Those who know nothing of foreign languages know nothing of their own. -Johann Wlkgang con Goethe. Most Americans are not polyglots; one language–English–seems to be all we can handle. Most of us show no perfervid interest in learning other languages. Some are restive about the whole idea. Others flout people who do not speak English at…
haiku: random thoughts on south america
Brazil ************************* Cock-a-doodle doo! Roosters declare to the world sun’s up in Brazil. ************************** Rich in penthouses; poor under the bridges. All nations are the same. *************************** Hand-hewn cobblestones old world traditions remain today’s foundations. **************************
Brazilian Cuisine!
Filet mignon and fresh vegetables prepared over an open flame. Our hosts picked us up at noon and took us to a local restaurant near to our hotel. This is not the Chuhascarria, with the meat on the long skewers. We will go there tomorrow. This food is cooked over an open fire and served…
The True Treasure of Travel
View from our hotel in Brazil We flew yesterday from Buenos Aires to Rio de Janero–a three hour flight. We had an hour layover in Rio but could not deplane. Fine. That made four hours in the plane. Then we flew to Bel Horizonte, another hour flight, but we we were turned away because of inclement…
Silver River in Buenos Aires
We took a leisurely boat ride down the Silver River today. We had planned on going all the way to Uruguay, but there has been some political unrest. Our hosts decided against it. Never mind. It was still a glorious day. I will post pictures later. I am too tired. Tomorrow we will fly to…
haiku: American Society 2007
I wrote these haiku on culture, choice, and contentment on the plane on our way to South America. ********************* Distinction comes in two ways: hardship or needles that carve a tattoo. ********************* Distinction is the gift of achievement or the piercing on a lip. ***********************
Leaning on the Stars
Leaning on the Stars Writers are strange creatures. Who can explain the impulse to write or tell when it will come–or worse–when it will go? We are leaving for the airport in about 20 minutes, and this poem came to my mind. It would be so easy to skip this trip, to enjoy the first of the holidays…
Outraged After Thanksgiving!
Yesterday our daughter had to work. She is the hostess at a cute, little restaurant nearby. Wayne and I decided to see a movie. After making a selection, we picked a cinema close to us. We had heard this movie would be sold out, so we went early to purchase our tickets. We had about…
haiku: alone tonight
********************* Daughter off to work, and Daddy upstairs asleep, just Mama and tree. *********************
haiku: regret
For words I did not say, the warm hand I withdrew– my own world so large. ********************** For the words I did say, for the pointing judgment– my own world so small. ***********************
Bonnie Saul Wilks 