Tuscany

And then there was Tuscany.

This tour was a 2 1/2 hour drive from the port.  And well worth it.  The scenery to and from was amazing.  To drive through the countryside was like none other.

It appeared that if someone had land, there was something planted.  Mostly grapes, olives or along the coast - lemons.  This place had both grapes and olives.  To make both wine and olive oil of course!
 
We tasted 3 whites, 3 reds, Prosecco and Grappa.  That's a lot of wine!  Here was the best part.  This was a very informal tasting.  The wine was all on the table with trays of meats, cheese, olives, bread and brussetta.  And they told us after we tasted them all to let us know what we liked and they'd just bring more of that!  Really!?  Brava!

We again met some really great people.  And of course convinced someone to take a group shot of us.  So much fun ...

The grapes

The wine cellar where we did the tasting

Another couple and a pair of sisters at our table

Our hostess - who shared stories of both grapes and olives.

On the ride back .. so many trees that grow such good stuff!

And just one more bottle ...

The olives .. not ripe as you can see, but gorgeous none the less!

Pisa - The Leaning Tower, that is

Our first stop in Italy was in Florence.  This stop offered so many excursions it was difficult to choose.  We decided to leverage our time here and do the most we could.  This involved one 1/2 day tour in the morning and another 1/2 day tour in the afternoon.  This would mean we wouldn't see it all.  Someone wise once told me that you should always leave something to see upon your return!

In this case we saw Pisa in the morning.  A 45 minute bus ride from the port to this tiny town of Pisa with the famous tower.  Like anything else that you've seen in pictures, when you finally come upon the real thing it's almost overwhelming.  And never as big as it looks in pictures!

Apparently it's all the rage to take photos pretending that you're holding up the tower .. hence the pictures below!

And after the fun and games of seeing the tower and that gathering of buildings we walked into the little village to have a slice of pizza at the 'most famous pizza' place in Pisa.  Truth be told there were very few people inside, but it was cool and the pizza was delicious!  Bill had his photo taken with the owner who was gracious and funny.

What a great treat to have a Coke and a slice on our first day in Italy!

Grazi!

Prego!

Plan B.

It really is about the people.  

Each of us has the opportunity every day to connect with other people.  They may be strangers or kin, old or young, introvert or extrovert - makes no difference.  We're all more alike than we are dissimilar. If we look for it.  And if we look for the difference, we'll find that too.

That's the beauty of a vacation.  A respite.  A break.  The mind relaxes and it allows that tiny voice inside to be heard.  It isn't smothered by the noise alarm clocks, traffic and to-do lists.  What often bubbles up is the real stuff.  The things that light us up, make us euphorically happy and remind us why we're part of this great big, blue spinning planet.

People.

Connection.

You may be thinking I'm talking about connecting as a couple - away from the noise of work.  And yes, that happens too.  Quietly watching the ocean from the balcony, sharing gelato in Italy for the first time and listening to music after a wonderful day of seeing the sights.  Yes, that too.

Connecting to people you don't know is quite a different story.  It's the adventure.  And that's just what we did many times during this trip.

Here was our favorite daily spot.  We found it on our first full day at sea.  The one where we were supposed to be docked in Marseille, France.  But we didn't due to the national transportation strike there.  So this was our Plan B.  

It was windy on deck, no fun to be at the pool.  So we wandered in.  And a group of friends we found. They were wonderful and conversational .. and we hope to find them again when we sail on the Harmony of the Seas.  That would be a treat!  Yet we cannot hang hopes on tomorrow - we treasure our time with them - the stories and the laughter.

And successful Plan B.

Samuel (pouring), Hilton (front), Marcus (just his head), Bill and Basil.

Mallorca, Spain - Wine and Laughter

Our day on Mallorca, an island off the coast of Spain, was another expected surprise.  Such a beautiful spot.  We were told ahead of time that there's not much to do here, it's just another island.  Hence the lesson when you don't allow expectations to shape your experience, an ease and acceptance takes hold.  As this tour unfolded we just sat back and enjoyed!

