We contact other cultures intellectually, but then wonder what might have been mistranslated. Some things need no translation:

Chinese tea is simple and subtle, like white paper and black enamel

Japanese incense is made of crushed aromatic wood: cedar, rosewood... it's a peaceful morning pond covered in mist

Indian incense is a celebration: flowers and herbs, like Darjeeling tea: the one tea I would take with me to a deserted island to help me remember what earthly life really is... red, purple, and blue

The Catholic Church is burning copal... darkness and holy water

The Baptist Church is new carpet and the mildew of old hymnals recording the longing of those exhausted by life and hoping that heaven will let them rest...