Conversation overheard on the ferry between Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard Island:
Man: "So, you guys are visiting Cape Cod? Where are you from?"
Woman: "We're from South Dakota. We're on a tour of New England."
Man: "South Dakota?! You are a long way from home. I have a buddy whose second wife's family lives in South Dakota. I don't remember where but he's been to visit them a few times."
Woman: "Well, isn't that interesting. The world is small, everybody knows somebody these days."
Since arriving I've heard countless conversations between strangers. This isn't unusual for two reasons: 1) We are going to places where a lot of tourists are, mostly in their 70s. 2) Americans talk to each other. All the time. About everything, anything and nothing.
Most of these conversations are about where they live. Americans are obsessed with location. They ask each other where they are from, they talk about where they come from. It's very pleasant and homey, a bit like Mayberry.
I'm glad to be home.
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