Comida with Bonnie and David

     Off the four of us went in a taxi to Benajarafe, a small town outside of Malaga. We were visiting Bonnie and David, MaryEllen's neighbors in Westchester. They bought land in 1973 in this town and had their house built. They have put in many hours into the building of it, the gardens and decorating. They have been bringing their family here ever since, it is home!

    Part of traveling is meeting people and getting to know part of their stories. How has life been for them? Where have they been? What do they want? Are they happy? As I get to know people, that is always what I want for them--happiness. Perhaps there has been sadness in their lives but joy also. Isn't that what we all seek? This is a beautiful home full of color and life, filled with pictures by artists and of family. Lovely.

    We went to lunch at a beautiful restaurant that is now run by the family of the original owners, Restaurante La Plata Casa Matilde. David ordered a fabulous lunch for us with the best white wine. Just delicious. 

It was so tasty, that I stopped taking photos and just ate. I've never had fish as good as what we had that day. It was beautiful and oh, so good!

    The discussion during lunch was as fascinating as the food. Dennis is very curious about the differing points of view regarding the civil war and the rule of Franco in Spain. So as in Marbella, this was a topic of conversation. I am fascinated by Hemingway's participation in the civil war, his reporting of it and then his return to Spain during Franco's years in power. It seems a dichotomy. But return he did, and though some denigrated him for his perspectives and treatment of those who offended him, women, his drinking, he did love Spain. And though Spain was under Franco, he did return for long stays in the 1950's. 

Dennis's reflection--A beautiful house and so amazing that they have been in Spain for so long. The conversation during lunch was much too short. I hope we can continue it at some point in the future.