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At 20, I thought I knew everything. I pitched Josh on a hostel in Puerto Rico; I had stayed in so many in Europe. He obliged. Unfortunately — and these things happen — it turned out to be a homeless shelter. We stayed two nights, he wanted to leave, and I told him I’d plan better next time.

At 21, I thought I knew everything. I told Josh I’d struck gold with this idea. Unfortunately, he soon found himself psychedelically trapped outside of the space-time continuum at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. I called us an Uber back and agreed to be more discerning next time.

I’m 22 now. I’ve learned all I need to. I have a killer trip to Afghanistan lined up for us next. Just need to get Josh on board.

San Juan, October 2022
Ashkan R.