This morning I was approached by an American guy as I sat at one of the Starbucks near the hotel. I learned that he had been in Japan for 31 years and was presently teaching Latin, of all subjects. He asked me what I did and I said “I am an orchestra conductor.” “You hide it well,” he replied. I was disguised as a guy who had just gotten out of bed and wanted to drink his coffee and read his newspaper in peace. But his comment pleased me and I replied “Thanks!” I take pride in the fact that I am well-schooled in the “tools of ignorance” - the shovel and pushbroom. It makes me appreciate what I have. It also gives one hope that if a guy from my background can grow up to be an orchestra conductor, who knows? Someday a black man may grow up to be the president of the United States.
