you knew there was no way I wasn’t going to use that line right? well, i am a simple mind and avoiding an obvious metaphor just isn’t in my skill set.
as i sit here in the sydney airport waiting to catch the time machine that is united flight 840 i am struck with one thought.
the wizard of oz is really the wizards of oz. all of the people we met and visited with during this visit make the experience.
whether it’s the shop keeper in port douglas whose mum and dad are without a roof over their heads in christchurch nz courtesy of the earthquake or the bus driver in katoomba who went out of his way to host a few yanks from the states on a cold and wet visit to his corner of the world. the people make this place amazing.
to call them warm with a great sense of humor would be too little. without exception everyone smiles, helps and shows a sincere interest in you. even when it doesn’t put money on their wallet. a good example to all.
i heard from a friend earlier today with his answer to a question i posed in a previous post. he thinks the people make a cool place cool. not the place.
i agree. people make the place. amazing natural beauty sets some places apart from others but the people are what make a place magical.
maybe one day oblivion will make her way here. maybe not. if she does, i guarantee she and her crew will be greeted by a wizard that will make her feel right at home in magical land filled with yellow brick roads and flying monkeys.
-tim