Travelogue pg142 #1

I think that Hameed writes little about what he observes and a great deal instead about the islands because he wants to get across the point that you don't always end up appreciating the things in life that you may expect to appreciate. In the passage, it can be assumed that Hameed is anticipating getting to use his telescope at one of the most respected astrological sites in the world. Though he was focused on this, he actually ended up appreciating a lot more than that on his way to the site. Hameed observed the people of the area, their customs, he enjoyed other astronomer's company, and opinions. All of these things he appreciated, not just seeing the site. I think that in presenting his information this way, he is telling the reader to be open to similar accidental appreciations.