none. Minutes later it came. I saw the first bit of water wash ashore, then another surge drew closer and I turned around and ran. I ran faster than you would believe. After I crossed the street is when the true intensity of the waves came. Although I was on the beach when it came, I guess I had a bit of an advantage, as I knew exactly what was happening.

The sound of the ocean pounding against the shore, breaking concrete and the terror in the voices of people around me. I was too shocked to do anything but run. I couldn't talk or ask questions I just followed the local people. It was a terrible feeling when I turned around to see there was no water anymore and thinking everything was ok, then seconds later seeing a bigger, faster, stronger surge of water coming at me faster than I could run. After running for a while I saw one man fall to his knees and start crying out a prayer. I too, regardless of whatever was happening around me, then broke my silence and I think I cried for him. The look in his eyes, his desperation.

Just the day before I arrived in Sri Lanka. My flight from Indonesia to Singapore was packed with Asians, when I got back on the plane to Sri Lanka the face of the plane changed to all Indians. It was so exciting to finally be going to Sri Lanka and India. I had waited such a long time. When I arrived in Colombo I got a bus to Midigama at about 3am. I watched the sunrise on the coastal road. There were fishermen on stilts fishing in the ocean with a yellow and orange backdrop of a sky gleaming through tall plantations of coconut trees. It was all so exotic. That morning I met my friend after 4 years since our travels in Africa. There was an Israeli guy named Mor that was also staying there. He had been learning how to read palms and asked if he could practice on me. I asked him how long my lifeline was and he told me I had a long life to look forward to. The next morning he was with me when we were running, after it was over I never saw him again. If only I could tell him that his predictions were right, as he read my hand in the same place we started running from the tsunami.

A fine way to realize how fragile the Earth is and how vulnerable and delicate the human race is.

I am ok. I'm getting a little bit better each day, though will never be the same. I met my parents on the coast of Spain and spent some time in Ireland to try to clear my mind a bit. I thought long about what I would write and how I would describe my experience. I finally came to a conclusion that no matter how hard I tried I could never fully explain what happened, what I saw, or how I felt. Plus, much of it is very personal and some things are better left unsaid. Perhaps in time I will be able to write more.

So, the Asia trip is over. I think I could have gone on if I wasn't involved, it was too much to handle at the time. There is really nowhere else for me to go except Japan, or Cambodia Vietnam thing. I am a bit uninspired and really don't want to talk about it or see any more pictures. I think I work for a couple of months, learn my Spanish and go to Central & South America. Only time will tell as my decisions change everyday.

I am alive and I survived. I don't know how after seeing the amount of people dead on Sri Lanka's south coast. I had just woken up and went outside my bungalow to take a look at the morning beach. I asked Aaron how the waves were looking for surfing and he replied telling me that there were

To the people from Israel who flew in to take care of their own people: thanks for letting me take a shower, feeding me, giving me money, and a warm smile when the American Embassy couldn't be bothered helping me.

To Adina and Moshe for giving us a home to stay in for 2 nights, feeding us, letting us use the internet, letting me talk to my mom and giving me a driver to take me where ever I needed to go in Colombo. And to their Sri Lankan housemaid who insisted on giving me a new pair of socks instead of washing my old ones and for the hug she gave before I left the country that brought tears to my eyes.

To Alyson Pohl for taking a huge weight off my mother's shoulders by taking phone calls, answering emails and reassuring her. Being a best friend of mine from childhood, she sees me in you. The mere sound of your voice and knowing that she had someone beside her was comforting.

To Alan who put his entire life on hold for me. For making sense out of where I was going from Sri Lanka and organizing a low-key place for me to meet my parents. I also want to thank you for standing by my side all the way back to New York City, holding me when I cried, and listening to me when I undoubtly repeated myself many times over. How far we have come from just meeting for a few minutes in Malaysia and thinking I would never see "that boy" again. And to your parents and family who so warmly welcomed me home to Ireland. Saya Cinta Kamu.

To the Health minister of Sri Lanka for personally calling my parents to tell them I was safe. And to his wife who graciously stayed on the phone with my mom regardless of any language barrier.

To the people of Sri Lanka and to those at Midigama village who were more concerned about our passports than themselves, their lives, belongings and all the family and friends they lost. How guilty I felt just leaving, but there was no other choice. I hope to return one day and help rebuild what was so beautifully established.

To the people of Indonesia, particularly Sumatra for giving me 5 glorious months in your country. For showing me all the beautiful places and taking the time to teach me your language. I left my heart in Sumatra, for it was one of the most amazing, yet geologically volatile places I have ever been. It doesn't surprise me that it was where the earthquake started.

Of course to my sister Jeannette my niece Alisia and her wonderful husband Jason for offering so much support and understanding. To my parents for convincing me I could do whatever I wanted. And, most importantly, to who ever was looking down on me that gave me another life.

And to all the parents who will never get the phone call that my parents got, regardless of how vague it was. It was your children that were blessed with feet to walk the Earth. They haggled for bus fares and sat on rides for many hours just to reach that special place. Let them be a reminder to us all that mother natures does not care whether you are black or white, Christian or Muslim, Israeli or Palestinian. She does not care if you are rich or poor, if you live in a mansion or a bamboo hut. She does not care about your money or the borders you call your country. When she is ready we all become one.

Stop War and Create World Peace.

Al Prieto
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Angela Atkins - donating $100 to the Red Cross in my name.
Jeremy Pope
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