Homeward Bound
In Ecuador this morning, in LA tonight,
That makes this my last foreign post on the site.
As I gather my things for flight 71,
I realize with shock that the end has begun.
While friends made dorms their second home,
I had a pack on my back and a ticket to roam.
Every few nights I was in a new place,
Every few months a familiar face.
My lifestyle changed as the trip proceeded,
I learned just how little I actually needed.
A guidebook or map will no longer do,
Being back home will take getting used to.
Back to English and home-cooked meals,
Back to my bed and my own set of wheels.
Back to pressure in my shower,
Back to days of the week, the date, the hour.
Back to water from the tap,
Back to Dasher in my lap.
Back to a drinking age over eighteen,
Back to the movies I haven’t seen.
Back to stoplights where people stop,
Back to the dentist and barbershop.
Back to dryers and back to drawers,
Those are the Backtos, now for the Nomores:
No more bargaining on the street,
No more mosquito bites on my feet.
No more TP in a bin,
No more adaptors that won’t fit in.
No more rides on crowded buses,
No more internet or phone card fusses.
No more bootleg DVDs,
No more markets of oddities.
No more fear of being mugged,
No more baggage to be lugged.
No more peeing where you please,
No more entry and exit fees.
After 280 days of being away,
There’s a challenge in going back to LA.
A life is waiting that was put on hold,
But who I am now won’t fit into that mold.
A change occurs during this kind of trip,
A result of travel one cannot skip.
I may not remember which town, which kid,
Which moments had impact, I just know they did.
I’ve tried to be diligent with the site,
And record my stories every night.
My journal never left my side,
My camera ‘round my wrist was tied.
But understand nevertheless
Those impossibles to express:
The hands I shook, the eyes I met,
The thousands of memories I’ll never forget.
My favorite place? Q number one.
It’s already been asked a ton.
The truth is it’s too hard to say,
Favorite – favorite in what way?
I say a name to satisfy,
Though it pains me so to simplify.
The countries big, the countries small –
The answer is I loved them all.
It’s nearing noon as I post this rhyme,
Miss my flight – now’s not the time.
I can’t decide just how I feel,
My life right now is so surreal:
The final stamp in my passport,
The In ’n’ Out by the airport.
Most of you I soon will see,
Thanks for sharing this year with me.
Hey Charlie,
Not sure if you remember me, I am the graphic artist for the Rustic Catalog. I met you in Udon during your travels. Anyways, I had a hard drive crash and lost a lot of files from Rustic. Is there any chance of getting a photo from you?
The one I’m looking for is on Page 346 of the catalog - you and the girls dressed as clowns.
Hope you life is still full of adventures.
Teri Hare
January 20th, 2010 at 8:40 pm440-944-4990
Peti e tahi te hoho’a o Rapa Nui. Mauruuru atu ki a koe.
May 14th, 2007 at 6:38 pmThats a whole lotta things to get used to again. Some you can do without but others, well, i’m sure u had to miss. I can bet your travels have no doubt changed your way of thinking and have given you a greater appreciation for even the little things that we tend to take for granted.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:06 pmHey Charlie, I’ve been reading your journal entries for a little while now (actaully, mostly just looking at the pics–theyre amazing) and I’m seriosuly consdiering taking a gap year. Although, I still have a few questions, and if you could answer them, that’d be great.
March 15th, 2007 at 1:21 pmThanks
Hey charlie-
March 13th, 2007 at 8:48 pmI go to HW too! I’ve been wanting to do what you did for about a year and when I found this page I recognized you. I was in 8th grade when you graduated I think.
Thought it was funny. Then I remebered reading it in the Spectrum or Chronicle and it all came together.
Hey Charlie!!!
So, almost four years ago we met in Costa Rica…its seems as though that trip has lead to all of this, and I am beyond impressed. I was bored at home, waiting for the hubby to come home (yes, during this time I got married, have a house, am an adult, ugh!) and decided to check out the Rustic Pathways website for some good memories.
I find this link…whereischarlie.com, and think, Charlie? Costa Rica Charlie? NO WAY. It was impossible. But alas, the first picture I look at, its you! I feel like I know someone famous!!
I realize that throughout your journey you probably met so many people, who knows who you remember. I also realize that your last posting was quite a while ago, so who knows if you even check this site anymore. Anyway…if you do or if you don’t, doesn’t really matter I guess. I just wanted you to know that this…your whole adventure…is amazing. I hope you had the time of your life!
I know my memories from Costa Rica make me smile, and you were a part of that. I wish you all the best….
Maggie Turza (Carlson)
February 12th, 2007 at 1:19 pmHey Charlie,
January 21st, 2007 at 6:49 pmRustic Pathways came to visit my school on friday and i realized that i really wanted to take a gap year. I am a boarding student at Baylor School in Chattanooga TN, but i am from Tunica Mississippi. I would love to experiance this trip.
