2010 Weeks 23-25: Some Highlights

Going back three weeks as memory and photos permit.

Sunday, May 30th, we were together as a family to celebrate our birthdays, watch the Indy 500, be together one last time before our trip and eat, of course. So many photos, but my favorite is the one of the five grands.

The last time we went to Monday Meal at Chef-son's Mike won at chess...

...and again today! He is unbeatable!

Tuesday, June 1st, and again on the 16th we spent hours and hours in the air, almost always over or close to the wing.

And Wednesday, June 2nd and 16th, we went through the Madrid airport on our way to and from Bilbao...

home of the Guggenheim museum, contemporary structure seen at the end of this road.

We left Bilbao in a rented car, headed for Galicia in the NW corner of Spain. When we couldn't go any further we decided to spend the night in Gijón half way to our destination.

After finding an open spot to park, figuring out the blue zone parking ticket system, and settling into a small new hotel, we went for a walk to the must-see part of the old city.

We walked and walked and walked. Mike was determined to beat jet lag. Finally in bed by 11 p.m., we slept in till 9:30 and had to run and extend the parking ticket so as to avoid a hefty fine.   

Then, a good breakfast at the hotel and we were off to see our friends in El Ferrol.

We stayed in the house with the girls on their team and had a nice time getting acquainted. We found out as the Spanish say, that "El mundo es un pañuelo." (The world is like a handkerchief, it is so small.)

The girl on the right attends a school in Chicago and knows my professor cousin, Rosie. The one on the left attends a university in TN where Rosie's sister is an administrative assistant, and she comes from the little town where we were earlier this year for cycling training in the mountains.

Friday, June 4th, we took the three on a sight-seeing trip to the ancient and famous city of Santiago de Compostela, about an hour away. There we followed the sidewalk markings to the cathedral of St. James where hundreds of pilgrims were waiting to get in. This is the year of Jubilee.

 

We are getting back into our daily routines, preparing for the arrival of our Basque teen, Amaia, whose family hosted us so very generously and graciously in Hondarribia. We are also following the World Cup. You can see who I am rooting for.

Speaking of cheering someone on--Saturday I ran a 5 mile race along with  DIL Karen. As I was going along at my own pace, those already turning around cheered me on. I heard many say, "Good job!" as they passed, until I came to the last volunteer directing the runners on the right path. He said, "Did you get a late start?" I reminded him that the last shall be first. Sure enough, I got first place in my age division and won a door prize!

Today, Sunday June 20th, we had another family day--a welcome back from Basque Country, and Father's Day celebration. We shared a Basque style meal along with stories about our amazing experience, and gifts for all.