There's no easy way to say goodbye

The day after the show was unpredictable.

Joey, Ethan, and Matt (or stage manager) left for the airport at about 4am after the show.  The rest of us stayed an extra day**...

Spent some time by the pool reading "The Road of Lost Innocence" by Somaly Mam (a striking eye-opener to sex trafficking in Cambodia).

We were invited by the US Ambassador in Thailand to visit the embassy.  This was completely amazing to see the office, and then even more so when he invited us over to his house (!!!) to hang out.  He and his wife were extremely kind and hospitable.  We had MUCH to talk about as they has an amazing art collection in his house, and are huge music fans (Fountain's of Wayne is always on the iPod he says).  The mangos were delicious (the princess's mangos) and the conversation was warm.  

Shortly after we went over to the MTV house to meet up with the MTV Exit folks who have been nothing short of spectacular in helping us out this entire trip and work incredibly hard to raise awareness against human trafficking.  I think the house would be the closest thing I could describe to... the Real World Bangkok.  Stopped by a friend's place, and chatted about water-skiing and wake-boarding- they're professionals... that's what they do for a living! (Pretty cool).

It was after midnight, and I could feel the 30 hours of travel (or whatever it is) approaching.  We were scheduled to leave for the airport at 4am.  I started to take a nap at the MTV house, when I was woken up to an excited Kyle saying... WE GOT OUR FLIGHTS CHANGED!  

... **so then we headed to Ko Samet island for an extra 2 1/2 days.  

Sometimes it's just hard to say goodbye to a place you love.  

Spent most of my time relaxing/reading on the beach... and tearing through the island's forest on a motor bike until I found secret clearings and beaches.  For some reason, I can write better (songs) or at least gather the pieces when in slightly dangerous situations (motorbikes, surfing, skiing).  

Now I'm looking at the clock again.  4am will approach soon.  The other guys went out, but I'm just too tired.  Long flight ahead.  I can't wait to see my family for Christmas.  Then...

... I think we owe it to the world to make one of the finer records we have ever made... if we didn't after this trip, something wouldn't be right.  Gotta hit 'em with a lot of love and a lot of melody...

Peace