Adios to Kaichi, Poole and an encounter with an old friend

19/6 - I start off by admitting I have writer's block. I've been running off of the minimum amount of sleep during this trip to London; last night I had a total of two hours of sleep. But, it's all been worth it.

This weekend was a learning experience because my kids showed me how to write my name in Japanese. In the language, I am Maikeru (Mah-ee-ke-roo). On Saturday we were stuck in a classroom doing cultural activities, and just like last year it was a great way to break down language barriers. But unlike last year, my kids have been speaking to me in English with enthusiasm, without me having to facilitate anything.

But over the past few days I've noticed how Nono and Tatsuki have grown in confidence in terms of speaking English to me. The two are comfortable now. It really helps that they understand I am patient with them while they speak to me and search for that hard-to-find word. I've also shown I will help them finish a sentence for them if they need it.

I've enjoyed seeing how Shunsuke is the outgoing jock of the group, to how Ryunosuke is the shy and introverted one. I rarely hear him speak, but I know he is pretty good at composing music based on his oral presentation. Arima is...I'm not sure how to say it. The word that immediately comes to mind is "square." He follows all the rules and sometimes is a bit serious when Shunsuke teases him. I guess you could say he's a bit rigid. But, he speaks a lot and puts forth a great effort. I found out recently he joined the tennis club at school and lasted exactly one day because he didn't like the physical exertion tennis forces from you.

Nozomi was impressed when I used chopsticks while eating Chinese food in Chinatown today. She and Nono are very talkative now and so expressive it's a bit funny when I reveal some incredible fact of information, such as when I showed them my driver licence when I was 16 years old and had long hair. Yuma is a bit more reserved, but she constantly smiles and is nice to be around. Tatsuki is eager to speak English as well, and he has been known to troll with his group mates with a completely straight face, such as when he was trying to convince Shunsuke to drink watermelon juice at dinner today. None of them liked the juice!

We have just one more full day with this program, and it simply flew by. I highly enjoyed my second encounter with Kaichi High School and its students and do hope to participate again next year. I've noticed I'm more comfortable around the students as well because I already know how this turns out. No worries, no stress.

It also helps to not secretly take my group to Piccadilly Circus and later be caught by teachers, like last year...

20/6 - I've forged much better connections with the kids this week compared to last year. Most of them have been asking for my Facebook information or phone number, so I will probably keep in contact more with this group.

As with last year, I saw how competitive Japanese kids are when they play sports. We played Dodgebee today, a cross between dodgeball and frisbee. These kids are diving on the floor, jumping for everything and sprinting; it's impressive to see. The game was very fun, especially because I have the simple talent of throwing a frisbee correctly.

During the farewell party, the group gave me a thank-you poster with notes from all seven of the kids, along with my Japanese name spelled out in Kanji. It was incredibly cool, and something that did not happen last year. I smiled the whole time I read the notes, confirming what I thought about the elevated confidence of everyone. It was a great feeling to know it was a positive experience for the kids.

21/6 - The kids left Brunel University for good this morning, but not before I met them for breakfast one last time. I finally gave them my gift, which was a hand-written note for everyone along with chopsticks and British candy. But then I felt my gift was a tad too simple when I realized they were going to give me even more gifts! I now have plenty of Japanese candy and food, and Shunsuke actually signed a baseball he played with at Kaichi and gave it to me. That was the coolest thing I could have imagined.

With just a few more moments left with the kids, I taught them games they can play on the coach to the airport and in the airplane, and gave Arima and Shunsuke chest bumps. I wasn't emotional to see them go like many other people were, but I was happy and proud to have helped these kids improve their English and their confidence. I gave the kids my contact information and encouraged them to keep in contact, so I know it won't have been the final time we saw each other. I expect at least one of them to reach out; if not, it's no big deal.

 This year helping Kaichi was a massive success and I hope to do it again next year. While I took part with the selfish wish of traveling, I also had a positive impact on kids from another country. I want to make the world a better place, if even for just one person. I accomplished that goal for seven kids over five days; we traveled from opposite ends of the world to meet up in London, and it was a fantastic fit. Perhaps fate meant for an American and seven Japanese teenagers to meet up and accomplish something positive in a world filled with negativity. Here's to next year's Kaichi High School students.

