So Great to see him back in the Netherlands after his adventures in India! Hope he is feeling better, and we are all looking forward to hearing more.

Any update on his health status?

Posting so I make sure to get the updates! Hope Greg is feeling better.

Still following with rapt attention. Hoping for good news when you get a medical update.

Hi, Scruffman and Scruffman's Mom!

Hi Arts
Hope the Scruffman sloughs off his lurgy soon.

Hi AnL - so glad you're hearing from the world traveler. His journey has kept me and many others entranced since his departure. Hope Scruffman is feeling well and I'm looking forward to hearing about his latest adventures.

Back at Home in Leiden

The Scruffman landed back in Leiden on May 6 to decompress with his friends at The Couch, the squatted bar where he lived for six weeks in December and January, which he considers a second home. Tony, the one official resident of The Couch, was of course still there, as were a handful of other couchsurfers from Denmark, Wales, and Sweden.

Unfortunately, his stay didn’t begin in a relaxed fashion. While he was in Asia, one of the residents had a breakdown and became violent, which got to everyone in different ways. Everyone was fighting with each other, money had been stolen, and nothing was getting done – the place was a mess. Two weeks of mayhem, the Scruffman reported. He didn’t say so, but I imagine his calm presence was helpful in getting things settled back down. He helped clean out The Couch, paint three of the walls, and build some counters.

BTW, his friend in Florence, who wasn’t able to extract Greg’s guitar from Italian customs before Greg left for India, has mailed the guitar to The Couch, so he should be musically armed before long. He is pretty sure his iPod is in with the guitar, as well – that’s the last place he saw it. It will all be a big surprise, but he'll be very glad to have all his music back.

What goes around, comes around; You sometimes have to free your hands by giving, in order to be ready to receive again. He gave away his guitar in an act of kindness, and now he's getting one back....

Joining the Squatting Scene

So, having helped put “the house” in order, he dove back into being an activist. Squatting will become illegal in the Netherlands at the beginning of October, so the squatting movement is busy squatting everything they can in advance. They don’t believe the authorities will evict people from existing squats. There are 50,000 people living in squats in the Netherlands, and evicting them would create a huge homeless population.

In order to squat a building, it must have been vacant for more than a year with no preparation for anyone to occupy it – no remodeling, etc. - essentially an abandoned building. Contrary to what you might expect, squatters typically make improvements to the building to make it more habitable. Greg described one squatted building that is a seven-story office multiplex; the squatters installed showers, among other things, so it could be used as housing. While it is expensive to renovate, it isn’t expensive to squat-renovate. Greg says they are able to get everything they need from what others have thrown out - ”the benefits of living in a consumer society.” This is also how they are able to dumpster-dive an adequate diet. Greg says they eat better than anyone they know can afford to from the dumpsters: food, but also 10 kilos of chocolate, beer, a big jug of wine.

To this end, he helped squat another building, his second – he helped open a squat in a church in Haarlem on Christmas Day during his previous stay in Leiden. This is a house that was bought four years ago for €1 million but has never been occupied since. It’s the nicest building he’s seen squatted; it’s three stories, in a nice part of town, overlooking a canal, with a huge space in back for a garden - ”the perfect backyard for a barbecue or a garden party” - the image of a crowd of squatters having a garden party gave me a smile. He described it as practically a manor with big windows and really detailed engravings and carvings on the ceilings and two cupids carved into the wall, built perhaps in the 1920s, ”like walking into an art museum.” However, it was stripped and not salable at the moment. They were putting in a toilet the day the Scruffman called me and had started working on the floors; it will be in much more livable in a month or two.

This particular effort was very organized. The squatters didn’t have to break in. In preparation, someone had found a place to squeeze in to take photos and found a door key, so they didn’t need to break down the door. They also notified the police once the operation was in motion so there would be no complaints, usually called in by neighbors who realize what is happening. When the police came, Greg was out front being a spokesperson; he was asked for his ID and the police accepted his passport without comment. Their main spokesperson is a lawyer who helps the squatters with all legal matters. The police were gruff at first, but once the lawyer showed up, they calmed down and were quite pleasant.

