The rolling curls of the Aegean Sea rocked Jebadiah out of an unrestfull sleep. He opened his eyes to the harsh florescent lights of the ferryboat’s lounge to find an ache crawling within his stomach. He stared out the window searching for some distraction from the discomfort, but the horizon swaying up and down through the narrow portal made vomiting sound appealing. It was cold and windy out on the deck of the vessel but Jebadiah knew a good upward release over the rail into the sea was the best thing for his bowels. From stern to the bow, port to starboard, and head to crow's nest he passed waiting for the perfect moment to heave off the side. The moment never came. He thought back to childhood summers pleasantly riding the rough seas, just to find the ache bringing him out of his memory. He looked off the back of the boat to Turkey with the comforting idea of the cozy wood cabin that had cuddled him the night before. Then he gazed forward to the coastline ahead with hopes that the Greek island Lesvos would provide some relief to his squall.
The boat reached port and as Jeb's feet hit land his stomach was soothed. In customs he handed over his, United States of America, navy blue passport. A moment later the boarder control fired a question at Jeb, "Where are you from?" (They were holding the document which proved his identity.) A bit caught off guard Jebadiah answered, "The United States." They followed this up by asking him if he was living in Turkey, he told them he was not. “ I’m a traveler,” he said with confidence, for his identity as a nomad is at times the only thing Jeb is sure of on his journey. He met Ashlei where a man in street clothes was searching bags and told her about the funny question at passport control. She knew he was pleased by their confusion, because Jeb likes to think that his dark features allow him to pass as a local where ever he goes. Together they walked out of the port customs building into the streets of Greece and the pain crept back into Jebadiah’s belly. It was clear that land’s sturdy plain only tricked his mind into temporarily relieving the problem.
The travel duo now moved along the seafront passing the luxurious sea hotels to meet a student of the city Mytilini who would provide them a couch to rest on. Jeb looked longingly at the hotels with the thought of an elegant room to help curve his pain, but a bug is not enough to cramp his travel style. He would stick with the free-of-charge accommodation. They found the cafe where they would meet their host. Jeb had previously agreed to share a conversation and a beer upon meeting, Lisa, the generous student, but he could barely put down a club soda. When Lisa arrived she brought along a posse, all beaming with smiles and warmth. Jeb was desperate to let their friendly vibes reach his gut so he could return the high spirits. He decided that if he went about as if he was feeling healthy his mind might again be fooled into making the body feel good. He ordered a beer. He took a few unwelcomed gulps and passed it along to Ash. It was clear at this point that he was not suffering from the rough seas and that he was going to be ill. He regretfully told Lisa that he could not be strong and they returned to her hillside home.
Jebadiah could do nothing more than get into bed. Shivering, he could not even take off his clothes. Moments later his stomach began to rumble and he cautiously got up and went to the bathroom. He stuck his face in the toilet waiting, then nothing. He got up and sat on the toilet waiting, again nothing. He waddled back to the bed and decided to make a cocoon of his sleeping-bag and blankets and hibernate until he felt well. He was thoroughly enclosed and warm and sleep took over, but not for long.
Jeb woke up feeling as if he was again on the stormy water, but this time there were no waves rocking him. He was spinning and a familiar liquid taste began to fill his mouth. He had little time, however he was locked into his sleeping spot trapped by his covering. Struggling, he peeled himself free and ran towards the bathroom. Unfortunately the contents of his stomach were not considerate and they erupted towards his mouth in the middle of the living-room. Desperately Jeb threw his hands over his chops and contained the vomit. Seconds later another explosion rocketed from his pit just as he crossed the threshold of the bathroom. Like popping open a champagne bottle Jebadiah released the cork and the bile spewed into the bowl. After four of fiver powerful surges it was over. He turned around to find himself looking into his own eyes in the mirror. Orange foam coated his beard and mustache. He looked miserable, but felt a peace he hadn't felt since before getting on the boat. He slept soundly the rest of the night.
The next day was full of Greek opportunities: a tour around the island, hot baths, feta cheese, wine, and a party of young people exchanging ideas. Jeb did none of it. He knew it was best to stay horizontal and regain health. He wanted to be alone. While he lay doing nothing he realized that his isolation was not only for rejuvenation after his stomach’s storm. He was resisting being social and blocking himself off from having experiences with new interesting people. He saw himself having critical views and felt some negativity that was out of character for him. Jeb took the time to do some introspection, some internal searching. He found some taxing moments of his travels that he had not yet released. It was clear he needed a fresh start.
When he felt well he started to explore the city and port. An almost familiar college town holding cafes with dim light, playing chilled-out music. What was dissimilar to other tranquil cafes he had been to was that a short distance away was another cafe filled with weathered Greek men hollering to each other and ordering the waitress to go out to buy them cigarettes. The duality of this place gave Jeb the joyful feeling that he was in a foreign land. It was the bipolar characteristics of the city that made it like no other place Jeb had been.
Jeb stayed aware of the realization he had while ill. He walked about focused on a positive energy. He stalked his thoughts and feelings when a negative vibration stirred or a critical thought shook he disrupted it with a breath of life.
In this style Jebadiah walked again the traveler's path. He met a group of guys who were going for a mid-Januray swim. With the wind at his back Jeb joined them down towards the sea, seeking a cleansing bath. Although he had second, third and fourth thoughts the water was pulling him towards it. The clear teal Aegean Sea was appealing even on a day with snow flurries. To hesitate would have been the end of this spontaneous swim, so Jeb did not. Clothes off, courage on he stepped into the icy water. With each moment the water reached higher on his legs. The slow crawl was discouraging, he needed to be fully submerged or not at all. In the shallow water he sprawled his body forward torpedoing under the sea. After a smooth glide back to the surface Jeb instinctively let out a yelp, but no noise followed. The cold water stole his breath and voice. He gasped for air but nothing but the cold was entering his body. A moment of suffocation gave way to a full-hearted swim. Stroking strongly, the cold water seemed to turn into insulation for the bodies heat. He was not warm but there was a clear difference between the temperature of the water and his body. He was filled with vigor and dove down five meters to the rocky sea floor. Jebadiah pushed himself to a limit underwater where he no longer needed a breath of air. The joy of being one with the sea relaxed his desperate lungs and he soared back to the shore as would a sea turtle. He left in the water some pieces of darkness that had been lingering in his baggage. Now shivering out in the open air a breeze filled his open pours replenishing his spirit and re-birthing his adventure.
