About The Trip
Nailing The Trifecta
The year I was born wasn’t a great one to be a male in my family. In February my paternal grandfather died. In September my other one followed suit. And in November, to close out the unfortunate trifecta, my father did the same. The only male having a banner year was me. I mean, seeing as breasts and naps remain high on my list of positives to this day, how could I not think life was pretty freaking stellar at the time? Had I known better though, I probably would have been looking over my shoulder, wondering whether I was next.
For the next 30+ years, I never really gave much thought to my past. I knew a few things about my father. He was Mexican. Worked for Time-Life. Met my (American) mom in Thailand. Got married a month later in the Phillippines. It always made for a good story to tell girls, as it implied I might somehow be genetically pre-disposed to spontaneous romance. Beyond those facts, I never asked questions. My stepdad was a great guy, so I never felt the need to look back. It wasn’t until I started closing in on the age Hector Senior was when he died, that I decided to start looking.
The Trunk
Throughout my entire childhood in Vermont, an old steamer trunk decorated with Asian figures had sat in the back of our garage. Shooting hoops as a kid I remember seeing it when I would chase an errant rebound, but not once was I curious enough to bother looking inside. Imagine… An old battered trunk with figurines of Asian women in flowing robes engraved on the outside…filled with my deceased Mexican father’s personal effects. And I never looked.
When I finally opened it this year, I found the passports. Five of them. Each one tattooed front to back with a rainbow of visas and entry/exit stamps from countries around the world - Columbia, Cuba, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Peru, Japan, and on and on. Certain entry points popped up multiple times - Havana, Manilla, Caracus - each one representing chapters in a life I knew nothing about.
Along with the passports were papers from his days working for Time Life International, photos with my mother, yellowed newspaper clippings in Spanish and Filipino, and ID’s to a yacht club and a polo club halfway around the world.
What most intrigued me though were the seven decks of playing cards and a casino membership card from the Phillippines. Apparently the apple didn’t fall far, because I too love to gamble.
Case in point: For years, my friends and I would go to Vegas, and in a nod to Frank Baldwin’s classic, Balling The Jack, we would lay more money than we should on one single football game that we all agreed upon. If we won, we’d get a suite, live it up on steaks, champagne and whatever other forms of decadence. If we lost? It was straight home after the game, broke and hangdog. The first time we did this, we stayed at the Stardust casino. We won, so it became our lucky spot. I’m not big on signs and that sort of thing, but when I looked at the distinct Stardust lettering on my father’s playing cards, an epiphany of sorts hit.
Ramblin’ and Gamblin’
Passports and playing cards. They coalescd into a crazy idea: Re-trace my deceased father’s steps around the globe, using gambling to determine my fate along the way. One around-the-world airline ticket. 52 days. A bet–equal to 5 days budget–placed every fifth day on one local event - could be a futbol match in Bogota, a hand of blackjack in Macua, or a Thai boxing match in Bangkok. Win and I celebrate like a madman, blowing the winnings with whatever strangers happen to be with me at the time. Lose? I’m out of luck for the next 5 days, forced to get by on next to nothing until the following bet in the next country. And what better time to kick it off than Super Bowl Sunday in Vegas, the city that recreates the world in the tackiest way possible. Win, and I’m off and running, pockets full. Lose, and I’m flying into Southeast Asia the next day, broke, jetlagged, and wondering what did I just get myself into?
My fate for the next 52 days will be determined by the outcome of the bets. In addition, the Stardust cards are coming with me, and will serve as a daily divining rod in decision-making. Once a day, I’ll have a stranger pull a card from the deck. Each suit represents a direction (N, E, S, W). Pull a Spade, I head north from wherever I’m standing. First time I spot the corresponding number of the card - be it a shop number or a number on a shirt, whatever it is - I have to initiate contact and see where it takes me. Every day, some part of my day will be influenced by the place my dad’s deck of cards sends me.
