Who is Kevin Fitzpatrick!?

The number one question I am asked regarding my travels is ‘what was your favorite place?’ The number two question? ‘Who is Kevin Fitzpatrick??’

Some of my more loyal readers may have noticed his name in the comments on my blog.  Kevin is, by far, my biggest fan or at least the most vocal fan.  Kevin has commented on my site 199 times (and counting – insert your comment here, Kevin). That is one quarter of all my comments! He has been so loyal and so consistent. In a way, he was like my virtual traveling partner, always there with a kind word and always there to keep me company and encourage me to keep striving for truth or at least some good food around the world.

Kevin and I had worked together several years back when I produced a TV segment on this amazing throw-back hat shop in Chicago and then again on a town which employed him to do the PR and marketing. We instantly hit it off and have been friends ever since. I appreciate his honesty and all around ‘goodness.’ He’s the real deal and one of the ‘good’ ones. He and his wife came to my going away party and I’ve since been to their lovely home out in the ‘burbs. Just good people.

His comments have been wonderfully witty, thoughtful, and often flat out hilarious.  He adds his own spin, knowledge and observations to my posts making them even better. I have often told him he should have his own blog.  I would surely be a fan, but not sure if I could compete with his dedication.   He has a fan in many of my readers and of course in me.

After reading through his thought provoking and/or amusing comments to almost every one of my posts, I found it extremely hard to just choose a few. Here is a roundup of some of my favorites. Stay tuned for a guest post from Kevin himself!

Travel Tip Tuesday: Taking the Plunge – a Little Inspiration 2010/05/04

I knew you were tough, but finding out about the balls was rather shocking.

Where Next? 2010/01/08

I’m too jealous to make any suggestions.

Working Around the World 2009/08/12

Let’s face it. You were a very high class, modern day hobo. While at a base level everyone works “for the money”, it’s different when the money matters less than the experience. It’s been said “you haven’t been somewhere until you’ve lived there”. If that’s the case, you’ve “been” to more places than almost anyone. As much as you may be a modern day hobo, you’re just as much a modern day Hemmingway. Pick the one that suits you best. They both apply.

Just a Girl in the World: Fear of Flying…Solo 2009/04/20

You wouldn’t say it, but I will. You also became a wonderful ambassador for the US during this trip. I’m sending your name to NASA. If we send a space ship to Mars with humans in it, I’d like the ETs out there to think Earthlings are all like you. It would make for a friendlier Galaxy.

Warning, Warning 2009/02/11

You are totally a national security risk there. Wherever you go instantly becomes a cool, popular place and a crowd is likely to develop quickly around you. Now they have your DNA from the tea cup and a few ounces of your internationally renowned pee, you have what’s known as a “permanent file”. I’m guessing the Prime Minister saw you walk past 3 times and couldn’t work up the nerve to ask you to lunch.

An Unexpected Surprise – Milan, Italy 2009/01/12

You have been to Italy 4 times. I have been to Italian restaurants 100 times. I win.

I came. I saw. I voted. 2008/10/27

One of the innate tendencies of humans is the sense of pride they feel for their own countries. Even countries that are brutal to their citizens or commit atrocities inspire a feeling of patriotism for the sod they don’t hold accountable for the misdeeds of the stewards of the moment. Nelson Mandela loved a country that imprisoned him. We hear the same about dissidents in China. Patriotism is public and personal. MY country is the best. Whoever says it usually feels it. We can all do better. If we can do so at a ballot box that ensures the peaceful transfer of power, we’re putting “civil” in civilization. You went through a lot to vote which indicates how precious the right is and how serious the responsibility is. I’m nearly positive our ballots will look opposite from one another, but I’m proud of the fact we both feel the same way. Even if your vote waters mine down! We’ll make history either way this time. That is something to celebrate.

Falling in love all over again 2008/05/27

Yadda, yadda, yadda. What your world wide readership really wants to know is….did you have lunch with me? Don’t make them beg for the information!

Chicago is a life long mistress. No matter where you go or what you’ve done, you can fall in love with Chicago over and over because you never stop loving this city. Even when it’s cold, windy, humid etc. she’s still the most comfortable city on Earth. Granted, she’s not as good when you’re not here, but she’s still a great broad!

Locked Out 2007/11/18

Why didn’t you call me? I have a key.

Running Away from Home 2007/11/05

Thanks for the update LL, but you were late. There was a story in the New York Times filed by Reuters and syndicated all over the U.S. about the American jogger who saved a cat in Valencia, Spain. Details were sketchy, but the kitten said “the two legged creature moved with the speed and agility of a cat. I thought we were related, purrhaps”. meow.

Mona Lisa 2007/08/19

Many of your readers back home must be very preoccupied with the “hot guy” theme. The soulmate “hot girl” theme has been a long time coming.  On behalf of roughly 90% of my gender, Thank you. The other 10% has done just fine with the previous updates! You can truly see the genuineness of the people of whom you speak in the pictures on a screen half a world away. It’s not just reflected in how they appear, but how you appear in their presence. Now that you’ve moved out of burka territory, a bonus beauty (besides yourself) every now and then, eh?

“Should I Stay or Should I go…” 2007/07/09

I guess I was expecting this kind of an update a while ago. Good for you that it has taken this long before you had Stage 5 Reflection Issues. Just think of the personal ad you could write: I’m a Virgo. I like long walks on Vietnamese beaches, Hang gliding in Singapore, 10 story waterslides in Dubai, quiet evenings in the Galapagos, Partying in Rio, and sitting in cafes in Melbourne eating vegimites…
Non Smoker.

Springtime in the Middle East   2007/05/11

I know how crass this is going to sound before I even write it, but the Arabic symbol on the stop sign looks like a teenage boy waking up in the morning. Look at it again…..See.
I’m looking forward to your updates from Dubai. As modern and progressive as it is for this part of the world, it seems to be a place where 21st century wealth meets up with 6th century thinking. If happiness is defined by the best of what you’ve ever known, people may not know any different. I’m interested to know what kind of conversations you have with the women of Dubai.

Halfway Point…or is it? 2007/04/13

I have been half way around the world vicariously through you. I can hardly believe it. Somewhere on this journey, anxiety has turned to a peacefulness and allowed you to enjoy this Earth in an unencumbered way. Perhaps that’s been the most amazing thing yet. To know how good you have it at the precise moment you’re having it is a gift of wonderful perspective. We all really live in the world. You just know it better than we do. And we know it more than most people because we’ve been on this trip with you in our own way. Cam Un & Chao Em !

“Sandwich Shop Dropout” 2007/02/23

My dear Matilda,
You have been in Melbourne long enough now. STUD earrings from your Sicilian boss-How unironic! I think you will be a brilliant sandwich shop owner back in the nifty fifty. Remember you won’t be just another cute migrant worker here, you’ll be Boss Lady. You will be the one in the position to hit on your staff. You won’t of course. Well, probably not. I can’t imagine you will. Oh, maybe just rarely, you know, if there’s chemistry. No, totally won’t do it. Not your style. Oh, but what if……Nevermind.
Looking forward to the next leg of your journey. Stay safe Deli Babe!

Stay Tuned for a guest post from the one and only…Kevin Fitzpatrick.