tjaden

"We see as we are," said Buddha.

"A wise king once sent two of his court officers to explore faraway lands. One of the officers was arrogant and self-absorbed; the other was generous and open-minded. After much time of travel and exploration, both men returned to the king to report their findings. When questioned of their findings, the generous officer said that he found the people of foreign lands to be hospitable, generally kindhearted, and not much different from the people one met at home. On hearing this, the arrogant officer scoffed with envy, because the cities he'd visited were full of scheming liars, cheats, and wicked barbarians. Listening to these reports, the king laughed to himself--for he had sent both men to the same place."
(from Vagabonding by Rolf Potts)

what i see, when i am here, is my desire to be back home... i have never allowed myself to come to like this place much... i wonder if i ever will.

if anything, i think of it more and more as a quirky little smile... it has its oddities, unusual customs, and frustrating people... though, there is a definite charm to a one-lane town...