With all the unpleasantness on FT lately (or as the Irish say, “The Troubles”) I have been reflecting that I’ve harvested a lot more from FlyerTalk than I’ve planted. With my thousandth post approaching (and therefore on the verge of becoming an “old hand”) and in the spirit of making a bridge over troubled waters to get us back on track, I’ve begun a list of great books associated with great cities, at: http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttr...ML/012958.html

Remember...it’s about travel.

This is a curious coincidence. I had just, seconds ago, sent an e-mail to an old FT friend who no longer participates, saying that, in toto, (even given the nonsense of this past weekend) FT has given me far more than I have contributed.

Here I sit, after five years participation, with more miles and points than I could ever have imagined in my former life, with an unbelievably fabulous group of friends from all around the world and a host of joyous memories and experiences. From time-to-time I replay my "memory tape" of the beautiful, tuxedoed cousin, Jailer, casually flipping an entire tray of drinks out of a waitress's hand without missing a beat in his monologue. James Bond couldn't have exhibited more aplomb--even after numerous retakes.

Life is good indeed and friends like you, Jailer, make it all the better.

Thanks for the list of books. I have never boarded a plane without at least two books in hand--just in case.

"The Source" has always been one of my very favorites. I have also equally enjoyed, "Hawaii" (which I originally read in somewhere around 1960) and "Alaska", both of which are equally powerful.

OBTW, I will disagree on this small point. It isn't all about travel, it is also about great FT friends from all around the world.

Punki, you are, or course, dead right. While being able to get and stay almost anywhere free is the legacy of FT, being able to have a companionable drink with a kindred soul when you arrive is the true blessing of this Board. Barry