As some of you know, I am out of work at present. The Scruffman suggested I should come to Leiden, and he’d arrange a squat for me to stay in. He further offered, in a manful voice, ”You won’t have to dumpster-dive. I’ll bring you food.” I won’t say it isn’t tempting, terribly tempting, but the rest of my life goes on, and I’ll have to come back to it eventually, and it will be a worse mess if I take a break from it. Sigh. His descriptions of the lovely old town and the golden light reflecting off the canals really make me long to go.

Ah Arts - How our children expand our horizons! I can understand how you would be tempted. Best of luck to you in your job hunt. I have enjoyed this journey of Greg's. (And am so happy 'we' are back on the europe board.) CJ

Going to Leiden sounds like an excellent idea. Just ask Greg not to bring you food from the dumpsters even if you are exempted from the food expeditions.

Don't forget that you and he can write the book that this adventure deserves, and that will put you out of financial worry for quite some time.

Wonderful news for him to get his guitar back!

Arts, I keep seeing the similarities between Greg and my boys. Not to step on your story, but my Son, Chris, squatted at the Libyan People's Bureau in London in 1984, when the Libyans shot a British policewoman during a protest. The Libyans were thrown out of the country, and my boy and some friends moved in.

When the police came, they said, "Get out!". The squatters said that since the building was diplomatically Libyan territory the British plods had no authority. This tickled the police, who had no love for the Libyans, and the press. So our heroes lived there quite comfortably. A cop stood at the door, and checked to see that only the original squatters entered, and turned a blind eye as office equipment and furniture walked out the back door.

Dumpster diving was in vogue 25 years ago, too, but I was never sent an invitation to dinner, like you.

With each new installment, I feel an even more powerful affection for you and your son. I hope you realize what a gift you are giving each of us by sharing this wonderful saga!

The scruffy around-the-world aga continues--still enjoying the updates.

You are the greatest mum any young traveller could have.

Love your updates. Any more news on his health?

Checking in on the Europe board for an update....

Robyn

I wish I had more of an update - for myself as well. The Scruffman is debating his options for some medical tourism - the UK or France, perhaps, where care is cheaper, but I have not heard anything about his plans so don't know where and when. The permanent resident of his squat is Welsh, so they are thinking of heading there - presumably he'd have a place to stay. He's supposed to let me know when he makes up his mind, but of course I haven't heard from him for a week. (I know he's OK, he's logging into his couchsurfing page pretty much daily.)

He now has a plane ticket to return on September 11 (he found that ironic, I didn't even think of it until he mentioned it). Consequently, unless he goes to Britain for 38 days, he'll be overstaying Schengen. I suppose he might well get away with it, as long as he isn't mixing with the police at squat openings, but of course it's risky given that he wants to return to Europe soon. And of course, if he gets into England successfully, perhaps he will have trouble getting back into the Netherlands with a departure ticket out after his Schengen time has expired.

Sigh.

I was away for a couple weeks, but am glad to find updated adventures of the Scruffman!

Plane tickets on 9-11 are cheaper than normal days because everyone is terrified to fly that day, so it sounds like a good call on Scruff's part.

Hope all's well, artnsletters!

I was just about to bump this thread myself!

Me too. I saw the advice on your other thread about medical care in the Netherlands, and have been wanting to hear the outcome.

As I may have mentioned, my son, Chris, got Leishmaniasis from being bitten by sand fleas while living on the beach in Mexico, and I have been trying to bully him into going to a specialist about it for some time. He says he is all right, but I know the little critters stay in the body and can cause damage to the central nervous system years later.

If you get Greg to get proper attention, please tell me what kind of persuasion worked. I've tried everything short of a baseball bat.

That boy is being darn frustrating! Lately I started sending e-mails in 24-point red bold font. The best tactic I have is, "You're the only son I've got and I want you back in one piece!" He loves me enough - and is grateful enough for the assistance I've given that has made this trip possible - to care about that, so eventually he will go. I just hope it's sooner than later.

His best friend and her sister arrived unexpectedly in Amsterdam yesterday, so absolutely everything was put on hold to spend time with them. I guess I can understand; they've been best friends for almost ten years, and they haven't seen each other since he was in New York, lo those many many months ago.

Anyway, I sent him a thorough set of instructions on how to get care in the Netherlands, based on the wonderful help I got here. Then, last night, his couchsurfing page showed a log-on in England. I find it hard to believe he would have met his friends earlier in the day and then dashed across the Channel immediately, but who knows.

