Sword? That depends. If I were being attacked by a grizzly, I’d prefer a sword to a Bic. However, I believe more people have been made famous by the pen than by the sword. On the other hand (in my case, the right hand) when it comes to keeping an account of one’s travels, the question is “Is the camera mightier than the pen?
It’ll take me at least two DWWs to even begin to settle the matter. If you were born after The Cuban Missile Crisis or after Expo 67 was over, or if your conversation style includes ‘like’, ‘you know’ and ‘so’, the following terms will mean absolutely nothing to you: f.3.5-f.22; 28-250 mm; ISO/ASA 64-400; B, ½, 1/500; Kodachrome, Anscochrome, Plus-X, Ilford HPS , 1.5’ – infinity. twin-lens, SLR…. Almost forgot two more: lens cap and wait.
Therefore, I know that you don’t use a ‘real camera’. The thing you ‘shoot’ with fits into your back pocket. It has replaced the wrist watch and you also use it to find out ‘how to get there’. To you, a map belongs to Grandpa’s stuff that still has to be taken to the dump.
Now that all that has been established, the rest of this column is directed to you, the traveller who wouldn’t know how to dial using a rotary phone, but wants to keep a visual record of the trip to B.C. Here are some suggestions.
Start off by taking a photo of your passport, driver’s licence, OHIP card and your travel insurance contact number. If your wallet goes missing you’ll still have the data.
Next, as you enter each province, state or major city, take a photo of the sign at the outskirts or border. You’ll know where the ensuing photos were taken.
If you’re renting a vehicle, photograph the odometer, any existing damage and its licence plate and marque.
If you going on a bus excursion, photograph your bus colour and number, luggage, tour guide, driver and hotel accommodation. If you’re taking an outing separate from your travel companion, photograph him/her.
Historical plaques can provide interesting details to review at your leisure.
Unfortunately, still photos cannot capture sound, fragrances, flavours or feelings, but they do well at recording the visual aspects of places. When photos duel with a traveller’s pen, the winner could be either. It all depends what’s important to the one who wishes to reminisce or share with others at a later date.
