Ole' – From Spain to France

Amazingly, we arrived in Bilbao, Spain, with all our luggage. Considering the insanity of the Lisbon airport, the short layover, and the flight change in Frankfort, we were shocked it all worked out. We had plenty of time for a shower and a leisurely walk to the restaurant we had reserved. According to the map and the concierge, we expected about a ten-minute walk.

I don't know if it's Google's walking map or our pace that was deficient, but both in Lisbon and Bilbao, the ten-minute walks became thirty and forty minutes. Perhaps it is because we're in ancient cities, where the streets are winding, narrow, and cobblestoned. But in no time, Daniel cursed, my feet ached, and our beautiful meandering became a race to make it on time for our reservation.

We ate dinner in a restaurant at the Guggenheim Museum. Daniel booked the chef's table, just us, sitting at a counter in the kitchen. It was a fantastic dinner with a view of the men (no women, I noticed) with their teamwork and efficiency. In between one of the many courses, Daniel asked a few questions leading them to figure out that he was a chef. It became even more fun as I listened to them trading war stories and techniques.

The walk back to our hotel was considerably shorter now that we had a grasp of the streets. A pleasant way to walk off dinner, sober up, and see some of the stores without the earlier crowds.

Whether in Lisbon, Spain, France, or Italy, Black Friday has become an international shopping holiday. Even without Thanksgiving turkey, the stores still held huge sales, with crowds grabbing bargains and starting their holiday shopping. A little touch of home in Europe.

We walked back to the museum the following day, which was terrific. The art collection is interesting, and the architecture is spectacular. Frank Gehry, the American architect, also designed the Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, which was a little déjà vu for me.

We packed and left for the airport, not sure we would make it to Marseilles with our expanding suitcases (and waistlines) simultaneously. Happily, we arrived with everything intact. Despite the cold, rainy weather, we were ready for some good bouillabaisse.

Our taxi driver and the hotel receptionist recommended the same restaurant, so we took the advice. We weren't disappointed. Of course, traveling with Daniel, he ordered five desserts after the relatively light fish entree. After the gluttony, it was back to the hotel to get repacked and ready for our early flight to Milan.

Again, with short layovers and flight changes, we were lucky to arrive in Milan with all our luggage. His sister picked us up at the airport in a peanut-sized car. I looked at our bags and her car. I thought one of us would be riding on the roof (me). But, like an intricate puzzle, Daniel got everything in the car, with enough room for some groceries. On my list prosciutto, gorgonzola, and bread. Daniel's list was the same, plus wine.

Daniel cooked dinner, and then it was time to relax, enjoy family, and maybe take advantage of the extended Black Friday sales. But if we do, the first thing on the list will be more luggage.