I was on Grand Cayman Island working on a server and network, when my contact came in and told me a plane had crashed into one of the WTC towers. I thought maybe it was some kind of small plane accident, but he said no you gotta see this. We went across the street to a bar where they had a TV. I watched the second plane hit, and the buildings collapse, my jaw hanging open.

I was overwhelmed with disbelief and rage. Forgot the work, and went back to the hotel. They drive on the left side of the road there, and I almost wrecked on the way.

No calls could get to or from the US, the circuits were completely tied up. I sat in the room and called my wife every few minutes. Busy every time. Called work, friends, and family. Busy. I watched news coverage, and stewed till that night.

Around 8, I walked down the street to a restaurant/bar and started drinking beer with this gigantic Aussie dude I met there. A few beers on an empty stomach later I noticed this table with 4 middle eastern looking guys having a good old time.

Every time they'd laugh it grated on my nerves. In my state I decided they were laughing about the attack. Especially after watching Arabs openly celebrating on the news. My new Australian bud was still talking, but I stopped hearing.

I headed for their table with the intent of piling in there and busting some heads. Never mind those guys had done nothing to me, and I'd prolly get myself hurt then put in jail. It was all boiling over.

I was a few feet from the table, full beer bottle by the neck. They'd stopped talking and were looking up at me. The big old Aussie came up, pinned me from behind, and dragged my dumb ass outside. There's a good mate, don't think you need to be here anymore he told me as he turned me loose. Shove off and I'll see to your tab.

I'm de-laminating brother, bent up bad, I told him. Roit mate s'okay, time for you to bugger off he says. Dude was easy 6 and 1/2, 3 C notes, close cut hair, and hard brown eyes. I looked at the door and he shook his head, eyes narrowed.

I thanked him and tried to give him money for the bar tab. He wouldn't take it. Where ever in the world that guys is right now, I owe him one for damned sure.

No flights, everything was grounded, so I spent the next couple of days fishing off some rocks on a low traffic part of the island in between attempts to call my wife.

I've traveled out of the country many times, but when I finally made it back from that trip I was never so glad to touch US soil.

Burn in hell Bin Laden.