I'll be sending him another emphatic e-mail around the beginning of next week (assuming I haven't heard anything from him), and hopefully there will be good news by then. If not, he's going to start getting those e-mails daily!

Glad this got topped - I missed it the first time round. arts & nukesafe - you both might want to read http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/leishmania/factsht_leishmania.htm#what and take note of this: "If not treated, severe (advanced) cases of visceral leishmaniasis can cause death."

I suppose there's no chance the best friend might persuade the Scruffman to go to the hospital?

Lordy, Thursday, I REALLY didn't want to see that link! The Wikipedia article on the same subject scared me enough, thank you very much.

I'll post a link to it anyway, though don't look if you are squeamish, as it has pictures. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leishmaniasis

Email his friend... explain the situation... she's right there so surely can get him to a doctor...

I don't have contact info for his friend. However, this isn't necessarily a bad development. His friends' family is well-to-do and Greg is basically an honorary family member - so much so that he goes over for their annual Oscar party even when his friend is away at school. I am positive she is aware of his health issues, and it's possible that part of their agenda in going to Europe is to get Greg to the doctor. We will hope.

Last I heard from him, last Sunday, he promised to get care within two weeks. I don't think he will break his promise - he isn't that kind of person. I have of course heard nothing since. However, there's that mysterious log-in on his couchsurfing page in England - is he there? I'm giving him until Monday and then I'm sending another howler e-mail.

Any news on Scruffman's health??

He reported that he was having trouble locating the free clinic in Amsterdam. I have sent back another howler telling him to just go to a GP and get started. He has 20 euros to spend on that.

I can't tell you how frustrated I am. If money and time permitted, I would fly over and drag him forcibly to the doctor.

http://tinyurl.com/3yxeejf

Googlemap for the OLV - send him that and he has no excuse. Or tell him to just go the hospital in Leiden.

If I were not going to the Avignon festival the day after tomorrow, I would volunteer to go to Amsterdam and drag him to the doctor myself.

hetismij, is the OLV the free clinic?

I am thinking of you, artsnletters and sure hope that your son will get himself to a GP and consequently get the proper medical care. I hope the same for your son too, nukesafe. Some kids, even adult ones, don't seem to have a clue how much stress they cause their parents. My very good wishes to both of you and your sons.

Not sure it's free but it's unlikely they'll charge him unless he needs medicine or admission.

At least it isn't likely to be malaria or he's be in hospital already. Maybe amoebic dysentery or something?

If he needs help, is worried about going alone or whatever, shout. I'm not in Amsterdam but I'll try and help if I can. Tbh though he is better playing the innocent abroad card I suspect.

OK! I got word this afternoon that Greg saw a doctor at the free clinic, has an appointment for more tests on Monday, and will have the results next Friday.

Huge sigh of relief. At least until we found out what he has.

I'm so glad! Thanks for letting us know.

Thank goodness!

lets hope they find out what's wrong now and can get it treated.

You must be so relieved!

That's good news. Thanks for the update.

Very interesting. I missed your earlier sagas. Will go back and catch up.

No doubt, he'll have a flea in his ear when you get hold of him, Arts!

I figure it's an amoeba type thing --- quite common for India. Some of them are easy to get rid of and some take persistance.

just found this whole 'Scruffman' saga yesterday, don't know where I've been....but have enjoyed reading every word of it. Thanks for sharing and I am anxiously awaiting the outcome of Greg's medical issues. Hoping all is well with both of you.
Susan

ttt

Hey Arts! Have you heard back about the results from the tests Greg had done?

Long silence from the Netherlands. I hope I'll hear soon - I'll be sure to let you all know as soon as I do!

"No news is good news" -- at least from countries where communication is easy and cheap.

I'm still rooting for the Scruffman, artsnletters, and hoping he is well on his way to wellness.

He has a lot to offer the Internet world and the real world!

We care, artsnletters. You and Greg are in our thoughts and prayers.

I hope Scruffman is OK.

Still keeping you and your son in my thoughts. Hope you hear good news soon.

