There are a lot of things in life that don’t manage to live up to one’s dream of it.
For example, I can remember a bar mitzvah of a boyfriend that I was so excited about—and not only did it not live up to my fantasy, he actually wound up inviting another girl three days before the big day!
Vacations have often been like that as well. I think about them for months, about how I’m going to relax, read great books, see beautiful places—but invariably I don’t get enough rest—(even though I wind up sleeping for the first two days) and the vacation ends up being okay—just not the level of my fantasies.
I am grateful, truly grateful, that this last vacation in France, lived up to the hype in my own mind and more.
(And, since in my “advancing years” I have become insanely frightened of flying, I am also simply grateful that I survived!)
David and I spent a lot of time planning this trek through France—four days in Paris, train to Lyon, drive to Annecy for two days (a town that NOBODY seems to have ever heard of, but which is absolutely stunning—the “Venice of France”) then a stay in Nice, then a couple more days in Marseille, and then back to Paris. It was truly a dream vacation—and the reality was just as good as my imaginings, maybe even better. It was a tad extravagant, without being out of control, a perfect blend of relaxation, site seeing, unbelievable eating and some fun shopping.
Because of Mincha Moment, I am always very aware of how much I have to be grateful for. I have a great husband, good health, a beautiful home, adorable cats, both long time and new friends, enough money not to have to worry at the checkout line for food or clothing…and all the chocolate any chocoholic could crave. But to have a dream vacation realized—well, I am in awe of the confluence of events and decisions that turned out to be good ones—and I am grateful for this batch of great experiences with David that I can carry in my heart forever.
