There’s an old saying: “You don’t know what you have until it’s gone.”  Wes and I just returned from a lengthy trip across the pond.  We spent time in France, Italy, and Greece doing some research and learning for future articles, as well as taking time to recharge our batteries while seeing this historic part of the world.

We planned to be gone for several weeks and felt we were as well-prepared as we could be, given we had never been to this part of the world before. Passports, one suitcase each, Tide pods for laundry.  Check. Check. Check.  Since we knew Tex-Mex was not to be had over there, we even made sure our last meal before getting on the plane was Mexican food.  We were set.

I could write an entire column just on the food we experienced…croissants and soufflés in Paris…pastas, Bolognese sauce, and gelato in Italy…gyros,  Sfakianopita, and baklava in Greece. We also drank a lot of water–which we knew was good for us–but my goodness we missed iced tea!  (I also missed my Diet Dr. Pepper, but mostly I just wished for more ice…in everything!)

We were about 10 days into our trip when Wes decided to make a run to the laundromat. (Side note: if you go to Italy, be aware, laundromats are few and far between.) While he was gone, I decided to surprise him and make a pitcher of tea.  Our hotel room had a water kettle I could heat water in.  I knew there were tea bags downstairs in the dining room, so all I needed was ice and a pitcher.

I approached the dining room manager and shared my request. She excitedly told me, “No problem! In fact, you do not need to do that. I have tea with lemon in a can right here!”  She seemed taken aback when I explained that was not the kind of tea my husband liked…and he also did not like lemon in his tea.  I told her what I needed to do was quite simple; I just needed a carafe or something to stir it in. That was all.  Still wanting to help, she asked if she could make it for me.  Not wanting to be rude, but also knowing she did not understand, I winked and said, “Sure! If you can do it right!”  Her face gave away she was not positive she could deliver, so she told me she would be right back.

A few minutes later she appeared from the kitchen pushing a little cart. On it was a thermal pitcher filled with hot water, a carafe with a long stirring stick, tea bags, a champagne bucket filled with ice, and a tiny platter of chocolate cookies.  I was overwhelmed by her kindness and thanked her profusely. Needless to say, Wes was amazed when he returned and there was a pitcher of iced tea in our hotel room. I feel sure he would tell you, he had never had tea that tasted so good.

It reminded me, once again, to enjoy the simple things we often take for granted in our day-to-day life.  Our joys are different from those of others, but helping each other find that joy makes our days so much more fulfilling.

We are happy to be home…but now I sure do miss croissants!

Ciao!  Until next time,