Stone Soup by Jan Eliot for July 17, 2010

What’s the matter, Holly? Drives around town aren’t good enough for you?

Oh, how I would like to travel to exotic places like my mother (1953-2004) to Europe with her BYU Abroad group and my older brother to China and Mexico on two separate BYU-Idaho (once known as RIcks College) internships. Let’s forget Andrew Zimmern, Anthony Bourdain and Samantha Brown on the Travel Channel.

You never know. I’m a librarian working for the military and I’ve been fortunate to live in Europe and Asia, and been able to sight see all over both places. I never thought that would happen when I was in high school in Rattan, Oklahoma!

Holly’s 13! She’s only just becoming aware of the possibilities. She’s got a great role model, though! She’ll figure it out.

Well, duh and plan on a 24 hour travel time with all the layovers. My daughter-in-law is Thai. Dang, things are inexpensive over there. My 6’5” son causes quite a stir. LOL

I am a retired airline employee. Free tavel is great, but you still have to eat when you get someplace exotic, and pay for a room and bed. It isn’t all as great as yyou might think, but I’d do it all over again if I had the chance.

That right, Holly, so start planning now. If you’re lucky, Gramma might take you on a trip once, but after that it’s up to you.

@jeffc42==No wonder you wanted to travel. I’ve lived in Oklahoma all my life and have never heard of Rattan. Must really be small! As soon as I finish reading comics I’ll get out the Atlas and find it.

Too right, Holly - go for it!

I think I remember Rattan as being near Tishimingo.

@Yukoneric - We’ll be going over there in January. I’m wondering if we’ll cause a stir, since I’m close to as tall as your son is. I cause a stir here as it is (not too many are used to tall girls around here).

^ or ones w/ a chocolate bootee…lol

Doesn’t airline pilot’s/steward’s get special discounts at hotels/motels? Are they able to stay for discount prices?

You’ll make it happen, and it will be well worth it.

I loved business travel back in the 70s when I was a facilities engineer for Zenith and the only one they had for HVAC and even some electrical trouble shooting. The airlines back then were SO accomodating that it was a pleasure, and my time was my own after hours so I found many new friends… NOW I HATE to travel!!!

Yay, Jade, I’m a tall girl too! :-)

My part of Oklahoma is just about as far from Rattan as you can get ( ignoring the panhandle) but I’ve been in that neighborhood on bird watching trips.