Message #297088

[franksolich]

At some point during my stay in Edinburgh, I had met a captain in the Royal Marines, who wished to see me before I left the city (for any destination).  I have no idea why, but usually when people request repeat appearances from me, it's simply because they're fascinated with the phenomenon of a deaf person who seems to be able to hear, although I modestly doubt they really learn anything.

And so it was to his home that I went, a couple of days before I was scheduled to go by bus from Edinburgh to Stranraer, by boat from Stranraer to Larne, and by rail from Larne to Belfast.  (Actually, not any considerable distance by Nebraska standards; not even halfway across the state.)

There were other guests from dinner there, who unanimously agreed it was foolhardy, stupid, dangerous, and rash for an unescorted American teenager to go there, and especially a deaf one.  And especially someone who knew no one there.

I was adamant, as I can sometimes be.

The captain in the Royal Marines, resigned to that I was perhaps suicidal, advised that I stop by his office in the morning, as he might be able to do something of assistance.

When I went there the next morning, he was not there, but there was a receptionist who, upon I identifying myself, handed over a letter inside an envelope.  I opened the envelope; the letter was written on official Royal Marines stationery, and properly signed by the captain.

It was just one page, identifying myself and my business, that the captain personally knew me and vouched for my character, and requested that if I was found to be in any sort of trouble, the American consulate and the captain be immediately contacted.

It was such an impressive letter I debated about using it for job-recommendation purposes.

"It's not really a laissez-passer, a safe-conduct, but it should do for you," the receptionist told me.

oops; the ancient crippled cat Gustav just showed up, and the other cats aren't happy about it; have to go placate the cats, back later