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Two stories from this past summer, both around making connections: Aug 23: A couple of days ago, I set out my home with the intention to go spend the day in Nice; I had some errands to run there. I know my way to the train station, it's a 10-15 minutes walk max, and I've taken the train many times. It was hot, and I was starting to feel shaky for some reason, maybe because I hadn't eaten and my blood pressure was dropping. So, I was going around in circles and, couldn't get to the train station. Dazed and confused, I gave up, I decided to go have a plateau fruits de mer at the really nice restaurant I've been meaning to try. Once seated, ordered, food came, I noticed a couple tables over a handsome 'Hugh Grant' lookalike, but much much better in-person, and he had ordered the platter like me. And, like me, he had his book with him. So, I started talking to him across the two tables between us. Slowly at first, but by the end of lunch, dessert (delicious pear and ice cream) and coffee, I had told him about my travels, being on the road the past ten years, my professional background, and my interests in travel, culture, and world affairs only to find out that this gorgeous man, who was listening so attentively to my stories, is a well-known Film and Documentary producer on travel, culture, politics, and woman's empowerment. What a surreal experience; we kissed and hugged twice we were both so excited how life brought us together in this moment. Moral of the story: be yourself, be open, do good, connect with people, and allow life to unfold for you. Aug 29: I made a new friend on the bus yesterday. Jozé João Lourencó started talking to me at the bus station. Later on in the bus he called me to sit next to him at the front seat. During a short bus stop in one of the towns, he invited me to coffee and Portuguese sweets. When we returned to the bus, our conversation took-off, non-stop until I arrived my destination. Jozé João, 70+ years with Parkinson's disease, and a past car accident that left his neck area dislocated, is a well-established self-taught artist, working at his studio Atelier San Antonio das Areias. He is also the Founder of several charity organizations, one of which is a rescue mission for the forest fires, and another offers medical services (cleft mouth) to those in need. José Jean will be showing 40 paintings at an inaugural exhibition on September 8 in Marvão, to which I have been invited. He's also visiting me today where I'm staying.