Introduction
This essay is dedicated to my parents, Dr. Joseph and Rosella Werlin. My father died in 1964 and my mother in 1985. During the ceremony in which we created the Joseph Werlin Faculty Award, my brother made very prophetic comments. He said, unlike us, Dad was a self-made person. Those same sentiments apply to my mother.
I recently returned from a trip to Spain and Portugal that was organized by a well-respected travel agency. The trip did not meet my expectations for a number of reasons. This experience conjured up memories of my travels as a child.
During World War II, my Dad and Mom organized trips to Latin American and then, in the early 1950’s, to Europe. I want to express my deep appreciation to my parents for the tremendous experiences they created for so many people. For many years, teachers and students who went on these tours received academic credit from the University of Houston. Unlike my recent trip, my father focused significant attention on the historical, political, and cultural backgrounds of the countries which I soaked up like a sponge as I love history. Unfortunately, on my recent trip, our guide spent much of the time discussing culinary issues and gave scant attention to significant historical events. Given that Portugal and Spain were early colonizers of the New World, instituted the dreaded inquisition, and in the twentieth century were ruled for extended periods by dictators, there could have been meaningful dialogue and learning.
Dear Mom and Dad,
I should have written this letter many years ago. However, while I always appreciated your guidance and wisdom, I know that I never formally communicated my appreciation. Dad was the brain of the tour and Mom was the heart. They put in endless hours to ensure that our clients received a great value for the money.
Dad and Mom—you were indeed pioneers. At a time when most Americans held strong prejudices against foreigners, you created cultural tours to Latin America and then Europe.
All of my siblings developed broad perspectives because of your influence. When almost no Americans studied abroad, my brother, my sister and I attended Oxford University. Given that we were middle class, our education was a testament to the values you held true.
When I think about the Werlin tours, I find your accomplishments almost unbelievable. Let me elaborate. Give or take, there were some 40-50 people on each tour. The tours lasted some 40 days and generally extended to at least eight countries. The logistics were daunting. Each country in Europe had its own currency. My Dad had to arrange either advanced payment or payment by Traveler’s Check. During the era of my parent’s trips, few Europeans, aside from England spoke English. Therefore, my Dad needed to use his language skills to insure the safety and well-being of the clients. He was an accomplished communicator in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. (I am not sure about Greek).
During the daytime tours, Dad lectured extensively about the historical, religious, and cultural background of each of our sites. He provided an exhilarating, learning experience.
In closing, I want to express, in writing, my love and admiration for my parents, Dr. Joseph and Rosella Werlin.
Your loving son,
Ernest Pyle Daniel Werlin
