My great uncle once stated that “The well-traveled person is a friend of mine,” and, although this statement was serving as his sole defense against accusations of soliciting a prostitute, I believe it to be a maxim that can benefit all of us.
For the well-traveled person has experienced much of the world and therefore lives a richer, wiser life. I know this is true for myself (you can read about some of my adventures in my three-volume series Agatha Goes Elsewhere).
Of course, not everyone has the resources to travel the world as I or my uncle’s whores have done. However, let us not forget that the world starts right outside our own doorsteps, and everyday we have the opportunity to make a journey of our day-to-day lives.
Earlier this week, I recommended that Christopher go on a mini-odyssey himself and, despite his early protestations, he admitted that the excursion was profitable. By simply changing his attitude and looking with new eyes at the path that leads from my house to the corner shop, he saw two kittens playing in the sun, heard just how much love the two teenagers in the alley apparently have for each other and found a discarded 50p coin. Perhaps more valuable than all of these experiences, he realised how happy fresh tonic water to add to her gin made his employer and this is a life lesson he can carry with him for the rest of his days.
If you ever do get the chance to travel to another land, I wholeheartedly recommend it. You become wiser and more cosmopolitan, and it’s also hilarious to hear people talk funny. However, even if your wanderings only extend to a five mile radius, with an open-minded attitude, you can truly see our world.
Everyone Needs an Algonquin 
Agatha’s Public Chimes In