An old pen of his that I have comes with me too, as I’ll be writing a book as I go. In the end I hope to have 52 chapters about my father, me, and one absurd, crazy, irreverent ride around the world. In addition, anyone who wants can follow along with the updates I’ll be posting as I go. You can even help me decide on what, and which way, to bet. Hopefully you’ll enjoy the ride as well.
Some people honor their parents with monuments or paintings. I can’t think of a better tribute to my father than an all-or-nothing, seat of my pants journey around the world, visiting the places he did, my fate predicated on the outcome of weekly bets and the flip of a card.
Wish me luck…
Hector,
Good luck you crazy bastard. You have a geat idea there and good on ya’ for following through. I like the gambling angle. I happen to know diddley squat about that sort of thing but I would offer one bit of advice… try to stay safely on the sidelines and don’t be tempted to actually run the bulls in Spain or play russian roulette in Vietnam. If, however, you want to back some equally mad bastard that’s participating I suppose that’s fair game. Best wishes and if you ever get to Australia I suggest betting on the Melbourne Cup (it’s the only horse race that’s also a national holiday as far as I know) or find a pub and see if someone will match your $500 in a game of two-up. Be ready to buy the house a drink or two if you win.
Cheers,
Chad
Comment by Chad Tyler — January 22, 2009 @ 12:22 pm
What a way to plan a trip! Let me know if fate takes you down under to Australia. Check out my blog.
Good luck!
Scott
Comment by Scott — January 25, 2009 @ 3:20 am
Chad/Scott,
Thanks for the good luck mojo. Oh, and don’t worry…drinks’ll ALWAYS be on me if I win.
H
Comment by Hector — January 25, 2009 @ 9:53 am
Hey Hector,
Looking forward to reading about the adventure! I’ll try to check in regularly and maybe can suggest some friends overseas. I still have lots of contacts in Asia and Europe who might be up for the drinking/gambling part of this venture. (Or, at least can offer up a couch when the cards turn against ya!) B
Comment by Bobbie Carton Hefferman — January 25, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Hector,
Looks like all the planning and preparations are about to pay off for you my friend. I think its great that you have chosen this journey to find out more about your Father and yourself and who knows, memories that you will be able to share with your kids one day. Remember, FULL TILT …See you in Bogota, Jeff
Comment by Jeff Towle — January 26, 2009 @ 10:53 am
Hector:
Out of the blue I had something come up and had to call Jeff Muralt whom I had’t talked to in about a year or so. We got onto the T-Place so I started to google names and low and behold here you are. Have a great trip…Wow!!!!. I was almost in Vegas for the Super Bowl. Wouldn’t that have been a trip to run into you. When in doubt go with RED. I would love to touch base with you so give me a call.
Your Montana Boat Dock Brother
Todd Schmautz
Comment by Todd Schmautz — January 27, 2009 @ 1:01 am
Friggin Brilliant. Possibly your finest idea ever. I envision a combination of “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” and “Travels With Charlie” (if you replace Charlie with with alcohol, gambling and debauchery). Damn I’m jealous.
Comment by Malaney — January 29, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
Unbelievable story and idea! Absolutely crazy and fantastic at the same time. I wish you great luck on your journey and will be checking back in to read about your adventures.
Comment by Karla (Stafford) Kane — January 29, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
Hectos - Keep your head on a swivel - there’s a lot going on out in that big bad world and you are jumping in head first! I love it and can’t wait to read about the journey.
-Garrett
Comment by Michael Garrett — January 29, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
Hector! Have a super wonderful time…I look forward to reading all about your adventures–don’t leave anything out! We want to hear about the 3 fingered hooker in Bangkok and the fat business man you puke on in the airplane because you drank too much at the airport bar! Best to you and be safe! xoxo
Comment by Mollie Madden — January 30, 2009 @ 12:46 pm
HIGH FLYING HECTOR HILL….you da man…lots of luck
Russ
Comment by Russ Hudson — January 30, 2009 @ 7:40 pm
My anti-spam word was “broad.” Which is certainly open to interpretation.
