Childhood

Zbigniew Ting has flown back home. We had a wonderful visit.

His stories about his grandchildren charmed us. I'm still smiling at some of their antics.

Those stories also got me to thinking about my own childhood in Patara. I remember the hills and streams I used to explore. I remember the streams I used to wade and swim in. I remember the sea, stretching off into the distance, with a constant stream of boats. I wondered what it would be like to be on one of those boats sailing to distant lands. Little did I know that I would fly to lands I could not even imagine!

My parents were devout Christians, and Christian travelers often came to our home for meals, or even to stay. As a boy I listen to their talk of distant lands and strange animals. But none of them ever mentioned reindeer!

Ah yes, so many memories. But in the truth of my youth lies all those legends people just had to tell about me ...