Time for a walkabout, get my bearings. Especially in the neighborhood. Good to know what’s out there.
A map from hotel reception in hand, I saunter to town. I spy the Tourist Information Centre.
Tourist Info Centre bathroom dryer, as intriguing as Gaelic
I stride to the counter and introduce myself to the thirty-something chick with blue coloring at the ends of her dark brown hair. She tells me her name — it’s Gaelic and sounds like she said, ‘Leave’? She asks if I’m American. (Here it is, an opportunity to connect). She’s going to the Rolling Stones concert in Dublin and is over-the-moon excited (no wonder…Air Supply and Leo Sayer are upcoming shows). My usual inquiries which have served me well include the whereabouts of a: live music venue, farmer’s market, grocery and wine store, bookstore/library, walking/jogging path. ‘Leave’ has all the answers and we chat on until other tourists began to queue.
Beyond town is the Scilly pedestrian path
(they call it the Lower Road) which meanders along the bay to the historic Charles Fort. I come upon an older gentleman strolling at a slow pace (rather, I’m walking too fast). His eyes are droopy, his nose bulbous and red. He looks like Sneezy of the seven dwarfs. I say hello and smile. “Lovely day, tisn’t it?” he said. I agree and hurry on. A short distance further I thought, “Why didn’t I stop to walk with him — just a few steps?
oh man…
I have no where to be. I missed an opportunity for a kind exchange, I could have learned something.” I tell myself — Slow down, Heidi. Make contact.
“You got a chance to put things right, So how’s it going to be? Don’t mess around now, don’t delay.” — Gomez
There’s magic in your words, Heidi. I feel as if I am there with you. And isn’t that the gift of a great writer? To transport readers? YOU my dear have that gift as all reading your posts are well aware.
I also love, love, love, the photo of the gentle man with the bulbous nose. Does he walk that path daily? What is he thinking as he does? What is his story? Did life turn out the way he had hoped?
Thank you very much, dear Susan. And I love, love, love your ‘wonderments’. I didn’t include this photo but will send to you…out of sight behind the man ambled a (his?) shadow black dog with a weathered stick in its mouth — a comfortable companion.
I sit in a magical environment in Carmel Valley and wonder at the mystical connection we had in Cambria. Ain’t life grand? I am on the mainland my darling. Perhaps I will be near you soon. We shall see. Keep on truckin…XOL
You were guided back to mainland! The right space will find you…