Purple Mountain's Majesty

Well we've returned from the vacation that ate all other vacations! A 10 day trek from Taipei, Taiwan to L.A. to Denver to Montana (Glasgow, fifty miles from Canada), back to Denver then on to L.A. and finally, back to Taipei. The goal? Surprise an unexpecting sister shortly before her wedding day. Did it work? Not exactly.
It is still my belief that there was a twinge of doubt in her mind as to whether or not Melanie and I were in the States. However, I must concede that my sister is far more clever than I gave her credit for. Having not logged onto Skype (a free internet phone service, fricking awesome!) since we left on the 19th, in combination with a minor slip-up from one of our accomplices my sleuth sister became quite certain of the facts and the perfect plot was foiled. But it was still a great ride and she didn't let on that she knew until the last possible moment. Kudos sis!
The wedding was a really great time. The ceremony was wonderful and Faith and Scott Redstone (whoooaaaa!!!) transformed the old Elks lodge club room (equipped with Elk's heads) into a classy and beautiful reception hall. The food was fantastic, the live country band rocked and the conversation was great. One of the best parts of the evening was the auction for the garter. This is a Glasgow tradition to collect start-up cash for the bride and groom. We stood barely able to stop laughing as the cattle auctioneer collected bids for over an hour! "Twenty-five,twenty-five a little bit more money, thirty and a thirty and a little bit more..." and so on. In the end, a little boy won with one dollar and a grand total of $3100! So basically, Mel and I are having our wedding in Montana.
The trip was an amazing race through the land we can truly call home. After five months in a different reality we caught a glimpse of what it will be like when we finish this journey. And while we aren't sure when that will be, we are more certain now than ever that our true home is with family and friends. Our desire for adventure compels us to continue onward and discover more about this country, the language and culture and ourselves. But we do know that one day we will be back in beautiful Colorado nestled somewhere amongst the rugged pines and aspen groves.
It was a rushed vacation and our only regret is that we didn't get to spend time with everyone and only a small amount with some. Please don't be angry with us, for we would have loved to spend everyday with everyone and we all know this can't ever be the case. But take the knowledge that you are all in our hearts and thoughts everyday. You know, flying in the air at 15thousand feet, there is no other choice but to familiarize oneself with a total lack of control. When you have no control, you have to let go of all those things that bind us everyday. So my wish to you all is that you find happiness everyday with no boundaries. Give up some of the control and enjoy the ride. Don't worry, the captain has turned off the fasten seat belts sign.