After I left Brunel bogged down with so many gifts, I currently find myself in a familiar place: Poole. Being here is a welcome flashback to a year of my life, spent in a foreign place forging connections from all over the world and manufacturing crazy stories.

It is a place Bill and I terrorized the local pubs, such as the Jolly Sailor. In fact, I ran into Bill on High Street about 10 minutes after getting off the train. He's been sober since I left, and it's probably a good thing I'm not here to drink with him. I think that's why he didn't return my phone call when I first got into London. While it would have been nice to grab a coffee and catch up, I understand. He wasn't trying to be rude; it's just how British people are to avoid being too forward with someone.

Here's to the travel during the rest of the week to Cherbourg and Paris, and back to California.

Back to England, more Japanese students and issues at Heathrow

15/6 - Hello from London.

There was no feeling of eager, giddy excitement for me while waiting at the gate in LAX. This is just another familiar place; I know it well. London is like my other home. After arriving at Heathrow, taking the tube to Kings Cross and walking to my hostel, I feel completely at home here. I'm comfortable. The accents, the signs, the different language, cars that drive on the left side of the road, the ancient buildings...none of it present the unknown.

I first visited London in 2010 for a month. This is the first international city I visited in my life. While riding the tube from Heathrow, I reflected on the past six years and how my life has shaped up. London has obviously been a heavy influence on my life because I seem to find myself here quite frequently. This city has a special place in my being, and I'm thankful to be here again. In fact, it doesn't even feel like I'm traveling because I know this place too well. London is like that old friend you embrace and interact with as if the two of you never left, but in fact you haven't seen each other for years. I'm happy to be reunited with my old friend.

As for the journey here, there were of course some bumps along the way. My day started with my debit card being flagged down for fraud after I tried to buy a Eurostar ticket (the train that connects London to Paris) before notifying my bank. That meant I couldn't fill my car with fuel before leaving Porterville. I was getting stressed out and eventually had to laugh. No adventure is complete without a snag like that.

After landing at Heathrow, I waited an hour at border security. While talking to the customs agent, she got suspicious of me and retained my passport and made me sit in a small area out of the way with a couple of other people. She was gone with my passport for about 15 minutes. I think she got suspicious when I misunderstood one of her questions. She asked if I had been back to the United Kingdom or Ireland since I left England last September. I said no, not hearing the part about Ireland. That confused her because of the stamp from Ireland in my passport.

I flew with Air New Zealand because that was the cheapest ticket I could find, but it might be my new favorite airline. There were absolutely no issues at any point in the process. Customer service was friendly, the food was surprisingly fresh and tasty and the seats comfortable. To top it off, the airline produced a Men In Black spoof to present the safety spiel at the beginning of the flight. It was so creative it made me smile; no other airline has managed to make me enjoy the safety information video, so credit to Air New Zealand. This is difficult to do because that information becomes so repetitive the more you fly. You eventually know it by heart.

16/6 - I realized today I'm a Londoner. I do not get chills from the sites of Big Ben, Parliament or the London Eye anymore. They are simply features of the city. My friend Chris said this is how people who actually live in the city feel. But despite the lack of a chill down my spine, I'm still very much happy to be in London, a city that holds a special meaning to me. It was also great to stroll the city with Chris for a few hours.

I met my group from Kaichi High School today after arriving at Brunel University. There are seven kids in my group, each with a different level of English. Luckily, the group is more talkative than the one last year. It was also great to see friends from last year's program as well, including Jess, the woman who introduced me to it. I can already see how this year is much more different than last year. This is because I feel more confident and I already know people.

And this year, excuse me for sounding arrogant, but it seems I'm much more interesting just for the simple fact I flew from California to be here. The people who I have told that too were all surprised, and it's great fun to see Japanese students react to that kind of information. Additionally, the photo I sent the program several months ago features the huge beard I used to sport. I've already been told several times it looked great!

