One of my favorite things about this trip so far are the people I meet. Every meal we have a chance to sit with a new set of people. I was worried it would be more like high school where the location you sit on day one equals where you sit the whole cruise. Not so! Everyone does a great job of mixing around. People are very nice and friendly. Sadly, I've now met so many people I can't remember all the names but people remember mine. There is John and Cindy, retired Principal and Assistant Superintendent from San Fransisco; Betty and Annie, best friends since 2nd grade, now in their 80s; and Anita and her Husband, both professors in El Paso, but the husband was an FBI agent for 28 years. All so interesting. I've met teachers, military, NSA Agents, and nurses. All with interesting stories, all much older than me. I'm not the youngest but I'm close. There are maybe 7 people, if that 40 or younger. But I don't mind.
I'm not only getting to know new people, but I'm also getting to know my grandmother better. Of course I've know her almost my whole life. We've traveled together on more than one occasion, but it's been years. I've learned while I was worried about her getting here alone, she was doing the same, but we both made it, we are both strong. I've learned she is making changes in her life since my grandfather passed. It is fun to watch her blossom into the next chapter. I've also learned, she is getting old. Things take longer, she needs to be reminded of things, etc. I'm guessing this may be her last big trip. She would never say it, but o can tell she's exhausted. While I've been worried about my other grandparents aging, I've been forgetting this grandmother I aging too. I know years from now I will value this time together with her. So today, in Vienna I'll focus more on her.
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