Gaugin, Stevenson, Kiraly

WHAT’S SO FUNNY

That’s it. I’ve had all the CNN I can stand. I’m off to Bora Bora.

Actually, we planned the trip months ago, and I’ll be back soon, I

hope. I’m not really that eager to go; Laguna Beach is a place you

stay at, not a place you leave. But Bora Bora is calling and I must

answer its song.

Patti Jo, my wife, designs freshwater pearl jewelry, and Bora Bora

is famous for its pearls. And of course it’ll be fun ... it’s on the

ocean, a treat for us. We’re pretty far away from the ocean up here

on Alta Laguna.

I’m dropping you this note between packing and talking to the

house-sitter about our dog, Sashi.

Sashi and I have developed a subtle relationship over the years;

she’s come to expect a certain amount of ritual and conversation each

day. I’m really the only one who can do it right. I’m leaving behind

a brief pamphlet of instructions concerning food, outings, treats,

medication and key phrases, but she knows I’m abandoning her, and I

know it’s for 12 days.

What we’re going to do is fly to Tahiti, then to Moorea, then to

Bora Bora. It’s in the Society Islands, which means that only the

best people go there. Gaugin went to the islands. Robert Louis

Stevenson, too. Never came back ....

I’m a little nervous about this; I’ve never come back from the

islands either. What if something happens? Americans are love

everywhere, of course

All right. We’ll be back. We’ll make it. Lots of people have made

it. It’s French Polynesia. I remember a little French. I won’t be

helpless. Je ne serons pas helpless.

Actually we travel pretty well as a family, Patti Jo and Katie and

I. We play cards. We can stand to be in the same room.

And I must admit, the idea of Bora Bora has certain attractions

for today’s American: There’s relaxation potential. It has an aura of

exotic romance. It’s one of the few places in the world we’re not

declaring war on at the moment. And it has a name that just won’t

quit. If I can’t make up a poem about it while I’m there, I’m not the

man I was.

My heart, though, will remain here.

I’m told Bora Bora has beautiful flora

But I’d a lot sooner return to Laguner.

* SHERWOOD KIRALY should be back any minute.