Where did she go?

[panamania79 2]

24 hours to go. Most options are open. I have coins in my pocket to give Viviana a call. Perhaps for brunch. Once again, I have no expectations - which is how so many relationships begin. 13 yrs. ago, I was in need of a ride to the store. I had been providing support on the Tito Puente Jr. ¨Latin Fest ´95 ¨ tour up in Toronto for 1 week. Afterwards, I took a bus to E. Lansing, MI where a good friend of mine had moved. She was taking classes nearby at MSU when a friend of hers called. Suzanne offered to drive me to the store, later we went shopping, then clubbing, then eventually we married. The unraveling began when cult members began shuttling her to their, ¨meetings¨.

Viviana is probably at home right now. If not, at least I gave it a shot. I´ll call her from the street so my conversation is not eavesdropped on. Onelis and I are finished. Chapter ended. Book closed. All of our photos are going on a DVD-R when I get home, Visa papers packed into a scrapbook I plan on assembling. Then, packed away. The year we had spent together seemed to work so well at first. In the hotel room, we sat and talked about her dreams this relationship brought her. The happiness, anticipating my 3 visits. She still wants those calls and emails, but I told her they wouldn´t let us detatch. Time and space will give me peace and calm.

Jobana is working behind the front desk. An attractive Costeña about 5ft3, freckles, and a beautiful smile. Toñio revealed to me that she was in fact married when I asked Saturday if she had a significant other or not. I couldn´t believe it! She didn´t stare at me like she was married, but I remember Maria and Lani´s words - ¨...you just can´t trust all of the Costeñas out there. They can be motivated by many things.¨ Viviana is next. I thought Onelis was my end-all, but meeting Leidys proved me wrong. Maria revealed so many sobering tales of woe, that my eyes are now wide open. From her apartment, you could see the barges ambling up the Magdalena river into the Caribbean. Steam raising from the ships against steel-grey skies, sticky green foilage, she has a full view from her perch of all that is Barranquilla. What better location than to educate me on the ways of her city.

Toñio saluted me, and just dropped off a cup of Colombias best. Hot and sweet. Dark, and framed in porcelain - a hint of steam rising.

Did I tell you what happened to my best friend,Fernando ? I think I did.The costena cleaned out his bank account and when he arrived home,she had clened out the apartment also,the only thing that was left were 4 bare walls.He's from Medellin and he's scared of costenas.

[Ken y Leidys 20]

I just finished breakfast. Blanca was my waitress at the hotel´s restaurant - Los Toneles. I consoled her on Friday evening when the thief went into her purse and stole her 5,000 pesos. This morning, she asked for my phone number so that she could call me one day, and eventually my email and mailing address. Both bonded through personal pain, we are now friends that will hopefully see each other again one day.

As I eat breakfast, the following television commercial presented itself, just as it did just before the beginning of the Wall-E movie. Nothing serious, just a slice of daily life represented on screen. This is what I find missing in my own life in Southern California. Lightheardness replacing my daily regimentation that I often try to escape through trips to Baja, California and with my Jeeping friends. Here, the lightheartedness surrounds me, and for that, I feel completely refreshed and so much happier. This is the essence of what coastal Colombian life is - all on a YouTube attachable file.

Edited July 16, 2008 by Ken y Onelis

[w¡n9Nµ7 §£@¥€r 123]

You're clearly very popular with the ladies. Why go all the way to Colombia with these crazy air fares, a mack daddy like you can score hot Latinas right here stateside....

[almaty 19]

yes, he is a regular jethro bodine, an international playboy

[Marilyn. 340]

ya know Ken I am all for moving on etc.. but it seems like you are moving on rather quickly.... have enough respect for Onelis and at least wait a few weeks before you start dating someone else...

I am not saying this to be mean.. just trying to see this from Onelis point of view...

[Ken y Leidys 20]

You're clearly very popular with the ladies. Why go all the way to Colombia with these crazy air fares, a mack daddy like you can score hot Latinas right here stateside....

Trust me, I´ve been thinking the same thing. (Married) Jobana just smiled at me from across the lobby. I´ve never had a tough time. But, its just not the same. Toñio just handed me a glossy, new UNESCO 2008 Carnaval Barranquilla event guide he had been saving. I will be placing this on my coffee table at home. The kindness of people is simply bringing me to my knees. If I could live here 1 year, I would. But, the mortgage is keeping me grounded. If I could, it would be one of the happiest years of my life.

[Ken y Leidys 20]

ya know Ken I am all for moving on etc.. but it seems like you are moving on rather quickly.... have enough respect for Onelis and at least wait a few weeks before you start dating someone else...

I am not saying this to be mean.. just trying to see this from Onelis point of view...

When I arrived here, I knew a decision would have to be made. When I get home, there is nothing waiting for me. Here, I can ¨entertain¨the possilities. Possibilities which will turn into a plan while I sit completely alone in my baking-hot Riverside, CA. When I get home, I will be alone, alone, alone. Nobody, nothing. 2 Dogs, a house, a broken t.v., a tricked out Jeep, a music studio & video editing bay. A bed. 2 elderly parents. A couple of friends that live far away. Far enough to cost $$ to go visit thanks to todays gas prices. Here, everything is within close reach. Life feels rich beyond belief. Theres actually community, not a bunch of materialistic newcomers escaping rising rents in Orange County (The O.C.).

I told it to Maria this way when I last saw her. For the price of airfare, I could have wasted this in 1 month courting a woman back home. Enough said.

[Ken y Leidys 20]

Fruco 60 years - Ketchup commercial. Durn thing won´t post. Here´s another go at it:

[MrsCat 6]

This my friend, is my favorite thread ever on any website. I feel like I'm right there with you - and feeling the same things.

[chnst 6]

dude, are you serious?? hahahaha, I can't keep up with the ladies anymore...

good luck to you. keep us updated on who u are going to bring home! very entertaining....

[SteveLaura 0]

... video editing bay...

What kind?

[Mags 112]

ya know Ken I am all for moving on etc.. but it seems like you are moving on rather quickly.... have enough respect for Onelis and at least wait a few weeks before you start dating someone else...

I am not saying this to be mean.. just trying to see this from Onelis point of view...

With the greatest respect, I agree with Marilyn, Ken.

You are lonely, you have said as much in your posts. I think you are longing for companionship so much you are probably not thinking about the possible consequences of rushing head long into a new relationship.

Take your TIME. Don't see every woman as a potential wife. Don't run into the next relationship on the rebound which is, I'm afraid, what you are doing at the moment - however much you want to deny this. The woman you do choose as your wife deserves more than being a rebound wife.

Love that person for them, not because you are desperately lonely and need to fill a void with anyone.

Good luck to you.

[Peggy 1]

Your a great story teller.

Hope things work out for you.

[brnidokiegurl 0]

I know nothing of this person but just look at the different view points...the guys are all like yahhhh- high 5, etc go getemmmmm and the girls speak of time and feelings....you will often find love when you least expect it not in eyeing every girl that walks by

[almaty 19]

true, and the women are correct ..no need, to increase a deflated ego by a conquest, that is based on emotional reaction