Thanks,
Jordan Hood
Sorry, here’s my email.
December 29th, 2006 at 4:51 pmHi there Charlie,
I was just wondering if you would be willing to anwser a few questions for me about your trip with Rustic Pathways. If you could guve me your email that’d be great, I have a whole list of questions.
December 29th, 2006 at 4:50 pmHey my name’s Devin and I live in Chicago. It’d be awsome if you e-mailed me cause I’m going crazy looking for some help on figuring out how to go on a Rustic Pathway trip. If you have some time that’d be great.
December 12th, 2006 at 9:44 pmI wish I had a few days to explore your journals completely, but I only have tonight. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about your journey. I found you by (almost) accident, looking for information on Mbakalo.
Last October I moved to Cincinnati after living 30 years in New York. SOTENI needed a web designer, so I volunteered to do the new SOTENI website, thus meeting Vic. Odd how internet pathways criss-cross.
I’ll probably return again in time to look at your pictures. You have a great photographic eye.
October 10th, 2006 at 7:23 pmPat - YOU’RE AMAZING!!! It’s so fun to hear about your corresponding experiences. I look forward to meeting you sometime this year…
August 31st, 2006 at 2:41 pmCharlie! Your going home poem is a classic. Sez it all. Now I’m revelling in your South America. Great catching-up for me to do. How we loved each country. And the picture of urine-sample-yellow Inca Kola - god, I just had some the other day in a new Peruvian restaurant around the corner. I asked for cui asado, good ol’ guinea pig which was damned tasty - they said their patrons weren’t quite ready for that!! When Amy Power is home from college please, please join her over at our house in exotic, romantic Van Nuys. Welcome home traveller.
August 28th, 2006 at 4:32 pmA man amongst men. Congrats on your journey and compliments on the absolutely astounding photography. Not everything fits in a 3×5, but just a glimpse at what you’re talking about is enough to know that your journey is nothing short of life changing. Good luck with it all.
June 24th, 2006 at 10:31 pmHey…just like the guy before me, we met at Molly’s Bat Mitzvah…and you said you had this website…so that’s why I’m here checking it out. It is awesome! All the amazing pics make me want to travel all over! Oh, and your poem is awesome…:) Anyways, just wanted to say hey…so call me if you ever want to hang or whatever…310 913-1447
June 15th, 2006 at 6:49 pmhi. haha. i was bored the say after and decided to check the site out, remembering that u said u had one. anyway, theres tons of stuff on here! bye
June 11th, 2006 at 4:14 pmhey charlie!
June 9th, 2006 at 6:05 pmi hope you enjoyed your travellings,and i know the wird felling of being at home again…the place its still the old same,but you are not,its incredible what this kind of experience can do with us…
whenever you want to come back to brazil,your more than welcome!
keep in touch!
Senor Carlos,
my man, big congrats on completing the journey! enjoy the stability of home, and the love of your family and friends and have a blast this summer. looking ahead, when you are in eastern mass next winter, don’t forget that to your west lies a sweet little, often-overlooked region nestled in the foothills of the berkshires that i like to call W.Mass. you have a home there too.
enjoy the next journey wherever it leads…
pura vida mae!
May 25th, 2006 at 6:55 pmjessemin
Hola Charlie!!!!
Muchas Felicidades por haber cumplido este viaje por el mundo con tanto exito!!! Como se lo dije anteriormente fue un verdadero placer haber compartido tiempo con usted, y de verdad que su forma de ser y la persona que lleva por dentro son especiales.
Cuidese mucho, y espero verlo algun dia, pero quien sabe donde…..?????
un abrazo y que Dios lo Bendiga
Ricardo.
pd. recuerde que aqui en Costa Rica tambien tiene un casa por si algun dia decide viajar mas…jejeje
May 23rd, 2006 at 12:40 pmNearly two days have gone
Since I’ve seen you last
Though we did have two months
But my, time flies fast
From the “end of the world” in Argentina we began
A journey north through Patagonia both by boat and land
We traveled the seas and ventured off to new places
Played lots of ‘Oh Hell’ and met many new faces
From there it was off to the most isolated spot
Rapa Nui they call it, an unexpectedly cool spot
Impressed we were, though our time there was short
We left the “navel of the world” to try a different sort
Of adventure that is, and adventure it was
As we headed back to the mainland, just because
Yes Pucon gave us volcanoes to climb in the Andes
And the best alfajores (little Latin chocolate candies)
From Chile to the Salt Flats, Bolivia then Peru
We rode buses and bikes and hardly ever flew
But we did it up right day in and day out
‘Cause I tell you what, that’s what it’s all about
Good people, good food, amazing pics and adventure
Cities and farms and unbelievable nature
From the end of the world to the Equator we toured
I can’t say a moment passed when we were ever bored
Yes we nearly did it all, though that’s not the best part
To meet someone so special with such a great heart
With intelligence and wit and a great sense of humor
The Great Chalie Melvoin…that ain’t no rumor!
