On creating connections from someone who’s lived across three continents and nine different towns over the last 20 years — The two men waiting outside my apartment were an unlikely duo. Ishmael, the leader of the two, was a former cop, while his side-kick, Ventura, had the look and laugh of a seasoned criminal. “Come on up,” I yelled through the intercom. “The front door’s open.” Then, as if I…