Aloha Everyone,
It’s heartwarming to watch old classmates renewing their friendships. The last time we saw Eddy and Tony was two years ago in Madrid. With Margot, Tony’s wife, it’s been over 3 years since we met in Manila. All three have been residing in Madrid for over 40 years. Being polyglots, their conversations were carried out easily in Spanish, English and Filipino effortlessly making segways from one language to the next.
Margot and I sat next to each other and talked about variety of subjects including our families, travels, friends, governments and politics. I was fascinated to learn more about the universal health system of Spain. Margot loves her life in Madrid and feels happy and satisfied with its excellent health care and public transportation system offered nearly free to senior citizens.
The restaurant Ginger, is located 1.5 miles from our hotel, an easy walking distance on cooler days. Eddy came to our hotel to give us a ride so we could avoid the afternoon sun.
The meal began with appetizers of tiny chicken croquette and Carpaccio, paper thin raw sliced beef with lemon, olive oil and Parmesan cheese. For my main dish, I chose spinach and salmon strudel and J.J. had bacalao risotto. Food was good but the company and our conversations were far more richer and meaningful.
After three plus hours lunch, we parted company promising to see each other in Madrid, the Philippines or some other place in the world.
Aloha -- Cathi