17/6 - Tatsuki, Shunsuke, Nono, Arimas, Nazomi, Ryunosuke and Yuma have already warmed up to me, compared to last year when it didn't happen until the second to last day. They all spoiled me on the bus back from Hampton Court today with gifts of food and Japanese soaps, and they are actually talking to me rather than me having to initiate all conversation. It's quite enjoyable.

At Bourton on the Water, all of the kids had an order of fish and chips, complete with tartar sauce and vinegar. I did much of the same as last year, such as taking the kids to that 1/9-size model of the village. We also spent a lot of time searching for a place that was open to serve food before noon. But the best part of the day was Shunsuke, with my encouragement, marching up to a group of local kids, introducing himself, shaking hands and speaking with them. That's how you strengthen your language skills! The kid is a stud (he plays baseball at school).

From left: Arima, Tatsuki, Shunsuke, Ryunosuke, Nozomi, Yuma, Nono, Michael

We also visited Hampton Court today. It's always interesting to stroll the palace and read more about the shenanigans of King Henry VIII and King George I; maybe I'm just getting old...

But typical of England, it rained off and on today interspersed with bright sunlight. I broke out my sunglasses, which inspired Nono and Shunsuke to rock shades as well. My group has already shown some personality!

Tomorrow we'll do group presentations and see a Kyogen, which will be translated into English this year. I'm really looking forward to it!

Revelations, England and a new understanding

1/6 - After talking with a friend today, she helped me reach more enlightenment about myself: I love control.

This is why I enjoy traveling. What it really boils down to, I enjoy the control of going where I want, when I want. I love the planning. I love controlling how I get there and in which fashion. That's why I enjoy traveling alone, because I don't have to cede control to another person. That's why I'm rarely stressed when I travel by myself: I'm the one making decisions.

10/6 - I'm beginning to understand what I really want to do with my life. I desire a career working in international relations. For example, this whole week I was looking forward to a job interview with the British Consulate in Los Angeles. This would have been for a position called Politics and Public Information Officer.

Unfortunately, the recruiter did not call me when I thought she would. I got my hopes up fantasizing about having a career that would involve international relations, traveling, living in a big city, etc. I felt cheated when the recruiter didn't call. I was angry. I was depressed. I was dumbfounded. All day yesterday I couldn't get out of that haze of disappointment.

But, within the past few minutes I have had another epiphany. I was so upset about that situation because this is what I want to do with my life. I saw an opportunity I dearly wanted, and it passed me by. Out of disappointment comes realization and enlightenment. I have a new purpose and goal. This has given me a new fire and enabled me to cheer up considerably. A career within the international community is something that fits me perfectly, and that is where my focus will be. I think joining the United Nations is a suitable goal.

In other news, my trip to England is coming up quickly. I still only have a rough plan of what I'll do after leaving London. I know I want to take the train to Poole to stay with an old friend and then take the ferry to Cherbourg, and eventually a train to Paris where I will meet another friend from Poole.

I am still trying to find a host for my first night in London, and I still need to buy tickets for the trains and ferries. But I'm looking forward to another adventure and to meet up with some old friends.

13/6 - It's the eve of another adventure. I fly to England tomorrow! Most of my plans are relatively solid, but I still don't have a place to stay at in London Tuesday evening. And in Paris, I'll stay with Magda, an old friend from Bournemouth who now lives in Paris. This'll be another long travel day, as I will drive from Sacramento to Porterville and then Los Angeles in the morning. Here's to travel.

Also, Nikolaj and Edward go home to Denmark and Norway on Tuesday because their exchange program has ended. It has been excellent to get to know them. But they are now legitimate travelers, and it is their duty to host other travelers when needed. They are a part of this community now.

14/6 - Well, I have a hostel in London for my first night there. But I'm going into this trip a little bit unprepared because I still haven't informed my bank that I'm going overseas, as of this writing. Perhaps that's why I can't buy a Eurostar ticket yet.

A birthday, a crossroads and a Mexican doctor

23/5 - Yesterday was Rita's 68th birthday. Diego's mother is a very fun, friendly, open and kind woman, and she definitely does not look her age. In fact, she looked 30 years younger when she danced to orchestra music Diego set up for the older guests. Tampico is her hometown, but she hasn't been home for her birthday for 48 years so it called for a large celebration.

