Instead of GPS, it is enough to probably invest over $500 in a Volvo-compatible cell phone hands-free device very soon.

I do admit that my photographic memory, honed sharper by being a photographer, serves me well, especially when we revisit a place after some years. We just came back from a blissful week on kauai. Even with 20 years of development, it was amazing how much i did remember, and sad to see one of the original highlights — CocoPalms — crying out for restoration.

Fear not, with GPS you will get to everywhere on time — devra

I know people who are spectacularly good at knowing where they are, as if they had a running mental map and compass in the background at all times. However, there are perturbations that can derail even their internal positioning systems.

Once, about 25 years ago, Chris S., as was our custom, was imbibing with me in my UCLA office before we were to walk into Westwood for dinner. We set forth, and the route was circuitous owing to extensive construction underway that prevented the more straightforward paths. In particular, a detour through the parking structure involved many turns down stairwells. Then as we emerged, there were no immediate visible references by way of familiar buildings for a while. I knew the way only because of having taken it several times already.

Finally we emerged into well-known territory. Chris stopped and practically cried out in anguish—he had managed to lose track, and was a good 90 degrees out of alignment. He said it was gut-wrenching as the whole local universe ground around to reestablish itself, reason returning to her throne.