Such is the case with Anthony Bourdain. The only thing is, while I don't know him, I feel like I do -- I've watched the man travel the world for more than a decade. I remember the very first episode I watched: when Bourdain visited France and introduced me to absinthe. After reading more about him, I also learned about the amount of struggle it took him to reach this point -- from the drug-addled restaurant days to the success of Kitchen Confidential (and beyond). Simply put, it wasn't long before I became obsessed with this man and his travels. Feeling stuck in my life position, I wanted to be him and everything he represented.
It wasn't just the travelling, eating and drinking either (but, seriously, who wouldn't want that?): it was also his writing and ability to bring his words to life on camera. I'm sitting here writing on this medium because, for the past 8 years, it's been my hope to bring my words to life in the same way -- whether it be about music, culture, whatever. Just being able to contribute to the world in the same manner that Bourdain did (and will continue to long after his death) is my ultimate goal in life.
Even his interest in world issues -- from world hunger to #MeToo -- added to his flair; the "bad boy" image wasn't a negative portrayal of a man above rules, but an individual who was truly passionate about everything he loved and was determined to push the truth. That's the blueprint, if I've ever heard one.
I'll end my ramblings here. Thank you Tony, for bringing hope to a kid from D.C. simply by projecting your magic to the world for us to see. The world will not be the same, and I'm determined to keep the party going in my own way.
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