FINALLY, something to report. I got a very brief e-mail from the Scruffman this morning informing me that all his tests came back negative. I have now asked him what he was tested for and what symptom(s) he is still having. He says anything from here on out he'll have to pay for. Once I have more info, I'll spend some time on the internet and see if there's anything else he could be harboring.

Thank you all for your good wishes. They are very much appreciated.

Let's just call it "travel fatigue" then.

Thanks for the update. Still sending good wishes to both of you.

How's the Scruffman doing? Still have you both in my thoughts.

No news from the front. I suspect at this point I won't hear anything substantial until he's home. It's only another month now. I'm sure looking forward to seeing him again in the flesh!

I did see some photos of the beautiful house I described above that they squatted, on the couchsurfing page of one of his friends. It is really appealing, but it is also in pretty rough condition. They have a lot of work ahead to make it nice.

On his own couchsurfing page, he has three new photos. One is of him standing on a mountaintop in Nepal looking at the sky, with mist and clouds behind him and a string of those square colored flags flapping in the background. Then there's one of him with him holding a golden picture frame in front of him, with him hoisting a beer - this one must have been taken soon after he arrived back in Leiden, as he looks quite thin and wan. And then there's the third, of him from behind as he sits in an armchair "at home" looking out on a Leiden canal at night, lit by golden lights. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the photos when my wandering son returns.

"string of those square colored flags" - prayer flags.

Thanks for the update. I can imagine your excitement building as he heads for home.

Do you have a career lined up for him? Perhaps in investment funds?

Got to attend to my own career first. And I'm afraid I wouldn't dare pick a direction for him to head. I know what I think he ought to do, but it will have to be his own idea or it won't work out. I also suspect he has formulated his own ideas on this topic, which I don't expect to hear about until he's back. So I will just have to be a very patient parent!

I'm a lurker who keeps checking in to get updates. (My stepson once did a similar trip...)
All I can say is.... thank god he wasn't named Greta -

Trying to help you stay here on the Europe forum, Arts, and hoping the detractors will leave you alone.

We who are parents are pretty much all interested in your story and that of your son. It is a pretty amazing one.

We are not here to judge you or him, (and by the way, I am a judge in "real" life) but only to read this most engaging saga, and answer a question of your now and again.

I wish I could be your kind of mother. I'd say you are doing just fine in that department.

I'll continue to be most interested in this story and wish you both the very best outcome of the saga, (whatever that may be.)

Very well said, Taconictraveler!

Thank you for those kind words, taconictraveler. I have appreciated your support and that of all the many others who have been following the story.

I have tried very hard to stay off the Asia thread, as having run afoul of dogster, who has such a major presence there, by virtue of telling a story as honestly as I am able, I apparently invited a flurry of disapproval. I still don't understand why people read something if they don't enjoy it. If I pick a book off the shelf and find it stupid, cliche, annoying, morally offensive, or whatever, I just put it back on the shelf. I don't feel a need to sit down and write the author a letter telling him/her what I think of their work. And being accused of being blind to my son's character or the character of his journey - I don't think so, I just have a different set of standards by which to judge the value of his experiences. And I know him, in a way that my/his detractors don't.

The Scruffman is now T minus 6 days to returning home. As I understand it currently, he's planning on a short stay at home, followed by a period of whatever sort of work he can scrounge up, followed by a return to the Netherlands once he's eligible under Schengen. I think he sees his future for the time being to be in Leiden, so I will have to be prepared to let him go again, although he's already invited me to come visit him there - I imagine he can find somewhere for me to sleep if I ask him to. I have enough FF miles for two round-trips, so if I can afford to eat and sightsee while I'm there, that certainly is a doable proposition.

Artsnletters, that would be unbelievably cool if you could go to the Netherlands and visit with Scruffman! I know you're really looking forward to seeing him. Sounds like he's got the traveling bug (metaphorically! Hope the literal one is gone.) big time.

Whew! I, too, have been lurking on the Scruffman threads. I am relieved to read he's finally gone to a clinic, and I can sense your anticipation and love, the thought of seeing him and hugging him and telling him face-to-face how much you love him.

Do not be reluctant to return to the Asia thread. Dogster has been either banned or suspended or is in self-imposed exile, and clicking on his name over there no longer brings up his profile, but instead "This page no longer exists". He took on one of the moderators, and is paying the price for it, has been gone about a week now.

