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I enjoy reading the Washington Daily News, especially the opinions and editorials. I also enjoy reading Bartow Houston and Harold Robinson’s columns as well. While I don’t know much about Washington’s coaching sports culture, Harold keeps me informed, and Bartow shares with me amazing snippets about just everything.

Last week Bartow wrote a beautiful account of the many places he has visited. That put a smile on my face. He recounted the many places in this country and other countries he has visited. “He’s a well-seasoned traveler” I thought to myself. I am always fascinated by people who have traveled or who have travelled extensively. I love hearing about the sights they see and the people they meet on their travels. And his column has inspired me to get out there and see a little more of this beautiful world.

While I have not travelled anywhere as much as Bartow, I am grateful for the places I have been. I’m grateful for having my feet stand in more than just one ocean. And the childhood dreams of dipping my toes in the mighty Mississippi River, the Bay of Fundy, standing atop of mountains and visiting other countries have been dreams fulfilled and a blessing.

I remember once reading Mark Twain’s famous quote that says travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness and many people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one’s little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” I have found that to be true. Travel in my opinion can make a person wise, gracious and thankful. But you don’t have to travel the globe to be a seasoned traveler.

Just getting out and travelling through Washington, Beaufort County and our state can reap great rewards of learning and seeing new things, meeting new people, tasting new foods and hearing great stories.

Not only is Bartow a friend of mine, he is also, in my eyes, a beloved ambassador and statesman for Washington as well. One definition of a statesman is ‘a person who does something for the common good of the people he represents.’ To me, to call a person a statesman is a mark of high regard for that person’s integrity.

Bartow has been writing his column for a long time for the Daily News and always offers new insights on things. He has made me want to get out and see more things, learn more new things, and in the words of Louis Armstrong from his beloved classic song ‘What A Wonderful World’, I can say…”and I think to myself, what a wonderful world.” Thank you Bartow!