10 flights, 4 airlines, 4 continents = 40 year celebration

In the end it worked out.  All of it.  (Except maybe the Arsenal loss, though even that build-up and loss proved fun).  London, Doha, Mombasa, Delphi, Marathea, Olympia, Symposiums, Siestas, Nafplio, Epidavros, Parthenon, Alobar, Attica, and Rhodes.  Even a stopover for the Raptors in Game 5 reminiscent of 2004's June fifth sporting disappointment on the Red Mile.

Seeds have been planted, as have new olive trees.  In particular, the unlikely/inevitable evening of the Raptors and Modelo and Boasty (played repeatedly despite my not enjoying it) arose due to an unexpected, long dormant, and untapped energy.  It played out as hilariously expected, all these years later.  What comes next will be interesting, but nothing to dissuade from the conclusions wrought on the sands of the Indian Ocean and shores of the Aegean.  There is a sense of making firmer decisions sooner than you think, lest an unwanted dowry get in the way.  Though I like the idea of this farewell tour to be sure.

Other thoughts from the trip could fill a book, and the notebook sits replete with tales and words and stories.  The dictaphones (new and old) are also filled with some gems to be transcribed.  The task at hand is now to work at the apartment, the exercise, and the preparations for the writing seminars.  The next two months shall be important.  Use the time wisely.  For you are wise now, old man.  You are forty!