Our original booked excursion of a beer and tapas walking tour was cancelled due to lack of participants.  Hmmm.  Plan B.  Since we agreed this was not going to be a vacation of parasailing or transport by zip line, we searched for an alternative that would fit our plan.  

We chose a small winery tour at the top of a mountain called Santa Catarina.  We were greeting by the host, Lena in jeans and a beautiful blouse in the warm, Spanish sunshine.  She shared the history of grapes in Spain and of the winery itself.  She escorted us inside where we found a beautiful cavernous room filled with wine barrels and high top tables set for the tasting.  It could have been a wedding reception it was so beautiful! 

We stood near a table to the side complete with settings of wine glasses, water glasses, a basket of crusty bread, olive oil and a chipotle spiced salt mixture.  Simple.  Enough.  We were told we'd taste 3 wines.  One white, two reds.  The structure that Lena put to the tasting is what made it so interesting and enjoyable.  She told the story of each wine, the label, the winemaker and toasted each one as we tasted.  She shared a simple blessing as we lifted our glasses in unison.  Quite an experience.

As the tasting ended many couples purchased bottles of wine at the counter and had them uncorked.  We carried them outside to tables under a line of trees to share with one another.  The picnic-type table we sat down at outside had two couples sitting already.  Joining the conversation we learned one couple lives on Long Island and has a summer home in Saranac Lake, while the other couple lives in Plano, TX.  Break bread, share wine and realize how very small our world really is.

As this seaside tour was only our second day of European adventure following our wonderful visit to Barcelona, we were feeling as though this was the vacation we had dreamed of ... sunshine, wine and laughter!

Although their wine was wonderful, don't look for it anytime soon as they are not large enough to export to the states.  At first I was disappointed, thinking how could we continue to enjoy what we found.  I then realized how very special this wine tour was and our opportunity to enjoy it was here and now .. not later.  And isn't that what living in the present moment is all about?

Salute!

The sign pointing the way to the winery

The view from the museum on the property

Walkway from museum to the winery

The museum and residence on the property

The incredible view!

Barcelona - the people, the food, the fun!

Prawns with tomato garlic toast

Estrella beer, Spanish Rioja, seafood bake, more garlic toast and an empty shrimp with garlic and peppercorns dish!

The food in Barcelona was amazing.  Perhaps that's because we had our two evening meals at the same place - but really when you find someplace you love you need to get as much of it as you can!  Who knew the next time we'd be in Barcelona, right?

This little plates concept worked great for us.  And as you can see for lots of people in the place.  We could point and order .. what looked good we ordered.  Didn't matter what they described it as including .. we ordered a drink and some food, then some more food, then another drink.  And that pattern could go on for quite a while.

On our second visit we used what we learned from our first visit.  The high top tables in the 'bar' area were a great place to sit as well - so we grabbed one of those when the counter was full.  And having seen a pitcher of Sangria on our first visit, we decided no better time than a Sunday afternoon to enjoy wonderfully fruity, Spanish Sangria with our mid-afternoon meal!

Bill's holding Estrella's Lemon Damm beer

Cute couple with had dinner with our first night in Barcelona

Let me tell you about this couple.  They didn't speak any English.  And truth be told, I think they spoke German or Dutch.  We sat right next to them and exchanged smiles.  He came over and showed us that with the prawns you can't stop after you eat the body.  You suck the head and that's the best part.  After that we handed him our camera and he understood that we were asking for our picture to be taken.  Then in turn when they toasted, Bill took their picture.  Without missing a beat he spoke to the waiter in Spanish and moments later he handed me a piece of paper with an email address on it.  It was so we could send the photo of the two of them to him.

It reminded me how very small this world is.  How the human spirit transcends language, gender, race and ethnicity.  And an experience of sitting in the same place by chance and sharing a meal can bond people, even strangers.

Barcelona was charming and wonderful.  We're so glad we had the opportunity to spend time there.  To experience the people, the culture, the food and the history!

