Serendipity

 May 4th,after our thankful arrival at the cathedral, I locate and check into the place where Jim and I have reserved a room for the week- Hotel Costa Vella. 

 It is as charming and friendly as promised with a beautiful garden (which includes a part of the ancient wall of the old city)and and thoughtful restoration of the old building. 

 Maria took off to find her own Pension not far away. As she was looking for the pension, she saw Jim making his way into the old town on foot from the bus station, map in hand, looking a little lost. Maria then brought him to me for a happy reunion. Have you ever considered the moment in time when paths cross and an opportunity stands with hand out? We can accept the hand and a world opens to us or we can pass by the hand, unaware of the possibilities it presents. I have experience with taking the hand and am forever greatful for the riches in my life because of the choice I made. Putting aside my skeptisisim, denying my shyness, and encouraging the pilgrim inside of me, I accept the hand and make a commitment to a world of hope. One thing I must share about Maria, she takes an unknown city and makes it her own in a very short time. She has a keen sense of direction and within minutes has oriented herself, made friends, and is giving out directions and advice. 

 She claims she is visiting on the Euro, not the Peso, and therefore will not spend her money sleeping. Jim and I nap! Met Maria for dinner near our Hotel at Bodequilla de San Roque - delicious