17 Years and 133 Days

Seventeen years and one hundred and thirty-three days would be referring to our anniversary that we celebrated back on August 19th. A late post is always better than no post in my mind, so bear with me as I reflect on our anniversary that we celebrated in the heat of the summer.

Marriage is a gift and one that has taught us over the years that love is a daily sacrifice to put your spouse before yourself, to humbly serve the other in sickness and in health and to remember and keep Christ at the center of our marriage. We have had many anniversary celebrations in the past that have totally bombed out (i.e. a getaway with the contraction of the intestinal flu), so when we have a good celebration year it is something to treasure and delight in. Last year Jonathan was recovering from nasal surgery on our anniversary. But that's life and that's true love. And we definitely made up for it this year.

The visit from Jonathan's parents coincided with our anniversary and it was great to get away for the day to Monte Carlo, just the two of us. That sounds so ritzy and glamorous! However, if you don't have a lot of money to spend there is not much to do in Monaco apart from people watching and going to the beach. We didn't care and for once we had no agenda other than to just be together. It was so nice! Jonathan was happy to check another country off of his list. I was in Monaco 19 years ago visiting some missionary friends who lived in Menton, France at the time. It has been a while but for the most part it remained unchanged.

It was about a three hour drive to the coast. We took the scenic route through the mountains going and then the coastal highway returning. We got the best of both worlds.

Quaint Italian and French towns all along the way

Monaco
It's basically just what you see in this photo.
The country nestled between the sea and mountainside.

Monte Carlo Casino

At the top of the list of places to see in Monte Carlo one would rightly guess that it would be the Casino. Anyone recalling scenes from James Bond? We were allowed to enter the lobby only before 2pm and then if you were not a high roller patron you were not permitted to step foot on the premises thereafter.

We had fun checking out the luxury sports cars from ALL around the world parked outside the casino or driving around the loop. It was truly mind boggling to see the wealth and other worldly lifestyle these people must live. We weren't envious in the least!

We had a good laugh when standing next to a Ferrari that the people near us starting snapping pictures not of the car but of Jonathan's toe shoes instead! So even the common man can attract attention in the world of wealth. 

We found a bench to eat our sack lunch and then took a leisurely stroll along the coastal city path. In our wanderings we found the rooftop location of Starbucks and spent a good chunk of time just sitting and talking while enjoying the sea view. It was the perfect unhurried day with nothing in particular to accomplish other than enjoying sweet and uninterrupted time and conversation together. So that was our 17th anniversary and before the year ends I wanted to record this special memory. Love you, Sweetie! You are the best and I love journeying by your side through life. Baci!

Port of Monte Carlo

Moving traffic through the mountainside streets

A perfect sunset at the end of a perfect day