Diego has a massive family, and I was a bit overwhelmed at one point after being introduced to countless cousins. Apparently Rita is the only one in the family who can get everyone to show up in one place because everyone loves her so much. But after drinking a Tecate, I had to excuse myself to lie down and nap because it gave me a headache. Other than that I know my body is fighting something off, because I'm pretty sure I had a fever and chills yesterday. Food cleanliness and safety doesn't appear to be a high priority here, but I digress.

There was plenty of singing at this party and dancing to salsa, orchestra, reggaeton and other Latin music, and of course plenty of alcohol. I chose to stick to water after returning to the party. Diego's family was concerned after learning I wasn't feeling well, and they did everything they could to help me feel better, which I appreciated.

We ate rice and chicken topped with a mole sauce, which was a recipe from Diego's grandmother. It was a tad sweet while also a tad spicy. It was excellent, and I would have had more if I felt better. And when almost everyone had left, Diego took out his Cuban cigars and shared one with me and Miguel, another cousin of his. It was another first for me, and special because Cubans are top-quality cigars.

The best part about yesterday was how everyone seemed to welcome me, the only gringo in the city of Tampico and at that party. I've already been invited to a cousin's quinceanera (a girl's 15th birthday party, the time when she becomes a woman) and have been told countless times I'm welcome back. It looks like I need to plan to return to Mexico in December of 2017. It's these forged connections all over the world which makes travel fun to me. Mexico seemed close before, but now it's even closer. My Latino cousins expect me to return.

24/5 - My stomach felt worse yesterday which is why we had a late start. We went looking for applesauce but settled for electrolyte-replenishing drinks. From there we made it to the beach, where we sat on chairs in the sand under some shade and snacked on more Mexican treats such as Troles (a cup of corn topped with butter, salt, mayonnaise, milk, cheese, lemon and chile) and coco (sliced coconut with lemon and chile powder). 

It was during this time I realized I'm at a crossroads in my life. There are certain aspects that seriously need to be corrected in order to achieve balance, and I need to make a decision. It was an enlightening day, including being charged five pesos to use the most disgusting bathroom I've encountered during my travels.

We then sat down as a family in the evening and ate Tacos de Trompes, another excellent, but spicy, food here. I'm learning a lot about our southern neighbors and enjoying it.But this meal only made my situation worse. 

This morning my stomach felt the worst it has during the week; There was a pressure there I've never felt before, and I was bloated and unable to burp or anything else. Diego and I visited a local museum, but all I could do was lie down on a bench so as to calm my stomach. This was the point I actually had to visit a doctor. 

The conclusion? I've eaten way too much spicy food during the week, and it's simply the diet of a different country that has caused so much chaos within my body. This has never happened to me, but I have learned my lesson. Next time I go to Mexico, I will pack less underwear and more medicine. 

The doctor (who was only 27 years old) and the pills he prescribed cost about 120 pesos, about six USD. Going to a doctor in Mexico is actually pretty quick and pain free. When you see a pharmacy, there is usually an adjacent room where a doctor can be found. Here the doctor will listen to what's wrong with you, ask questions and examine you. If I had stayed in Mexico for a few more days, Diego said the doctors would have given me shots that would have cleared my little ailment straight away. No medical insurance needed and little paperwork. But even by taking a break with spicy/acidic food, I'm feeling a bit better already and can now say I've visited a Mexican doctor. If nothing else, I can't say the week in Mexico was uneventful!

While I have new cousins in Mexico, probably the most important thing I (or anyone, really) can take away from this trek is to not be afraid to travel anywhere. There were several people who asked me before the trip why I'm going to Mexico. Hadn't I seen the news or heard about the cartels? The media present a very narrow viewpoint about faraway places so we should take what we hear about with a grain of salt. If you want to judge a place, visit it first.

What I found in Tampico was a kind and generous family who was always looking to help me. They didn't have much, but they are as happy as can be. And I previously said Diego's family lives in two adjacent houses, but it's more like three houses in a row, a couple houses behind them and several more scattered within 100 yards. Everyone in that neighborhood knows each other. But the lesson here is that the media doesn't show the good people of a particular place, only the bad because that's what attracts the most ratings.

