Today we’d like to introduce you to Larry Wiggs
Hi LARRY, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is said to have said: “don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have traveled.” That said, I have been to forty-two countries and countless cities around the globe. I have touched the Pyramids of Giza, climbed Machu Picchu, and smoked Cuban cigars like Che and Fidel once did. Certainly, my adventures have informed me about the globe, but curiously, I have encountered an enigma that has piqued my curiosity. It is the number 109. First, I used these three digits to allude to my birthday, October 9, on a personalized license plate. It read 109LAW2, which means “on October 9, Larry Alfred Wiggs was born.” It was a personal nod to my birthdate which I am sure was lost on people who read my license plate while I drove around Los Angeles. But, in 2007, when I lived in South Korea, I learned that on October 9 the Korean language celebrates its promulgation by King Sejong. Then, during my first trip to Tokyo, Japan, I spotted Shibuya 109. This sighting delighted me, but also intrigued me. After traveling to forty-two countries, I have about twelve worthwhile encounters with 109 to share. Lastly, It is my mission to explain the connection between 109, Jean Michel Basquiat, and Ermias ‘Nipsey Hussle’ Asghedom.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not. My journey abroad began when I fled my country in search of a job that paid a livable wage. I found such a job in South Korea. Although I have traveled to forty-two countries, and my intention upon leaving America initially was to travel, I began visiting more countries after having lived in Korea for seven years. Financial struggles mostly hindered my travel progress. After working in South Korea for nine years, I found a job in Saudi Arabia where I earned nearly four times my salary in Korea. At that time, I was finally ready to see the world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have one poem that expresses the ideas that resonate with me. Writing the poem has motivated me to create works of art, YouTube videos, a podcast, as well as publish books to highlight the poem’s meaning. The story of 109 is a crown achievement of my travels. It can have a tremendous impact on the world if shared properly. My story is unique. Perhaps, my story shares similarities with Jim Carrey’s movie entitled The Number 23 and the hit movie Magnolia. But, my story shares a truth about the world in which we lives and how our lives repeat. It’s actually funny how the same themes I touch on in the story of 109 were also mentioned in the movie Hudsucker Proxy. Again, although, there may be similarities, there are also marked differences which make my story wholly unique and perhaps enchanting.
What’s next?
I am working on an illustrated version of the book.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iSee109.store
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isee109/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lacalaw2
- Twitter: https://x.com/109LAW2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iSee109
- Other: https://linktr.ee/iSee109
Image Credits
Larry Alfred Wiggs II
