For a while, I have been planning a European trip for my family. It will begin in Barcelona. Then, we will cruise to Marseille, which I have wanted to visit since I first saw a Derek Flint movie. After that, we will travel to Florence, Rome and Pompeii. Once we are off the ship, we will go to Paris, which has been my stepdaughter’s dream.
Except, none of that is going to happen. Last week, I was stricken with a medical emergency and needed a procedure. Most of it is over, but we have decided to cancel our trip. I was not comfortable being that far away from my doctor. I understand that there are great hospitals in Europe, but there are times when it feels better closer to home.
Tonight, we started the cancelation process, which I am sure will take a while. We have travel insurance, but you know how insurance companies can be. I am sure there is some subparagraph somewhere that turns it their way.
Anyway, I am bummed. I am disappointed, and, although they are saying it is alright, I know my family is also disappointed. I promised to take my stepdaughter to Paris, and I am keeping that promise. I just cannot keep it this year.
The title is misleading. He is not going to Paris. we are only left with the words of a Jimmy Buffett song. Actually, I like this Waylon Jennings version better.
He went to Paris
Looking for answers
To questions that bothered him so
He was impressive
Young and aggressive
Savin’ the world on his own
But the warm summer breezes
The French wines and cheeses
Put his ambition at bay
His summers and winters
Scattered like splinters
And four to five years slipped away
There will be no warm summer breezes nor French wines and cheeses for us. Well, unless we buy some at the grocery store. However, we will get to Paris and Barcelona and Marseille and Florence and Rome and Pompeii. I have a promise to keep.
