It’s time to fly!,,,

I never thought I would like flying but when we get our two seats in the back corner I am in heaven. I am very lucky otherwise it can be a miserable way to end an adventure. Now it gives me time to debrief with my live-in psychologist;  to enjoy the ten meal breaks we have and to write poems for you, to give a sort of summary of the type of adventure we had.

So, coincidentally it was the time also to fly for our beloved storks or ciguenas as they are known here, but for this time of the year it consists not of ocean marathons from Sub-Saharan Africa but much shorter ones like these in Madrid. They were living with six other species in a park next door. They were having babies and the male  flies away for about 10 – 20 minutes digging up food and bringing back straw type grass for nest building.  They are well camouflaged but the families’ lack of privacy only faces one way – towards us, so early morning and late evening are the best times to go down to get a closer look.

Tonight I can go home content, contented with a beautiful sunset that appeared to be crying out to me, ‘“over here’”, as it seemed to coax me away from my other obsession —the ciguenas.  And then the father came.  I shuttered away (is that a word?).  Dad was home for the day and the moon could rest easily as there were no clouds to shadow its light, allowing Mrs Ciguena to rest easily for another night.

Walking around Madrid has been great, although crowded like Venice at times can find the uncrowded spots so I make space to do my walking tall app exercises, fast walking. The walking fast through crowds and avoiding of others is a great cognitive exercise as well. I ensure that I do it at a rate that avoids accidents.

So our adventure is complete though we had our accidents. Corrie has one injury on her leg and will check it out next week for a final check up and while my dislocated fingers can once again point the right way, my left hand still looks weird, so I’ll join her.

It’s been a fascinating walk, with lots of interactions and diversions and you’ve been great company on the blog and by email. Thank you for joining us for our eclectic walk in Spain.

And just to add, Corrie has been just the best colleague, easy to walk alongside but a little in front, excited at our surroundings and never declining any suggestions. I get on her goat at times but she is faster. And her spanish!!  She is not one to interrupt and she mostly speaks english. So when I annoy someone I make sure she is nearby. That gives her little choice and mostly her interactions create a peaceful and joyous chat because that’s who she is. And to quote Michael J Fox, I’m a very lucky man.

Sincerely

Will