Now you may find the tale I’m about to tell you hard to swallow (unlike the whale who found Jonah remarkably easier to swallow), in fact you might well find this tale taller than the mast of a tall ship. You might be inclined not to believe a single word that is written down upon the pages before your eyes. There is no doubt you will have to suspend your doubts and disbeliefs and be open to your wildest imaginings for it is true, very little will prepare you for the journey you are about to embark upon. And as long as you do not suffer from either sea or airsickness I’m sure you will survive!
So let us take a sharp intake of breath and drop anchor before we push the boat of our imagination out as far as we may dare. Now is not the time for cold feet or faint hearts… now is the time for every man Jack, and Jill of you to do your duty for queen and country, after all, time waits for no man or woman.
Hoist the mainsail and splice whatever needs splicing and, with the aid of a good compass, some passable charts, a spyglass and a map of both the oceans and the stars let’s set sail for the Sea of Imagination… and Godspeed to you all.