Display of all the food options at the tapas place

A shot of us in front of the tapas place - Cuidad Condal

Bill fell in love with the olives - so fresh, none of that preserved taste!

Inside Cuidad Condal

Vacation - Best Unanticipated Treat

Las Ramblas - Barcelona

When we look back one of the places we enjoyed the most, without having any expectations was Barcelona.  It was a sophisticated, busy European city without the same noise, filth and arrogance of some of the other ones.  It had a youthful vibe - with great food, people and sites to see.

We arrived the morning of Saturday, June 11th after an overnight flight from JFK to find it sunny and welcoming.  We stayed about 20 minutes from the airport in the Crown Plaza Hotel.  Only downside to our hotel was we were not walking distance to much - but a quick 6 Euro cab ride from where we wanted to go.

That morning unable to check into our room, we ditched our bags with the bellman and headed out with a map and a plan.  Our Royal Caribbean host at the hotel was kind enough to help us make a plan to include several 'must-see' sites.  We cabbed it to the start of Las Ramblas, a downhill pedestrian street filled with shops, restaurants, hotels, vendors and Spanish life.  The top of hill is a park with a huge fountain and below is the street scene.

We found the huge open air market we were looking to see, enjoyed the people, the language and just a taste of the food along the way.  At the bottom of the hill we grabbed another cab for a 5 minute ride to La Sagrada Familia, a huge historic basilica as Bill had purchased tickets for the tour online before we left.  Although it's been in progress for over 100 years, it has several more decades before completion.  The Pope has said mass there, yet because of the hundreds of tourists inside it doesn't feel very religious.  It is quite beautiful.  And there as little corners that you can find that are quiet where the prayers can find you.  Tremendous experience!

From the basilica, we headed back to the hotel to check in, take a shower and take a nap!  A wonderful couple of hours just relaxing allowed us to get up late afternoon and wander a bit more.  When we found no restaurants open yet that surrounded our hotel, we took the recommendation again of our Royal Caribbean host for a tapas place just off Las Ramblas.

Tomorrow I'll share our amazing experience of the people and the food.

Las Ramblas - Barcelona

Summer Fun with Friends

Hannah invited Ellie to swim at their neighborhood on Saturday afternoon.  You may recall that Hannah is also at Whitt, moving to 5th Grade at Draper - and the goalie of Ellie's soccer team.

We love Hannah's parents Lynae and Mark - and spent every game and practice with them Spring and Fall!  They live in the next neighborhood over, Woodbridge - where Dawn, Jamy, Robin and Lincoln live too.

The girls had tons of fun.  Lynae brought them to Sonic to get a slush to bring to the pool with them en route - such a treat!  And then they jumped, swam and had fun in the hot Dallas sun for several hours!

Since Ellie cannot find her goggles since she returned from Saratoga, she borrowed a pair of Hannah's, and they were a nice combination with her swimsuit!  Guess new goggles go on the list now - and likely a new pair of cleats as her feet continue to grow too!

We're hopeful that the girls have some classes together next year as they'll be moving from class to class all day long.  In any event, we'll make the best of the summer and have fun together!

Saturday in the Park

Today we ventured into Dallas to the Farmer's Market.  Now, this is no roadside stand.  This is a MARKET! We began in the huge pavilion that was described as a place where farmer's come to sell their crop.  And they sure did!

We found lots of tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, squash, berries, peaches, watermelon .... before getting to the honey, locally roasted coffee, eggs, infused ice teas, and guacamole!  At the end of the open air pavilion was a couple of stands selling food, locally pressed juices and a stage where a live band was performing.

We found a table and shared a chicken & waffle kabob with a tall, icy cold Coke, while listening to the band.  If I closed my eyes I heard a band from my past at Roaring Brook Ranch in Lake George called Little Creek.

As we sat down they began to play, "Willing," and I could still hear Hank Soto singing his version of Little Feat's classic.  And when the transitioned to the Grateful Dead's beauty, "Friend of the Devil," I was sure if I turned around John Strong would be on stage!