25/5 - As I write this from Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, the trek back to Porterville has begun. That means two more flights and a 150-mile road trip. It's all part of the fun of traveling. And while this chapter is closing, it marks the beginning of a new one. My return to England to work with Kaichi High School is just a few weeks away. I will close this blog with a colorful sentence enhancer that will hopefully encourage you to improve your view of the world.

Fuck fear. It only serves to limit you.

Mexico, cheap food and happy people

18/5 - Buenos dias desde Ciudad de Mexico! Good day from Mexico City, Mexico!

With the exception of being harassed by a CHP officer in Los Angeles while stuck in stop-and-go traffic on Highway 405 because I was both looking at my phone and driving without a bumper, my trek so far into Mexico City has gone by relatively smoothly. I'm just very tired, having started my journey at 5 a.m. I started writing this blog at 11 p.m. local time.

I flew from LAX after driving to Los Angeles and parking my car in an airport parking lot. I first stopped in Guadalajara, and from there to Mexico City. I have about eight hours to kill in the Mexico City airport before my flight to Tampico in the morning. It's one of those long travel days and my eyes are heavy while writing this.

I used a Mexican airline called Interjet, which is about 10 years old. After two flights and several hours on their planes, it's safe to say Interjet is my favorite airline. Every seat has the kind of legroom that comes with the emergency exit seats on other airlines, neither plane was filled to capacity and alcohol is free, even on flights that last less than an hour! Those Latinos really know how to fly! This all added up to a very relaxing and stress-free flight experience.

But after taking off from Guadalajara and gazing out the window at the criss-crossing grid of lights, it hit me how going on an adventure and traveling relaxes me and makes me feel like I'm accomplishing something. This is me in my element. It's such a welcome relief from the recent stress and anger to hop on an airplane headed for a new place; it does wonders for the soul.

When I step onto an airplane, my real-world responsibilities, issues and and stress never gets past the gate, and I am sincerely grateful for that. I appreciate the fact I can escape everything, if only for a little bit of time.

20/5 - Tampico has a tropical climate. It's warm and humid as hell, like a greenhouse full of tropical plants. It's sticky! When my friend Diego picked me up from the airport and we stepped outside, it was a little jarring to go from air conditioned, 72-degree comfort to hot and humid air that is thick to breathe. This is the kind of place where it's best to move slowly, or else you'll drip with sweat even more.

There are iguanas that make their homes next to the lake where crocodiles lurk, sometimes sunning themselves with their mouths open. Perhaps that's why a steel fence separates the walking path from the water!

Tampico is known as Mexico's first sea port, and when flying one can see how swampy the surrounding land is. It's not an environment I'm used to, and I've been drenched in sweat consistently since coming to Tampico. 

The city has also had issues with drug cartels in the past, around 2012. Diego said the local police were disbanded and replaced by the Mexican government. Sometimes you can see a truck patrolling the area with a 50-caliber machine gun bolted to the roof. But now it seems like a safe place judging from how lively downtown is. 

It's a bit of a throwback to drive down the street and see four or five people riding in the bed of a truck; I haven't seen that in many years. While crossing the street on foot, there are no signals; you just need to keep an eye on the traffic to make sure you won't get hit. And when taxis are free, they randomly honk their horns to attract attention. There are also taxis that have specific routes, like a city bus. They just pick you up on the route and you can get off whenever. 

I'm staying with Diego and his family. They live next to each other in two houses along a canal, close to the lake and within walking distance to downtown. The houses, like the rest of the neighborhood, are a bit run-down and overgrown. It feels a bit sketchy at first, but it's a relatively safe neighborhood in which everyone knows each other because they've lived there for so long. And simplicity is the best practice, right down to the pipe that simply sticks out of the shower wall; it's just like standing under a garden hose while taking a shower!

We spent the day today eating Tortas de la Barda and relaxing at the beach with beers and shrimp cocktail. Another great thing about Mexico is that it's cheap. A beer costs $1.50. But on the other side, I understand why so many people want to work in the USA and then send money back to Mexico.

