A sobering episode in the Age of Aquarius, on my first trip out west
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Retrospect: Some Of My Travels

By Kevin J. W. Driscoll (c) 2024

I‘ve been around the block more times than a city bus, mostly due to my stint as a computer trainer, a job that seemed to require me to be everywhere but home. The US, of course, was my stomping ground, a vast and varied landscape that never failed to surprise and disappoint in equal measure. But it was my trips abroad that really opened my eyes.

Japan, for instance, was a revelation. I mean, I knew it was clean, but it was like they had a secret army of tiny ninjas whose sole purpose was to sweep up every speck of dust before it even had a chance to settle. And the food? Forget the sushi, I’m talking about the salads. I had a salad in Japan that was so fresh, I swear I could hear the lettuce giggling. And the people? Well, let’s just say they weren’t exactly waving “We Hate America” flags. In fact, they were so polite, I half expected them to apologize for the weather.

Then there was England, or as I like to call it, “The Land of Fish and Chips and Endless Apologies.” London, in particular, was a fascinating melting pot of cultures. People from all over the world, living side by side, mostly getting along. It was like a real-life episode of “Friends,” but without the annoying ones.

I remember one particularly memorable experience in London. I was walking down the street, minding my own business, when a complete stranger stopped me and said, “Excuse me, but I believe you dropped your wallet.” I thanked him profusely and checked my pocket. Sure enough, there it was. I couldn’t help but laugh. In the US, someone would have probably picked it up, kept the cash, and then donated the wallet to charity.

So there you have it, the shortened version of my global adventures. From the cleanliness of Japan to the politeness of England, I’ve seen a lot. And while I’ve certainly had my fair share of mishaps and misunderstandings, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. (Ha ha.).

After all, what’s life without a few good stories to tell?

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I’ve always been a bit of a word nerd. I love the way they sound, the way they feel on my tongue, and the way they can paint vivid pictures in my mind. But I’ve also learned that words are a double-edged sword, capable of both great beauty and great destruction.

One of my earliest memories of the power of words was when I was a child and said something particularly stupid to my best friend. I can’t remember exactly what I said, but it was something along the lines of “You’re as dumb as a rock.” My friend burst into tears, and I felt terrible. I realized then that words could have a profound impact on people’s feelings.

As I got older, I became more aware of the different ways that words can be used. There are words that can inspire, words that can comfort, and words that can destroy. There are words that can be used to manipulate, to deceive, and to control.

I’ve also had my fair share of misunderstandings with foreign speakers. Once, while traveling in Japan, I tried to order a coffee, but the waiter misunderstood me and brought me a plate of octopus. It was a hilarious situation, but it also taught me the importance of clear communication.

In recent years, the way we use words has changed dramatically. With the rise of social media, we can now send our words around the globe with a simple click. But this also means that we have to be more careful about what we say. A careless comment can be shared with (too?) many people in an instant, and the consequences can be problematic, to say the least.

So, how have words figured into my life? Well, they’ve been a source of joy, frustration, and everything in between. They’ve helped me to connect with others, to express myself, and to learn about the world around me. But they’ve also taught me the importance of using them wisely and with respect.

As Pearl Strachan Hurd reminds us, “Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atomic bombs.” It’s a wise piece of advice that I try to keep in mind every day.

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