was able to negotiate a steep, narrow, muddy mountain path that he would never have attempted himself. And he watched them play soccer with a huge ball. Instead of lumbering, as we picture them, they could nimbly change direction, kick the ball accurately, and run faster than he ever imagined.

He flew home safely to Boston. I phoned him. “How did the alarm clock work?”

“Perfectly. I couldn’t have gotten along without it. When it’s day here, it’s night there.”

“Where is it now?” I knew he liked it.

“I’ll bring it home the next time I visit.” And this time he did.

I look at that clock now with renewed respect. Thailand is an exotic and captivating place. And in one small way, I’ve been there.

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