I know for I’ve seen it first hand and I swear
‘Twas I who was blessed to have been a part out there
Your trip, dear Charlie, was a unique experience
And you need no one to help you catch the true sense
Of the world as it is and the magic of touching it
For you carry the gold in your character ‘n’ wit
It is you who has now touched the world as it were
And changed all in your path as you left your mark there
From the people we met to hiking Inka Trails
I hope to never forget any one of those tales
But the part most important is this little tidbit
Your company is that which I’ll truly miss
I have told you before and I’ll tell you again
You will bless this world over and over, my friend
I know that no matter what you move to do
You will do it with care, through and through
Now it’s back to LA, home, family and friends
Continuing the journey of life, which never ends…
Live well, be well, and never stop chasing your dreams!
Jules
P.S. The Cavs lost!!!!!
May 23rd, 2006 at 6:26 amWonderful seeing your face, and that you returned home safe.
May 22nd, 2006 at 11:38 amNow you can stop “Living la Vida Loca”.
Will miss reading our favorite “book” but will love to listen to all your stories.
WELCOME HOME - yours and ours - GOOD Charlie!
It’s been great hearing your stories and seeing the pictures over the last couple of months. Seems like I know you, just a little. Keep up the good work.
May 22nd, 2006 at 10:15 amwelcome home!
May 21st, 2006 at 11:34 pmCharlie, Thank you for dropping briefly into our home and country. We have enjoyed following your pathways since meeting you. You are a special young man. Your family must be so happy to have you home. Our best wishes to you for your next journey in life.
You are always welcome to come to NZ and stay longer whenever you feel the urge to get on a plane again!
Robyn and Kevin
May 21st, 2006 at 8:24 pmWelcome home. Charlie! I shall miss travelling the world on your wings but shall look forward to observing the world through your eyes, now that you have landed! Lots of love, always, Nonnie
May 21st, 2006 at 6:52 pmLA looks a bit different
After you put a hundred thousand miles on your backpack
After you fill up a passport with entries and exits from every corner of the world
After you howl at the moon from so many angles
Mom’s food tastes so welcoming and so familiar and so comfortable
Different than the curries and the chutneys
Different than the sticky rice and mango
Different than the dog and frog and duck and unknown things you chewed along the trail
Your father’s smile and wit are a tonic and a comfortable pillow for your life back home
He’s been making videos and movies and sharing stories and adventures
He’s been tracking and laughing and watching and loving actively, daily, but from afar
Next to your mom, far from his son, and in wonder all along the road you’ve been on
Home is a larger idea now
It stands in contrast to a sunny, strangely painted guesthouse room
Or a crowded African station somewhere with a strange name and funky toilets
Or a seat on a rattling bus in a place that’s developing and teeming and laughing and you’re there and connected and but still so far away from
Home, Charlie.
Welcome Home Charlie.
You’ll never count the miles you just covered
The stories you discovered and generated and caught by chance and just missed
The people you met and passed by and laughed with and slept against and shared your life with
The hopes and dreams and dramas of the world you just passed through with open eyes and a laughing, carefree, giving Charlie-heart
The photos can be numbered but what you just did to
Your life
Your education
Your point of view
Your perspective
This can’t be measured. No way.
Thank your parents Charlie. They gave you the power and the love and the mantle to do something that changed your life and the life of others. They gave you something that doesn’t stop now that you’re home again. What you have done and discovered and absorbed and achieved just keeps going, and growing, and blending with the richness of life as you live it out.
And one other thing Charlie. Keep sharing the stories. Tell people what you saw and learned. Pass it on. It changes the world we live in.
From all of us at Rustic Pathways – thanks for letting us share in the adventure. We are proud of you, we are amazed by you, and we love you Charlie.
Welcome Home Charlie. Welcome Home Young Son.
David
May 21st, 2006 at 5:47 pmi just like teared up as i read the little poem of yours, which is just so typical you to have written such a cute clever poem like that. i’ll see you at midnight tonight prince charming
……love you!!!
p.s. i can’t beleive you ended up getting the eyebrow ring you weirdo
May 20th, 2006 at 5:27 pmWELCOME HOME BRO!!!
“A man travels the world over in search of what he needs, and returns home to find it.”
Seeing as I don’t return for another week, I don’t expect you to really find happiness until we are reunited at LAX, but I hope that you have an amazing first week home!! You better not take out the eyebrow ring…
-LB
May 20th, 2006 at 2:24 pmi think we’re all pretty glad we could spend hte year with you…hopefully ill see you tonight at teh airport, but if not..im back in about ten days and its hanging out, PRONTO
May 20th, 2006 at 11:56 ammiss you tons
con
I know you, you will still pee whereever you please! Beautiful poem! I’ll see you tomorrow, that is so weird to say. Miss you tons, have a safe flight home!
May 20th, 2006 at 11:05 am