22/5 - At a small food cart yesterday, I saw the guy was offering three hamburgers for five pesos. At the bar with Diego's brother in law, we had four beers apiece, peanuts and several small plates of food. About $10 total for everything. The low cost of everything is blowing my mind but after Diego said it's the cost of living here, I sobered up a little bit. It's a struggle to live here and make a living, when one peso is almost worthless. I need to be thankful I live in the states where the dollar is so strong. I may live like a king here, but it would be much different if I lived and worked in Mexico.

But, because everything is so cheap, that means I can live it up. I'm really enjoying that! I'm used to overpriced food and drink in the USA and Europe, but it's dirt cheap in Latin America.

Anyway, today is the birthday of Diego's mother, Rita. The whole family will be here and there will be lots of food of course. I'm seeing how simply this family lives and how happy it is. Everyone loves to laugh. I've already been invited to a quinceañera in a few years, and I think people are expecting me to return. 

Changing attitude about Porterville

4/5 - I snapped last Friday; it was a culmination of things.

After watching a softball player drop a simple pop up that went maybe 10 feet into the air (it was her second of the game), I threw my hands up in frustration. Watching bad softball or baseball has that effect on me.

This put me into a foul mood the rest of the day and well into Sunday. It made me realize I need to stop lying to myself. I can try to find all of the positives about living in Porterville all I want, but it doesn't change the fact I strongly dislike living here. Time to stop fronting. I've spent close to two years total living in Porterville, and I think I've had quite enough.

It's everything associated with this town, right down to the bartender who didn't know what a stout is, and still gave me the wrong bottle even after I pointed to it to help her. It's this mediocrity that has finally gotten to me. But, this is Porterville; what should I expect? This is a phrase that has become common thinking for me, and I severely dislike it. I'm settling for much less than the best here.

On Monday I hiked up Rocky Hill and, still fuming with no one around me, I let out an F-bomb at the top of my voice. I know I've been trying to justify moving back to Porterville after finishing my year in Europe, but I just can't do it anymore. It's been great to connect with old friends again and learn new things, but I cannot deny the truth any longer: Moving away from Europe to be here was a moronic decision on my part.

Now I need to do something to change this situation. I've begun the job search, applying all over the country for different kinds of jobs, not just in journalism. I now have an interest in moving to Australia.

In other news, I've been disqualified from the Coast Guard for medical reasons. When I heard the recruiter say that, I wasn't truly disappointed. I guess deep down I knew that would be the case, hence why it took so long to get the medical record to them and why I barely opened the ASVAB practice test book. My heart wasn't really into it.

This just means it's an opportunity to explore other avenues. I still desire to do something huge with my life, and that has to be away from Porterville. So, here's to the job hunt; I expect six months before I get a yes.

10/5 - The trip to San Francisco for Mother's Day evolved into a day of me ranting about my situation in Porterville. It also reminded me about how much I'd love to live in San Francisco, why I should have studied something more useful than journalism and how much I need to get out of the Central Valley. But by the end of the day, I was reminded why a lot of people can't afford to live there: it's so expensive!

But, it was still enjoyable to hang out with my parents, Nick and Eddy for the day in one of the best cities in the world. I'm thankful I got to do that.

12/5 - I figured out yesterday I'm developing anger issues, and they stem from the hostile environment in which I work everyday. Yesterday was another episode of elevated stress and anger at one person, and I finally had enough; I told someone about it who could actually do something to correct the situation, though I'm not sure if anything will happen.

I can't do this much longer. The person I've become since coming to back to Porterville is angry and resentful. Something needs to be done to fix that; I guess the first step to that is recognizing I have an issue.

Anyway...the trip to Mexico is next week and coming at the perfect time! A bit of adventure and travel will do wonders for me. Since it's so close, I'm getting that sense of nervous anticipation. It's a big trip, one where the use of Spanish is vital.

The plane tickets to London are also finalized, so that was a feeling of relief as well. I'm really looking forward to that trip in June.

