HANOI, 2006- After leaving Vietnam in 1966 it would take Thich Nhat Hanh almost 40 years to return to his homeland. How would he be welcomed back? Would he be regarded as an outcast, a spiritual leader or maybe even a combination of the two? Whatever the case, when we arrive at Hanoi airport, Thich Nhat Hanh is a rock star. “I touched him, with my own hands!” Read more

For one long weekend I wandered the streets of a strange American city without shelter, money or phone. I saw the misery and despair I expected, but also experienced freedom, raw intimity and even a tiny crush. Read more