Post 2734
- 11 years and 266 days since I started this blog -
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| September 18, 2021 |
Daily CommentWhen people ask me about my travels, I make sure they know that I consider the best part is the amazing people I meet.
The first time I went to Chiang Mai, Thailand, I met a couple of musicians from Connecticut who'd been friends since high school, who'd traveled to Chiang Mai foe different reasons: One was visiting with his teaching-abroad son. He was a studio drummer who also played bass.
I was sitting in the Marlboro House's bar, sitting in a wicker peacock chair, smoking my first joint in Chiang Mai (purchased right there). A stranger, about twenty years younger than me (mind you, I'm awful at guessing people's ages) sat down and introduced himself, saying, "You look like an interesting person."
We then proceeded to talk for the next few hours (he was an interesting person, indeed), and found we had a lot in common. Of course, during the course of our conversation, he introduced me to his friend, Harry. Harris Moore.
Harry's business in Chiang Mai - and he was there on business - was buying items for sale in a museum shop. His museum shop in his museum, which was in Dingle, Ireland.
The three of us, and other friends, spent a lot of time together. I got the impression that Harry didn't really care for me that much, although he was never unkind or rude. And, on my last night in Thailand, when an ATM machine ate my card, He helped me out by selling me some bhat to get food and transportation to the airport that night and the next morning.
It turns out he suffered from depression, and was going through a hard time.
I met Harry back in Chiang Mai again the next year, and we got closer. Scott, who had first introduced us, was again visiting his son, but this time his son was in Viet Nam.
We played together, even had a band, "The Dudes." We spent time a fair amount of time, just the two of us, in conversation. Harry was smart, and educated. And funny. Our conversations went both broad and deep. Harry was one of the most interesting people I've known, ever.
Harry's story - his saga - was amazing and inspirational. He'd left Westport, Connecticut in his twenties to busk in Europe. He fell in with some other street musicians, and together, they cut a CD. Still performing in the streets, they sold 10,000 of these CDs at their performances over a few years - pure profit.
Harry began accumulating antiquities in his travels, and bought a big old house on a lake in Dingle, Ireland, and turned it into a museum of his collection. I knew somebody who'd created a museum.
Harry, and his friend Scott, both told me that my conversations with him had helped him, spiritually and emotionally, as, at times, in Chiang Mai and after, he sought me out when his depression acted up.
I just learned that he committed suicide. His depression finally overwhelmed him. It was sad because we'd spoken over the last couple of covid years, and he'd seemed to be doing well, by his own report. It seemed like some of the things he felt oppressed by were clearing up.
I'm sad, but I believe he is now, at last, at peace. My memories of him will always make me smile.
I'm grateful for all the wonderful people who I have met in this life. RIP, Harry.
Today's Weight: 203.5 lbs.
Previous Weight (9/22/21): 202.1 lbs.
Net Loss/Gain: + 1.4 lbs.
Diet Comment
This gain was obvious: Breaded and fried dinner with a side of starch and fat, and not enough water drunken. Another negative influence on my weight is that I haven't moved my bowels since Tuesday. I have to be better.
Food Log
Breakfast
3:15pm: Shakshuka (Sloppy Joe base (Rao's Tomato and Basil sauce, Quorn Grounds, spinach and kale) with one poached egg).
Lunch
7:30pm: Parmesan crisps with peach salsa, and a Quest bar.
Dinner
8:10pm: Roasted turkey breast on Flax sprouted grains bread, coleslaw, Super greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette, and peanut butter.
Liquid Intake
Espressos: 1; Coffee: 24 oz.; Water: 74+ oz.;
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Today's Weight: 201.0 lbs.
