


I long to travel slowly
Through places unfamiliar
Listening to sounds of chatter
And clatter
And chanting
And smelling the scent of fish
As it’s pounded to a paste
And wondering about those deep-fried crickets
Will they really have any taste?
I long to travel slowly
Off main roads carrying trucks
Honking madly as they pass us
Kicking up clouds of unwelcome dust.
I long to travel slowly
On narrow footpaths
Near green rice fields
Hearing children’s delighted squeals.
I watch the men at the market
Using large paddles to stir the sticky rice
Good manners means we try it
Yes it’s really very nice.
I long to travel slowly
In this wondrous, ancient land
With a COVID vaccine promised
Hopefully soon again, I can.