I wish I could...

One of my favorite artists is Paul Simon, and his song Call Me Al always cheers me up when I'm traveling - especially the 3rd verse.

"A man walks down the street, its a street in a strange world. Maybe its the third world, maybe its his first time around.  He doesn't speak the language, he holds no currency. He is a foreign man he is surrounded by the sound, the sound of cattle in the marketplace, scatterlings and orphanages.  He looks around, around he sees angels in the architecture, spinning in infinity, he says Amen! and Hallelujah!"

I've felt like the guy in the song - a stranger in a strange land.  Come to think of it, I have actually been surrounded by the sound of cattle in the marketplace!  I wish I could jump on a plane right now to give my friend Melissa a hug.  I know what it is like to be a foreigner in unfamiliar surroundings.  No matter how close to home you are, it can still feel like a million miles away.  When everyday conveniences turn into a struggle - like driving to the grocery store in a new city - it's easy to get discouraged. Separation from the little things we've grown accustomed to can make you feel absolutely alone in the middle of a crowded city. 


Here's a little Paul Simon to cheer Melissa, and any homesick traveler up! (Sorry, I couldn't find the original music video with Chevy Chase - a classic!)





PS - When did Paul Simon get so old?