Spain 2026-07

Spain 22,

Oct. 12, 2026,

Hi Everyone,

Today was a travel day and tomorrow will be similar to today. Sometimes travelling is like that. You must spend 1 or 2 days travelling to get to where you want to go and then spend a few days there. I had breakfast with Rob and we had our usual enlightening political discussion. We politely solved all the problems in the world. Yannick came down to say goodbye and we promised not to wait 15 years before seeing each other again. Before coming to R and J’s home, I diligently prepared a ‘short’ presentation of the last 15 years of my photo stream concentrating on the developement of my family. We showed the photos on a big stream TV. Afterwards, Rob showed 2 movies, 1 on one of their daughter’s wedding and 1 on the construction of this house and the last house. The last house was an 8th century ruin complete with a chapel which took 4 years to rebuild. The house was then sold to an elderly lady who is now in her 90s. The present house took 4-6 months to renovate with 50 or more workers. The renovation is a marvellous success. R and J are wonderful hosts and I am very happy to have renewed our acquaintances.

Rob drove me to Chiusi, about ¾ hr away on small country roads. I had forgotten how beautiful Italy is, having not been here in over 15 years. Rob gave me 2 cans of olive oil from their garden which I managed to pack in my overflowing suitcase. The 2 suitcases are rather heavy as I am carrying clothes for a month as well as clothes both for the triathlon and motorcycle ride. Uniforms for the parade, Tri suite for the swim, bike, run, shoes for running and bicycling, motorcycle boots, my motorcycle suite, my helmet etc. The train ride took 2.5-3 hours with 2 changes eventually arriving at Rome Aeroporta. A shuttle bus brought me to my hotel, a ‘3*’ hostel, ok for 1 night. I had a seafood dinner in a local taverna recommended by the shuttle driver.

Love,

Brian