Anyway, Hector, what are the odds that Springsteen sings “Born to Run” at halftime. I’ve got a little bet on that around here.
Comment by Matt Crawford — January 31, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
I’m putting that Springsteen bet at -110. Glory Days at -150. And Nebraska at +55000.
Comment by Hector — January 31, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
Hey Hector,
What a novel idea and what a way to honor your father! I bet noone has done an adventure like yours - and written about it. I’m more envious than you can imagine.
If you find yourself in Hong Kong - I have friends with a large apartment (for Hong Kong) and I know they would welcome you with open arms. Both are American - he’s Chinese and she’s Korean - both around 30 years old. Just let me know.
Can’t wait to hear of your next adventure. Stay in touch and good luck!
John Creelman
Comment by John Creelman — February 1, 2009 @ 2:03 am
And i thought i was interesing. Can’t wait to read about your excperience and i want an autographed copy of the book when it’s released. Stay up my friend. And stay thirsty.
Bill Heuisler
Comment by Bill Heuisler — February 1, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
Hector, My parents encouraged me my entire life to learn about my birthplace: Mornington, Victoria, Australia. I ended up living and traveling there for a year and it changed my life in a huge positive manner. I think what your doing is phenomenal and I commend you bro! If you need good people contacts in Australia let me know.
Jason Burks
Comment by Jason Burks — February 2, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Hector,
Have a great trip. Will be following your journey all the way.
Matt
Comment by Matt Haggman — February 2, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
You are one creative, sick bastard. Makes me wish I was one creative, sick bastard. Have a blast@!
Comment by Wayne Mazzoni — February 2, 2009 @ 9:03 pm
Buena suerte y buen viaje.
What an amazing journey you are embarking on.
I can’t wait to read your experiences but more important what comes about after the 52 days.
I am sure we all are going to enjoy traveling with you
Travel safe
Efra
Comment by Efrain Ruiz del Prado — February 3, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
me the link to this “journey” and I have laugh my a.. to your entries (respectfully) I love your entries, great job. As we say in Mexico “la curiosidad mato al gato”, “hijo de tigre, pintito” y “traes el gusanito” [your Spanish homework]. I can’t believe that you played hoops all those years in front that “baúl de tesoros” and you did not dived in until now. It’s like a clock that all of the sudden rang inside you and ask you to open a whole new door in you. I wish the best of luck! (may be I should not wish that to a gambler on a quest, lol) I’ll forward to more.
abrazos,
fer
Comment by Fernando — February 5, 2009 @ 4:27 pm
Hector,
Just when I thouth I couldn’t be surpised by your actions anymore. You surprised us all again. This is crazy shit as you stated in your eamil. I can’t wait to read more. As said by many more before me YDAMAN. Go Hector.
Mike
Comment by Mike Bruso — February 8, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
Hector!
I could not be more thrilled for you and us because although you are living it we get to read about it. What a wild, freeing and poetic journey. Live fully and travel safe.
Stace
Comment by stacey martino — February 17, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Hector
Toofy told me about the website. Sounds like an interesting trip, must be amazing. Am available for any advice on your gambling as by your super bowl bet you could use some. I hope you have a recording of that Journey karoke, would love to see you three sign. Good luck on your travels
JL
Comment by JL — February 17, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
Check out where Hector’s been: click here
Comment by DB — March 1, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
Hector, I admire your courage! Your ramblings are interesting as well. I will follow you as you travel and live vicariously through you. It is strange that you are traveling all over the world, and I am staying right where I was born, yet, neinter one of us are an inch over 5′4″.
I wish you the best and please stay safe. I have pulled you out of messes before (broken antique chairs) and I will again, but I’d rather not have to travel around the world to do it. But I will.
Best
your Friend
Peter Deslauriers
Comment by Peter DesLauriers — March 14, 2009 @ 3:51 pm