Under Cornwallis...

His statue stares outward, toward his home, surely, and perhaps your future destination. There is no question, having turned this over in your mind this past week, that this is a course that must be taken if the chance is given. Inch rightfully seeks to understand the why behind It - how to explain the desperate desire for a fresh start, before it is too late. How to explain the tiredness, the inability to approach this lived-in city with fresh eyes and mind? The insatiable need to cut all ties and take out a new piece of white paper and just begin.

Not to over-reach in the poor analogy department, but here you sit on a bench by the statue on a wonderful summer night, and the old worn green paint wearing thin in various layers reveals the concrete below. Just as earlier today, the many coats of paint on the rusty iron keel of the Southern Cross gave way (if only in part) to the newly purchased hammers. It is hard work, going back to the beginning. Such stuff that accumulates gradually over the years and stays and stays, as testament to age. Here lies a chance, a final chance, in a city of such wonder and nostalgia and magic such that you adore. It is the third in a series of stops to complete the Scotland-England-Ireland tour of old. It is - to put it bluntly - what your life needs.

You need to - if successful in getting it - give it the full measure and honor of your attention, devote the best of your efforts and skills. But it shall be for you. And it should take into it all a whole bunch of charming and characteristic measures. You can count the pints of Guinness as you go, climb Kili and visit some jeopardized island nations on assignment and write about them. More than just a dry account, but something lasting. It can be done, and it won't be somebody else's work.

No need, after this reflection, to convince me anymore. Two years returned from the travel leave - this is a fitting resumption of the adventure. Just convince Suzie and Colin, and the rest will work out. Promise. Here's hoping Habana provides the venue for celebrations.