The Globetrotter
August 13th, 2010 | Mike
When I was very young I was told that if I traveled far enough in one direction I’d end up back at the place I began. So one day I decided I’d set out to see if this was true.
I wasn’t really planning on circumnavigating the globe — I don’t think I really thought the whole thing through. I assumed I’d just start walking and eventually I’d just magically find myself back in front of my house.
And I wasn’t really prepared for a long journey — I didn’t even bring a sandwich — but I started walking due east down the alley. I walked several blocks, occasionally stopping to look around to see if I was getting near home. Fortunately for me, I grew up on an island. There was only so far I could go before I’d have to start swimming.
The street names were numerical in the direction I was walking, so I knew that when I reached First Avenue I’d run out of island. So around Third or Fourth I started to get discouraged. I reluctantly decided to turn back.
I went home, made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and never told a soul.
I have so often wondered how Aunt Nan survived your childhood. It’s a good thing she had three girls prior just to practice. Then again there’s that rule of what she didn’t know probably was best. I miss her terribly.