The first time I experienced Thanksgiving!

What a wonderful holiday, it's something special that a holiday can be so inclusive as to make me feel like I should have been celebrating Thanksgiving my whole life (remember I'm British, South African and we don't celebrate Thanksgiving). 

I have a lot to be thankful for, but first I wanted to say that one of the things that has impressed me the most about the USA is the level of generosity, compassion and giving I've witnessed in my short time here. Perhaps it's because I've been so starved of witnessing these traits in China over the past 14 + years, but when a cashier asks if I'd like to donate $5 to a hunger box for needy kids over the holiday, it makes me smile...

I first experienced thanksgiving in 2016 during my first ever road-trip across the USA, it was a very personal adventure that saw me cross the USA coast to coast meeting up and staying with subscribers and patreons along the way... It had such a profound impact on my life and the people I met along the way all felt like family. It was in Reno (the world's biggest little city) that I was invited to thanksgiving and I was accepted into this very personal family gathering as if I was honestly just part of the family, it was one of the most bizarre and heartwarming experiences of my life and gave me a real respect for the culture and society of the USA, it's not just a regional thing either, I experienced the same hospitality and warmth across the entire country. 

I'm no fool and I'm very much observant and aware of the issues facing the USA, but the overwhelmingly generous nature of Americans that I interacted with, both strangers and subscribers is what will always remain with me as my strongest first impression of the USA.

So what am I thankful for?

You, I'm thankful that I our paths have crossed, even if it's in an esoteric sort of a way, perhaps you came across a video of mine that piqued your interest, perhaps we've met in real life, maybe you hate my guts and just want to keep tabs on what I'm doing, either way we've made an impact on each other you and I, we're all part of this absurd journey we call life and recently becoming a father has really put that into perspective for me once again. Life is a strange, fragile, tragic and wonderful adventure and if we can, let's all help each other along the way.

All of my love and best wishes to you over this special holiday (don't care if you're American or not, this goes for every single one of you). 

I don't even need to say it because you all are already Awesome! 

Sasha and I a few days before our Daughter was born

Day 1 of a new life!

- Keep on Staying Awesome!

SerpentZA