U.S.A.; twenty years ago today, I arrived at the L.A.

Same day, two countries, twenty years ago.

Two countries, my being, twenty years past.

The night before I left, I was up all night, packing and playing Ma-Jung with siblings and cousins. Figured, I could always sleep on the airplane.

Early in the morning, silently said goodbye to home and the ally I grown up, off we went.

Even now, I could vividly see my young self with my family and friends in the airport lounge waiting for the departure. Excited, talking and laughing.

Perhaps the old self was there then, sitting idly among travelers, anonymously observing.

My young self might even have absentmindedly laid eyes on the old me; but of course she didn't recognize me, I would otherwise recall such encounter at this time. Had she seen me, would she have known that was her, twenty years later?

The young twenty-something; fearless and carefree.

Fearless still, carefree no more; only care less.

Twenty years ago, twenty years later, to date.

Dawn 5:50a.m., 08162008, Ka Kuxta, Akumal, Mexico
Sunrise 08162008, Ka Kuxta, Akumal, Mexico

Twenty years later from Mexico