All this enjoyment from one little band and a produce market!

And all before we transitioned from The Shed (where the farmer's market is housed), to The Market where actual vendors have storefronts - a taco stand, macaroon counter, coffee house, tapas bar and more!

What a great way to spend a Saturday morning!  We walked long enough that we sat for a couple tacos and queso dip just before noon and couldn't leave without Ellie having a bit of ice cream for dessert!

Below you will see most of what we brought home.  Local tomatoes, cukes and peaches!  We also found a wonderful vendor with hummus and pita chips!  So of course, we brought those home too.  So much fun!

Cousins!

 We began our trip with a visit to Saratoga.  Such a great time to be able to see family and gather all the children in one place.  Ellie loves being the eldest of these cousins .. and how she loves to be in the thick of things.

Vacation's Most Important Lesson

And I promise I will post pictures and stories from our vacation as soon as the dust settles ... to arrive back mid-week was required yet left little time outside of necessities like laundry and restocking the fridge .. getting to work and school on time ... making sure there's gas in the cars to get there ... you get the pictures.

The quote above I heard on the plane as we departed JFK to Barcelona.  And it hit me between the eyes.  WHAM!

I've repeated it to several others in the days since I heard it to remind myself of it.  And this morning this image appeared as I sat down at the computer on Pinterest.  And wouldn't you know a little sailboat is also present .. reminding me that sailing and life are safer near the shore, but the real living happens when you set sail - let wind lift your sail for new adventures!

I consider travel over the last several weeks, as I did when I wrote my thesis at Skidmore, to be for transportation to another place, as well as for the transformation that the journey provides.  This adventure for me as I rounded the corner of fifty years old, was an opportunity to see things differently.  And most importantly to not let life escape me any longer.

More stories to come.

End of Soccer Season Pool Party

Jumping in!

The whole team surrounding Coach Mario!

Is Ellie at Sea World?  No way - it's the Pool party!

Wouldn't be complete without a cupcake to end the day!

Shining the Way

On Wednesday and Thursday this week Ellie had two award ceremonies at school.  The first was the 4th grade celebration and end of the year graduation from Whitt Elementary School.  And Thursday was the academic and outstanding achievement awards.

Below you will see the pictures from when she was on stage with her team teachers, Mrs. Freeman and Mrs. Filip to receive the Kit-Kat award for always being there to help out and give her teacher a break when she needed it!  She's known as a helper in her classroom, always ready to take a task when asked.

Above you will see Ellie with her end-of-the year certificate.  She received 3 certificates - one for A/B honor roll for the last 9 weeks of school (all grades either an A or B), one for being part of the Road Guard team (9 weeks of the year she helped raise the flag, made school announcements and helped kids in and out of their car for drop-off/pick-up)......

And her teacher picks one girl and one boy for the Shining the Way award.  This is someone who demonstrates outstanding character and is an example to others in the classroom.  She was so proud to have received this award from Mrs. Freeman!

And boy, we sure were proud of her too!

Watch Dog, Watch Dog!

Each year we've been at Whitt Elementary school, Bill participates in a day long program at school call Watch D.O.G.S - Dads of Great Students~!

Ellie gets to wear her Watch Dog t-shirt to match his which says, My Hero is a Watch DOG.  This usually involves Bill helping out with activities, lunch room monitoring and keeping kids in order.  Apparently it's exhausting ...but so much fun!

As you can see, these two like to have so much fun .. and they shared that with Ellie's classroom and teachers too!



And here's a photo of Ellie with her music teacher, Mrs. Soudress.  She was a blessing to Ellie this year - for taking special care of her and bringing the love of music to her!  She taught her so much and proudly selected her to the All-District choir - with two practices before school each week for 3 months!  What a pair they make!

Here it is!

Here's how we start the next leg of the journey....

Happy
Healthy
Optimistic
Loved
Trusting
Faithful

And so very, very grateful!