Best wishes to you and The Scruffman!

BC

T minus 6 already?? Seems like just yesterday that I started following his story. Your retelling of his journey felt like a gift. At times it made me laugh and at other times it gave me great angst. I always looked forward to the next installment. How just that it may end with your planning a trip to the Netherlands.

Hi there, artsnletters, you know both you and your son are in my thoughts. I can only imagine how happy you will be when he returns home and you can hold him in your loving arms. And of course I hope he is healthy and well. Best wishes to both of you dear friend.

bookchick, dogster's not the only one, just the one who started it. I don't have anything to add to that part of the story anyway. When things started heading into unpleasant territory, I just shut up until I had enough to finish it up and then cleared out. That thread was woken up today by one of my friends who just read the story, and someone else felt the need to add a sneer on the basis of a single additional post. It's been made abundantly clear to me that some of the regulars over there apparently feel the need/right to decide which threads are worthy of being posted, and they likewise feel free to flame, if mildly, anyone who isn't posting a story they approve of. They must have had a ball with "Sandy," who everyone decided was a fabricator.

I will miss not having the story to tell. Other than a conclusion and summation on the US boards, I don't think it would be appropriate to pass on more about the Scruffman's life (in fact I hope he doesn't resent that I told so much of his story here), so in a way it will be the end of a story for me too. The Scruffman threads have brought me some new friends and given me a bit of a purchase on the Fodor's boards, which has enriched my life and opened a new chapter for me. If I can convince him to write up his story, I think the response would encourage an editor or agent to take a look at the manuscript - at last count, he has 104 "fans" here. So it has been a journey, in different ways, for both of us, and I am grateful for all those who have shared in the anxiety, the humor, the hassles, and ultimately the joy of his experience.

Well, he certainly is a resilient young man with a love of travel and the ability to fulfill his travel goals, too. I'm certain that you have much to be proud of, and I'm sorry if anyone on Fodors was snarky in the least about Scruffman or the Scruffman Chronicles, which I have truly enjoyed reading. (Although I was holding my breath a bit over his health situation, and Nukesafe, your Christopher should not trifle with his situation, either. What can happen is neither pretty nor fun, and could be ultimating debilitating.)

Best to all,
BC

Artsnletters, I've been following the story of Scruffman, and I am delighted to read that he is well and heading home. I admire you for being such a steadfast and dedicated supporter of your son's dreams.

You know, arts, years ago one of my teachers said something that I thought was a smart one-liner at the time, and have since come to realise how wise it really was:

"What other people think of you is none of your business. What matters is what YOU think of you."

I can't see that the Scruffman has done anything to harm or disadvantage anyone; accepted anything that wasn't freely offered, or anything else except live his life as he sees fit.

His choices may well be anathema to some: no doubt the reverse could also be the case. I imagine the Scruffman's reaction would be merely to shrug & go about his business.

I'm sorry for the negative posters. Unfortunately, some people can't seem to appreciate those who "march to the beat of a different drummer." (which usually requires a great bit of courage and self-confidence). I have followed your son's adventures with admiration for him and for you, too. So glad that he's heading home for a bit and hoping he is healthy now. It will be great when you get to visit him in Holland. I know you are a proud and supportive mom. Three cheers for both of you!

artsnletters, my couch may be quite a way from Leiden but you are welcome to surf it if you want. (Actually it is a very comfortable bed . )

As long as you like dogs that is.

Hello, arts... You might want to check out Women Welcome Women WorldWide (5W's); it's kind of like a female equivalancy of a couchsurfing website.

http://www.womenwelcomewomen.org.uk/index.asp

One of my girlfriends and her adult daughter just spent 3 months travelling around Europe, Morocco and Indonesia, mostly staying for free in the homes of other women that they connected with through the website. Some hosts just provided a bed, while others took them under their wings, cooking for them and taking them sightseeing. My friends didn't visit the Netherlands, so I can't comment on any 5W connections there, but it might be worth looking in to for cheap travel.

My best to you, and "Welcome Home, Scruffman!" (5 days and counting)

Robyn

artsnletters,

Add another to the count of Scruffman fans! I, too, have been following his adventures and over the year have laughed, worried, and cheered with both of you.

