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The Interpreter Archive
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Failure
Posted on August 9, 2010 | No CommentsThe pitcher hurled a pitch so hot that it turned the August air to steam as I heard the ball sizzle past my bat. -
An Unexpected Host
Posted on May 6, 2010 | 1 CommentWater lapped against my ankles as I strolled the soft white sands. The big Pacific waves were arrested by the barrier reef several hundred yards to my right. The left side of my face was warmed by the late morning sunlight, my feet by the 80-degree water of the lagoon. It was Sunday morning, and the visitors that had filled the few hotels on the island were almost three hours into their bus tour of Saipan. I walked alone on this impeccable beach, enjoying the untroubled ambience, well aware that this was where the Second Marine Division came ashore during the invasion of Saipan, June 15, 1944. A pair of binoculars directed at what might be mistaken for rock outcroppings in the lagoon would focus on relics of the invasion that floundered in the shallow water. -
Change
Posted on March 24, 2010 | 1 CommentI live along the bank of a small mountain river in western Montana. The Swan River is about 100 miles long, and like every river, it is wider at its mouth than at its headwaters. -
Archetypes
Posted on February 6, 2010 | No CommentsThe situation was perplexing. I had anticipated a mob-scene, but there were perhaps a dozen people standing in groups of two or three, chatting in low voices. -
Sharing the Ignorance
Posted on December 6, 2009 | 3 CommentsThe interpreter halted and turned toward the group and said, “As beautiful as the flowers appear, they do not belong here. These are spotted knapweed, an exotic plant whose seeds were accidently brought into the country from Europe in the late 1800s. The knapweed crowds out native species because it is poisonous to other plants, allowing the weed to spread rapidly in open fields -
Tourists
Posted on October 11, 2009 | No Comments“From where are you moving?” the bank officer asked while fumbling with papers. Her desk nameplate said grace. “Ohio.” “What part?” “North of Cincinnati, the town of Oxford.” “Oh…I’ve never been to Ohio. In fact, the farther east I have been is to Redding [150 miles away] to visit my brother.” -
Connections
Posted on August 1, 2009 | No CommentsI am fortunate that during my training seminars I have the prospect of learning ideas and techniques from the participants. During introductions, I challenge the participants to relate one thing about themselves that no one else in the group knows. Even long-time acquaintances are eager to share something new, and the stories are enlightening and often amusing. It was at a recent training when a member introduced himself and demonstrated a good example of making intellectual and emotional connections. -
Assumptions
Posted on June 2, 2009 | No CommentsWe were skimming the treetops, searching for an updraft to lift the Cessna 172 to a better altitude for viewing the surroundings. Joe had offered me a ride in his airplane and I was excited to get an airborne view of my home and immediate valley. -
A True Legacy
Posted on March 21, 2009 | No Comments“How is your training program constructed?” I inquired. Anna looked at me quizzically, and declared, “We don’t have a formal training program. New people are ‘taken under the wing’ of an experienced guide and shown how to give the tours. We then continue to work closely, sharing ideas and techniques.” -
Balance
Posted on February 1, 2009 | No CommentsI was happy with the campfire program I had conducted. By reading the postures and the facial expressions of my audience, I knew they had been engaged. I felt justified to be proud of my presentation as the visitors began exiting the amphitheater. At least a dozen people approached to thank me, another group huddled around me asking questions and commenting. Then, off to my left, I overheard a woman reporting to her husband as she walked away, “He sounded just like a teacher.”