As for the job search, it's still early. GoPro told me thanks but no thanks and I've had calls from a few places to reach out. Nothing is for sure right now, but as you all can tell I really would like to find something soon.

The 100th post: humility, German Couchsurfers and a brilliant decision

20/4 - This is the 100th post of Adventure Time with Mike.

I've been waiting to write this post, to save it for an epic journey. But I need to keep writing, especially because my next big trip isn't for another month.

To think I've reached 100 posts on here...It's crazy. It started as a way to inform family and friends of how I was doing during my early days in England, but it turned into a fully fledged travel blog. I feel grateful for the advice from others to start a blog because now I can look back, read old posts and feel nostalgic.

This blog has documented a whole year in England and the many adventures of mine throughout Europe. It keeps records of several first-time experiences such as being in a nude photoshoot, playing American football, volunteering far away from home and discovering the unknown joys of meeting total strangers and sleeping on their couch for the night.

It would be fair to say some of my trips and adventures were done with the blog in mind, so I could show others my experiences and hopefully inspire them to do the same, to make their dreams come true as well. In the past year-and-a-half, I've been called a nutter, a real character and incredibly adventurous. I take those as genuine compliments because life just isn't that fun if you're not going to new places, experiencing new things and taking risks. After all, I'm all about collecting memories and fascinating stories.

The definition of an adventure for me has slowly evolved, even since I first arrived in England on Sept. 14, 2014. Then it was going on a trek into an unknown country, far away from home. These days, an adventure can be had right here in Porterville, but I still very much desire to travel far and wide.

With the help of another friend, I recently discovered an application called Geocaching. This is an app that is essentially a map for a huge scavenger hunt. You can find several areas in your own city where a Geocache is hidden, which is like a capsule one can hide in an area and leave notes inside. When another person finds it, they can sign their name, add a note or leave something in it for the next person to find. There are certain hints and directions on the app for finding each cache, and your phone can be used as a compass but it's only accurate to within 30 feet. At that point you're on your own, and that's when you have to really pay attention to everything you see on the ground.

I went to three sites yesterday around Porterville and Strathmore, and I only found one. It was in an alleyway off of Main Street stuck to the side of an electricity meter, but it took me several moments to realize what it actually was. This cache was an old twist cap to a plastic bottle with a magnet on the bottom. It was gray, and it perfectly blended in with the box on which it was stuck. Inside was a couple of little pieces of paper with the names and initials of all of the people who had found it.

These caches can be anything. My friend said she found one in an old chapstick cannister and a bullet casing. This reminds me of portkeys from the world of Harry Potter. I enjoy this because it's the simple pleasure of searching for a tiny trinket and being able to sign your name, though the search can be quite difficult and frustrating. It's cool to be a part of that community.

I've also just finished hosting Monika and Peter through Couchsurfing for two nights. They are from Bavaria in Germany and are traveling through California and Nevada for a couple of weeks. When they left my house, they started their journey towards Death Valley. They took a full day to go around the Sequoia National Park and see some of the things I saw on Sunday, such as Moro Rock. I gave them advice on what they could see on the way to Death Valley, such as Red Rock Canyon State Park.

I cooked them breakfast and was simply a friendly and welcoming host, something the two appreciated. I also told them to pay it forward whenever they have a guest at their place, whenever that may be. It feels good to help fellow travelers during their journey, as other people have done that for me. I guess this blog influenced that.

And speaking of the Sequoia National Park, it was great to explore my own state a little bit more this past weekend. I hiked to the top of Little Baldy and Big Baldy, and climbed the steps of Moro Rock as well. California is such a massive place, and there's no wonder why it's world famous. I should feel lucky to live here and call this state my home. I may call Porterville and the Central Valley a terrible place to live sometimes, but I really am fortunate.

So here's to the 100th post of Adventure Time with Mike (formerly known as American in Bournemouth). The decision to start the blog and fill it with my stories has been life-altering. But I say with hopeful humility that I feel grateful to have had all of these opportunities documented in the previous 99 posts. It didn't turn out quite the way I intended or expected, but this is how life is. I'll just embrace it and roll with it.

Here's to another 100 posts to this blog.