I haven't read the negative posts on the Asia board, but I can't imagine such a thing!

Waiting for the book...

Byrd

Arts: I think maybe Jackie said it best: your retelling of his story felt like a gift (to all of us armchair and real life travelers)!!

thanks for the update - ignore the negative posters - they are just jealous. I hope that my kids learn the self-confidence and street skills to do such a neat trip.

His medical issues resolved ?

I have followed the Scruffman saga with rapt interest and have never posted before. I think you will find that Scruffman had many more than 104 'friends' along the way, just some of us aren't vocal. As a mother of 3 young men, I would be proud if any of mine had undertaken a journey like this. One of my sons has the travel bug that I passed onto him and we have traveled through all of the US, Greece, Italy, etc., but always with conventional travel means. You learn so much more about life the way your son approached it. I hope you have a joyous reunion soon.

As one of the "over the 104 count" "merely lurking" fans, I thank you for sharing your son's saga and your enjoyment, worries and pride.

And as other posters have asked and I'm sure more are thinking, could you tell us if his health issues are resolved?

Hello Scruffman fans,

I'm now busy preparing for the Scruffman's return. I'm tidying up a place for him to sleep, and getting ready to start baking his favorite cookies and soon doing some prep for my famous homemade pizza, which is the meal request for homecoming day. He'll be staying with me for at least his first few days home, although he won't be able to stay more than a couple weeks - I don't think that's in his plans anyway. I received an e-mail from him a few days ago saying how eager he was to see me again and spend some time with me. I don't mind saying I have really missed him this year, but I am thrilled for him for following his dream and having such interesting experiences.

I don't know about the current state of his health, beyond the clean bill on whatever he was tested for in the Netherlands. He basically doesn't answer any questions I ask him about anything, so I will have to wait until he's here in the flesh to press him for information on that count. He has not made any comments about how he's feeling, but we haven't had a lot of contact since he got back to Leiden - I knew he was OK and busy, and because it feels like a second home to him and he has many friends there, I think he was less in need of moral support from home.

I've had the idea of asking everyone who has been following the story, including lurkers, to sign on and let me know what decade of life they are in and what country they live in. The point of this would be to encourage an eventual publisher to take on his story, should he write it. I believe the age group skews older here, which actually should work to his advantage, as I would imagine his story would appeal most to young adults. What are your ideas on this?

For those with ideas about how I can couchsurf, mature adult fashion, thank you! I may take you up on that offer, hetismij, you may be sorry you offered! Not needing to pay for accommodations would make a trip very affordable given my FF miles, and given how tight my finances have been for some time, that's a very encouraging thought.

Again, thank you all for your interest and support. Once I have a little time after Greg returns, I'll open a thread in the US forum to check in one last time on this story. As usual, I'll put a link here so y'all can find it.

I have been following your story the whole time, arts, and I love it. I'm so glad he's coming home, and I'd love to buy his book! (I'm in my forties and live in the USA.)

Late seventies and live in the Hudson Valley, USA

I'd buy the book, but only because I want more details on the story and because I feel I know the two of you a little. But, if I was just searching for a travel book, I wouldn't pick one up on backpacking on a dime--could be because I'm in my 50s (live in US). I think a book about the practical aspects of cheap travel would appeal to the younger set who haven't yet settled down.

I have also followed from the beginning with great interest. My son spent the good portion of a year in Haifa when he was a junior in college. It was the beginning of the Infatata (sp.?) and I would get phone calls when some skirmish happened close to Haifa. The happiest day of my life was the day we went to LAX to welcome him home.

Have fun preparing for his homecoming!

I would also buy the book. I'm in my 70's. (I would also buy a copy for my son who is busy preparing for a trip to Viet Nam and Cambodia.)

I look forward to a trip report from you from the Netherlands. Don't know how I could help you except to be a cheerleader. I'm in! CJ

Thank you for sharing the Scruffman's adventures with us. I have enjoyed it immensely and wish both of you the best in your future travel adventures.

I'm in my early 40s and live in the U.S.

I would love to read a book from both Greg's and your perspectives - I don't know that I'd buy a "travel on the cheap" book, but a story about Greg's impressions and adventures, and what his mom was thinking the whole time? I would love that. I'm 29 (for another month and in the US.

