my updates since 2006 now free for all!

I've done it.  I've finally started a blog.  I've decided to post my old updates that I've sent since my first solo voyage abroad to New Zealand with BU way back in 2006, through Japan, and now for Chile since some people have suggested itt. All the posts dated before this one will be from old emails.  Please forgive the lack of capitalization and the colloquial writing style. Maybe I thought that was cool at the time. Or maybe I was just lazier. Either way, enjoy!