Currently Reading: At Home In the World

"I want to see a thousand tiny places, smell their flowers, and taste the sauces made by their people. I want to feel the difference between the textures of grit in Sri Lanka and Morocco. I want to meet the woman who bakes the best bread in the smallest town in New Zealand. I want to find the best vantage point to see Bosnia from Croatia. What do the Grand Marnier crepes taste like in Rouen? In Paris? There are untold numbers of tiny places and extraordinary people who occupy them. We will perhaps see a hundred of both." (pg 15)

"Years ago, Pete worked for a men named Westbrook. He was from San Diego, and we got to visit him a few times. Every time we did - and it turns out he did this for everyone who came to visit - he'd pull out all the stops. He gave us the master bedroom, the full use of his car, paid for all our meals. He'd clear his schedule to take us all over the city. Westbrook insisted we pay for nothing during our stay, since it was his town and we were his guests. He went above and beyond, making sure we had the absolute best time in San Diego. We loved it so much, his take on hospitality and giving over and above, that we vowed to always do the same as a family. Now, anytime someone comes to Sydney, we pull out all the stops and do what we can to make 'em feel at home. No paying, no feeling weird about asking for something, no tiptoeing around or shushing kids. This is what we always did when our kids were still at home, and now that they're out  of the house with their own families, they've kept it up and are still doing it. Westbrook Effect." (pg 97)

"I never feel more Texan than when I leave Texas, and I never feel more American than when I'm abroad. I am years past and miles apart from my childhood, and yet these roots cling for life to me, no matter how hard I try to shake them free. I can be in my Turkish neighborhood, minding my own business, and a smell will waft through that transports me instantly to the swing set at the park next to my elementary school. Without warning, my heart will ache for five minutes on the merry-go-round. Or I can be in Morocco, swapping memories of late-night college shenanigans, and I'll crave a midnight run for chips and queso more than I can stand it." (pg 175)

"He who works with his hands is a laborer.
 He who works with his hands and his head is a craftsman.
 He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist."
 (pg 209 - attributed to Louis Nizer)

*I don't agree with all of Tsh's perspectives, but found this a delightful & inspiring read on "belonging while wandering the globe." Lovely!