Oh, today. Today was a cumulation of so many wonderful advances. First of all, we were all healthy. We were together. We had a free day to do whatever we wanted to. We felt freeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!! I do not think it a coincidence that these satisfying, memorable days follow on the heels of a time of reflection or discomfort. We were going to be appreciative of ANY experience that did not involve vomiting, headaches or high fevers. And this really is the secret to a more satisfying, happier life - it is always in the choices of outlook on ANY given topic. Extreme heat? Scoff! Big deal! It is SUMMER and not a crappy, cold and soggy day! Walking all over town? Oh, it feels so good to move our bodies!! A late lunch? How delicious is a meal on an empty stomach, and how lovely to avoid the crowds when in a hurry. We were on fire!
We thought it would be fair to leave it up to Lauren to decide what to do, since the past 12 days were not exactly what she had planned nor hoped for, and yet she never voiced a single complaint. Our smartest choices were between Toledo, El Escorial and Segovia, and Lauren picked the latter. We slept in, jumped on a bus at 1 PM and arrived in time for that late lunch.
We are slick, well-oiled machines. Our return tickets were for 7:30 PM that evening, so we had to keep things moving. Hugation, Lady-sister (Atticus’s new name for Lauren,)Ah-tee-coos and myself were prepared with water, maps, treasure-hunt activity pamphlets, pens, comfortable shoes and a strong desire to Seize This Moment of health, perfect weather and togetherness. Lauren picked a fantastic restaurant where we enjoyed a perfect meal; Hugo even had time for a cat nap in his chair, head in his arms on the table. We later investigated the acueducto, a Roman-engineered marvel that has stood the test of 2,000 years.
We worked our way through town, stopping and peering, taking 500,000 photos and meeting so many wonderful people along the way. A kind priest helped Hugo fill in his activity pamphlet with the name of the street that really has three names. We met a delightful family from northern Spain who offered to help us with any questions the kids might have on their pamphlets. Two lively and chatty women who had to be in their late eighties or early nineties directed us to the bus station, and even advised us when to cross the street (in this town of less than 60,000 people...) Over and over again we verbalized how kind Spaniards are, how helpful and generous of spirit, how much fun we are having with them.
Our Machine managed to visit and tour the cathedral, as well as the Alcazar. For hours and hours we walked and walked, and my little boys trudged along with positive attitudes, giving their all. They had perfect manners at the table. They asked questions, pondered, savored. They climbed those 150 stairs with vigor, and were proud of the rubber legs that followed. They are rock stars, embodied awesomeness, amazing, intelligent, kind and fun young people who are growing up in powerful, exciting, unique ways. And all along, we get to enjoy our beloved cousin/niece as she experienced our beloved Spain for the first time. I can think of fewer gifts that are as meaningful and fulfilling.
Oh, today was a wonderful day.
Yay! Glad you had a great day!
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