The Adventure That Wasn't

I can’t believe it! He forgot me at home. Me! Bernard, his faithful traveling companion. I know that I slept in, and wasn’t waiting in the car like I was supposed to be, but that is hardly an excuse. I know that we have both had a long summer relaxing without travel, but that isn’t an excuse either. I was so looking forward to my first trip since Montreal in July. We were going to go to Washington, and then take the train to Philadelphia. I hear the liberty bell is in Philadelphia, and I really wanted to see it – even if it is cracked. But instead I had to stay home alone. I think maybe I’ll go on a trip without him next time. We’ll see what he thinks of that!

B

Bernard, The Tour Guide

It was a very, very, very slow summer. I was hanging out in Duncan’s room, playing video games, and generally getting into the Zen of not traveling. I know that sounds strange, given how much I enjoy my adventures, but it is true. Traveling is wonderful, but taking a break from traveling can be equally pleasant. I’ve also had the unusual experience of showing other people around. It probably isn’t clear what I mean by that, so I’ll explain. On most of my adventures, other people show me interesting things in their city. It is an adventure for me, but for them it is just a normal day. I tell people about my adventures, but I never get to show them anything about where I live. This summer that began to change. First we had the Birthday Party, and then Meghan came to visit for the weekend. Later in the summer, Sarah and Adam dropped in to see me, and I gave them a tour of the gardens. It was great fun, to see travel from the other side, by being the “tour guide” rather than the “tourist”. But I still think I like being a tourist better, and pretty soon I’ll be starting to travel again. Taking a break is fun, but I’m quite looking forward to beginning my adventures again.