The Hobbit- Chapter Two: Roast Mutton, Entry 2

Fortunately, Bilbo arrives at the meeting point and he is soon off on his adventure. At first he thinks that “adventures were not so bad after all,” but very soon our hobbit is “sadly reflecting that adventures are not all pony-rides in May sunshine.”

Adventure itself is often romanticized. A typical theme goes something like this: There is a hero, magical lands, a rescue and finally, victory and celebration. As the hero’s absent companions we find ourselves enthralled by the breathtaking scenery, frightful beasts that are conquered, and enemies swiftly destroyed. Although it is easy for us to read about such adventures, it is quite a different cup of tea to actually live them.

For example, our hobbit friend Bilbo thinks, “I wish I was at home in my nice hole by the fire, with the kettle just beginning to sing!” I love the next bit of narration Tolkien gives: “It was not the last time that he wished that!”

Our family’s unfolding adventure in the exotic land of India continues to entertain us with a myriad of cultural nuances, such as the thrill of auto rickshaw rides made more exciting by dodging cows lounging in the middle of the street! More often, however, we find ourselves constrained by our inability to speak the language and communicate clearly where we want to go. It is all part of our wonderful adventure far away from home, away from family, and above all, away from the familiar. 

We do, however, have one thing in common with Bilbo--the familiar often beckons us, just as Bilbo’s kettle did!