COMPANIONSHIP

One of the things I like about male friendship is that it doesn't necessarily involve talking; doing things together in quiet companionship is enough.

Two recent episodes reminded me of this. The first was my recent walking tour. Although there were periods of putting the world to rights, there were also long stretches of walking in silence.

The second was the visit this week of my nephew from England. Today we went for a 40km bike ride together. Again, there were breaks and stops for ice cream and to look at the lighthouse. But much of it was companionable pedalling on a very hot day.

Walter Blotscher