Back from Africa - Broadway or Bust

After nearly a month's respite in East Africa, I've come back to New York City refreshed and grateful for a host of perspective that the people of Tanzania, Kenya, and Zanzibar bestowed on me.

Some important lessons I learned:

• When I think too much or too deeply about something or someone, I miss all the delights of the actual experience. Ergo from now on I will relish the journey of my life and bugger worrying about the end result.
• When ignorant people try my patience, it's a challenge to reign in my sarcasm.
• Sometimes I am a jerk when I don't get my way.
• Waking up to watch the sunrise is an easy and sometimes imperative method of reminding oneself of the natural beauty the world has to offer in the midst of all the chaos, hatred, and fear.

(Sunrise, Kilimanjaro)

• Life is more simple than those of us born in Western civilizations are inclined to make it. Strong interpersonal relationships and the bare minimum of food, clothes, and possessions are all that is necessary to support a fulfilling life.
• Concordantly, western civilizations, despite all our advancements, have not necessarily figured out the best path to happiness.
• Alcohol in Tanzania comes in plastic sacs per 100mL
• If you decide to obtain a skill and commit to regular practice of said skill, you WILL improve, no matter how challenging or obscure your goal may seem.
• Sea Urchin quills are NOT to be aggressively removed once they're lodged in your pinky finger. They are barbed and will just retreat further into your flesh. Wait the little buggers out.
• Stereotypically, Italian tourists are raucous, German tourists are wonderfully detail oriented travel companions, Japanese tourists are badass when it comes to hiking Kilimanjaro at the fastest pace feasible, and British couples who taught for Teach First (England's equivalent to Teach For America) make delightful beach company. 
• Every young person vacillating around in their mid twenties ought to read Herman Hesse's Siddhartha at least once.

With my recently zenned out state, I have arrived at the clarity of new goals for the rest of 2012:

1. Set up Actor's Access account
2. Take spin class four times a week
3. Take ballet class (eep!) three times a week
4. Take the month of September off of auditions to work on my technique 
5. Enjoy the experience without worrying about the end result

Just finished updating my website for anyone who wants to check it out:

www.lauradelaterre.com