I knew octopus and squid were important to Spanish and Portuguese cuisine and the first time I saw it on a menu, I ordered it. Really good! Kathy and I have eaten in two Spanish sit down restaurants–the hotel suggested them to us as serving authentic Madrid food. Here is what we have learned so far–1. the food is excellent; 2. the wait staff is solicitous–one brought us coffee liquor as an after dinner drink on the house; 3. you eat dinner after 7:00 p.m. at the earliest–the hotel restaurant doesn’t open till 8:30; 4. the food comes in huge quantities–you will not leave hungry; 5. the food definitely is different than anything we are used to eating in restaurants–i.e. the super crusty bread is served with a type of blue cheese and cured pepperoni to spread instead of butter; 6. there is no rush to get you out the door–graceful, kind and slow; 7. we are loving the Spanish experience. WEG

We prefer train travel in Europe. We will fly some on this journey and rent a few cars, but when available, we will use trains. I remember my parents putting me on the train in Oklahoma City, when I was a young teen, bound for Chicago. I was hooked on trains from that day on. So, clickety clack, whizzing by scenery, comfortable seats and lounge cars, here we come. Our first big journey was yesterday from Paris to Madrid.

Train lounge car

Paris has aged well. Kathy and I have changed significantly since we were here 37 years ago, but Paris has not changed–at least the places we are seeing have not. Viewing the timeless beauty, the graceful charm and the majestic grandeur reminds me that while I change with time, like Paris or fine wine or gourmet cheese, I want to age well.

Snowing in the City of Light

The airplane landed amidst a snow storm over two hours behind schedule. Everything is slow. Our TGV train is late as well. Kathy and I look at each other and smile–we are in no rush–after all, WE ARE RETIRED, and we are in Paris. I slip on my fingerless gloves–they feel warm and I can type while we wait. The flight from Houston was great and we slept well, so we are doing fine. In the past, I rushed on vacation and now no rush. Somehow, this feels better–something about enjoying the journey while you move toward the destination.

We begin the great unknown. The evening air is filled with anticipation as we hurriedly pactk our last few belongings before we head to the airport. What will the future hold, we do not know; however, we are drawn towards it with trust that God does know! With this in mind, the encore begins in the late autumn of our lives. We will go farther beyond, even in the great unknown. WEG