“The summer was in full bloom. The fields grew golden, fruit ripened in the orchards. Intoxicating earth aromas induced lassitude and an ethereal calm. ”Oh God Almighty, You are the magician, not I!” Yasha whispered. ”To bring out plants, flowers and colors from a bit of black soil!”

– The Magician of Lublin, Isaac Bashevis Singer (as quoted in NYT review here)

I’ll be in Lublin in about 3 hours–that, to me, is about as exciting as saying “I’ll be in the Emerald City of Oz in 3 hours.” Of course, it’s not going to be the summertime Yasha was talking about, but I’m still expecting it to be beautiful.

To be continued.