Those Met on the Road

I am padding around the house this wet and cold morning wrapped in an old bathroom, somewhat in a fog. The usual cup of coffee isn’t kicking in. It could be because I flew back from Taiwan yesterday but somehow it isn’t feeling just like the regular jet lag I deal with often. As a travel writer I am used to observing places, that is what most publications want. It occurred to me as I awoke that the number of people I meet while on the road is a story in itself often pushed into the background.

As I sipped from my mug I picked up a small booklet that I was given on the plane yesterday. It was filled with wonderful artwork. Page 52 in the brochure had a piece by Chu, Chen Nan sitting just two seats away. My introduction came about because of one of my trip companions, Amy is open and friendly. Mr. Chu graciously agreed to sign the booklet and did so in a wonderful way, in English and Chinese characters. Mine basically was about my dreams coming true. One wish I have is that all the people I have met while zipping around the world could know that they have all had an impact on me. Many people have slipped past and faded as time passes. I plan on keeping the booklet in a place that will remind me that the people met are just if not more important than the places seen.