I really hate that maniacal emoticon. It was supposed to be a smiley face and a )... I'm not THAT excited about turning 30!

LOL, jent! (BTW, according to my back research on the threads, you are the one who gave him his nickname - thanks!)

Oh, that would be exciting! Much as I would love to claim that bit of infamy, though, it seems like rousillon may get that claim on your "Scruffy Young Man Has Left the Building" thread. I'd hate to steal his or her thunder. Which is a shame, since I was starting to get quite impressed with myself.

I am glowing with pride that I am perhaps the only person here who has met him!

Arts, are you bringing him to the October 30 GTG?

A book from both your view points would be super-I agree jent!

Dayenu, much as I would love to, it seems likely that he won't be in town at that time given what I know of his plans. He's also a committed vegetarian, which is fairly challenging with dim sum. I'd have to twist his arm, although you never know, he might like to meet his admirers. We'll see.

Depending on his degree of veganism, a restaurant serving dim sum should easily be able to provide vegetarian options. It may not be dim sum that he gets, but all manner of tasty vegetables and noodles, without meat or fish based sauces, as has been my experience when dining in the company of vegetarians.
Glad to hear that you'll be reunited soon.

M

I'm glad to see an update! For the record, I'm 50 and live in the USA.

Lee Ann

Hi,

Don't know if I've ever posted before, but I'm definitely a Scruffman thread lurker on the Europe board.

Before I reached the end of the posts for today (Sep 8), I was trying to think if I'd buy a travel book .. I think I may be more interested if it had both views: son and mom.

A travel book I enjoyed was Round Ireland with a Fridge by Tony Hawks. I enjoyed it for the humor but also the connecting people to people storyline. Sharing the Scruffman chronicles here was some of that connecting people idea, so perhaps a reason to bring in both mom and son in the story and then more of what he did alone .. just thoughts.

FYI, 40s and USA.

Late 50s and USA--

I actually did both fiction and non-fiction writing at some time in the past. I think alternating points of view--you, mom, and son--would be the interesting read.

My husband, who is a GEM, never sees things the way I do, except for the view that once we had kids, their needs were more important than any of our pathetic and petty differences. That is both my angst (not that bad, though) and my salvation--we co-parent pretty darn well.

Tonight we were discussing, with a lot of laughter, oldest daughter's first-year college experience. His interpretation and my interpretation of what evolved were in totally different universes. We called said oldest child over speaker phone and said, "Ok--which of us is right?"

Answer: "Neither of you. I was living it; you were watching it."

I'm a travel writer's dream, Artsnletters. My shelves are full of travellers' tales; I'd buy it as an interesting look into the people/places/adventures and I like the idea of incorporating both your "voices".

Aged 62; Florida.

Add me to the book list. Sixty-three and born in the good ol' USA. So happy you'll have time to catch up. Sometimes it's just fabulous to be with your kid in person and see his face shine while sharing stories. Enjoy your visit!

We're in our 70s, live in the southern US, and we would buy the book and copies for our children and grandchildren!

Byrd

From his couchsurfing log-in, it appears the Scruffman is now in Belgium, comfortably ahead of his scheduled flight Saturday morning out of Brussels. If so, for him the saddest moment has passed, when he had to say goodbye to his "family" in Leiden. Scarcely 48 hours till he touches down in the US, and 6 hours after that he'll land at SFO. Time to go bake up some snickerdoodles and brownie cookies for him!

May I ask how did you meet him Kerouac? Just the gist will do.

tod,

The meeting is chronicled in this earlier thread: http://www.fodors.com/community/europe/the-scruffman-in-europe.cfm

Thanks - I missed it.

That made me go back and reread it, too. So many things have happened since then! To think that the travel chapter is ending, er, for a week or two!

Count me in as another Scruffman fan. I would love to read a book of both your perspectives. I am a 55 year old woman from the US and I have a 26 year old son. Your son seems like a wonderful young man with a very kind heart. I would love to read more about him and his travels. I am happy you will get to give him a hug and his favorite cookies very soon. Enjoy and thank you for the wonderful stories.

I'm 60 and from the mid-west in USA. I agree with AlessandraZoe and others that I would love to see a book from both your perspectives. I'd also like some background on what he was like growing up and how he became enamored with travel. What may have contributed to his wanderlust...as I often wonder where mine came from. Why does one of my kids have it and the other doesn't? Huh, nature or nurture...or a mix?

