I had every intention of updating my blog while on the road. No- not as routinely as that of Hubby- but at least a reflective post here and there. But alas- intentions just never materialized into actions. It wasn’t for lack of time- but more a lack of story telling mojo. And even now- I’m not sure the mojo is fully in place- but let’s just see where the stories go.
The most popular question we've been asked has been "How was it?" My reply varies- depending on my mood and who is asking- but typically I find myself smiling as I say something along the lines of "When it was good- it was wonderful. When it was not so good- there was still a lesson to be learned".
So with that- here's some of my own personal take-away lessons from our trip...
The why of travel is just as important as the where...
For us- this trip was inspired by some milestone events happening later this year.
I will be turning 60 sooner than I care to admit...
and Hubby and I will celebrate 30 years
of (mostly) wedded bliss later this year
Celebrating these two events should be reason enough for a special trip- yet we are also well aware-that one should take advantage of being physically and financially able to take the BIG trip now- as life offers no guarantee that "later" will be an option.
Kindness is a universal language
Whether it was the cab driver who pointed out
to Hubby where the best pub in town was..
*always trust the Irish cabbie!
To the kindly cook...
that gave us a personal escort to his restaurant
after seeing our looks of confusion and frustration
as we yet again failed in our efforts to
understand and apply Spanish dining hours.*..
*don't get me started...
Double points for kindness- his restaurant had riverside views!
who joined us for an evening of conversation...
And a helpful bartender who made sure we poured
our Asturian sidre (cider) correctly...
It's all about the aeration..
I'm not gonna lie- in general we found the reception by the locals to be "lukewarm". There is truth to the ongoing reports that Europeans, particularly Spaniards, are pushing back agains the problem of over-tourism.
Fortunately- we weren't doused with squirt guns, but we did pick up on the vibe.
At the same time, we also left with an understanding of their perspective- for we too live in an area that has become increasingly popular with visitors, driving up costs and leaving little flexibility for locals to enjoy their own home town/home state perks. We get it- which makes the kind gestures of others so much more appreciated!
DON'T OVER PLAN
Illness can-and in our case-will occur
when on a vacation..
Had we over planned, with a tight and pre-arranged itinerary..
we would not have had the flexibility to slow our travels way down..
creating times for peaceful rest...
We likely would have skipped an entire country...
As Portugal was not part of the initial plan
Nor was France...
Jury's still out on Hubby's part whether
this was a good thing or not...giggle giggle..
We would have found ourselves in a pickle...
when the power went out across the nation...
Instead- in the absence of a tightly crafted itinerary..
we were able to slow down and enjoy the views..
Embracing the pilgrim ways...
taking in the soothing sound of the river..
and pausing to reflect on the history of the area..
and when it was time...
we found ourselves rested and refreshed..
to fairy gardens..
Healthy (enough) to take in
the amazing roof top views of Santiago de Compostela
the site of one of the world's most significant Christian pilgrimages...
welcoming weary travelers for over 1000 years!
Life is all about creating memories..Go Create Them!
From castles...
Prisons tours...
We sat where legends told stories...
And day drinking..
be it Ireland
or Spain...
Did he really run with the bulls?
And did she finish her wine?
Who knows...while the details of the adventure will
likely fade over time...
I shall always remember...
It's not so much about where you go in your travels..
but who you travel with!
Until next time..
May you find a sweet spot to enjoy your morning coffee..
and a cheerful way to end your day...
with your favorite someone by your side!