So the Scruffman is in the air, flying from Brussels, and he'll be in Chicago in less than 3 hours, and home in 9 hours. I was expecting him in later in the evening, but apparently United moved him to an earlier flight out of Chicago - hope he noticed on his itinerary, as it was the later flight only three days ago. Oh boy I am excited to see him!

What an experience he has lived! I have followed this thread throughout and I, too, am sorry that it will be over. My travel experiences are nothing in comparision to his so I have thoroughly enjoyed reading them and sharing them aloud with my two children. He has been my "trip away from home" while I have not been able to travel. Another blog I have been following on a biking site is finishing as well. The lady rode her bike around the world and has returned home on Thursday. I will now have to search for new adventures to follow!

What a great reunion you'll have! Enjoy! Don't forget to report back after the excitement dies down.

Hi there artsnletters. I am thinking of you and can imagine how excited you are to soon be seeing your Greg and getting some big hugs from him. Are all the cookies baked?

Wishing The Scruffman a good flight and you both a very happy reunion!!!!

For the record, age 44 and Germany.

Neither of you will probably get much sleep in the coming days: too much to talk about.

Oh, how exciting!!! BIG HUGS! What a reunion you'll have. Can't wait to read about. Enjoy that boy (man, lest I upset anyone).

WOW!! What an exciting adventure! I am another of the silent follower's to your thread.

I have a 19YO son and have been bringing him to Europe annually since he was 12YO and have had the joy of watching him learn and experience new things through travel.

I felt brave when we did a family trip for 2 weeks to Europe this last spring and encouraged him and a friend to go their way while my husband, I and the younger kids went on our way. Our paths did cross at times while other times they were in yoyally different countries then us. Even in their short time there they ran into issues that they figured out and made it through. I can’t imagine a year long trip … that experience I am certain was life changing for him. How great to have such a supportive mom that understands the importance of seeing the world and what it can bring to your own life.

Look forward to hearing a bit more once you have been united again, sad to see the thread end I have to say.

I would say the Scruffman’s travels would be a good read.

Age 39 ; U.S.A

That boy is going to need some rest - spoil him rotten and he'll be thinking.....East, West - My home is best!

Enjoy having Greg safely home again. Spoil him rotten for a few days, then knuckle down and get a book written - from both sides of the story.

The offer of a bed still stands

Welcome home, Greg! A big cyber hug to the both of you, from someone who has enjoyed reading about your adventures during the past year. (Age 52 from the US)

Robyn

Shall we assume that the reunion was a happy one?

I've been checking every day. kja - you got my hopes up. CJ

I think that maybe Greg gave cooties to his mother and they are both in quarantine.

Welcome back Greg, - artsnletters......waiting, waiting, waiting! Seriously. hope your reunion is going well and you're enjoying having your son home for a while.

I’m a lurker, too, in the US, in my 40’s. While I might not be that interested in buying the tales of a 20-something traveler living on a wing and a prayer, I was very interested in the tale of a mother’s love for her son who travels on a shoestring. (Interested enough to spend all day reading it.) I agree with the others that we need both of your voices to make this a book worth buying.

I just discovered this thread last night, and have read the whole thing straight through. What fun to read (and I'm sure the book would be equally entertaining)! BTW -- I'm in my 40s in Texas.

Hope the reunion was great!

The short answer is that yes, the reunion was great and he will be staying with me for another couple days. I am writing it up, so please be patient!

We're just curious artsnletters! Although we understand perfectly that of course the two of you have more interesting things to do now than write on the internet.

Been following from the beginning and would love the book for us and our traveler son. We're 55 and 67; he's not a Fodorite and is 27 and if he didn't have family responsiibilities would be right in there with your son!

Mid 50s, male, Ontario, Canada.

Put me down for a copy. )

If you have difficulty with publishers think
about doing a paperless version people could buy from iTunes, from Amazon for Kindle or even download to read on their computers etc... the Scruffman travels outside the box so think about publishing outside the box!

OK, my patient readers, here you go:

http://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/the-scruffman-chronicles-the-scruffman-at-home.cfm

ttt