It's John's Party and I'll Go 'Cuz I Want To!

With my apologies to Lesley Gore for poaching her song title!   Around 20 years ago, my cousin, Paul, who was living in London at the time, introduced me to two friends of his, John and Pedro.  That first meeting was quite unique as it was a party at their flat in Maida Vale with 42 gay guys and me.  It was so much fun.  Over the years, I have stayed closely connected with them, staying with them in London many times.  Seven years ago, we went to Venice Carnivale; I went to London for John's 60th birthday 10 years ago; a few years after that, I went to their wedding; and, they have visited me in Victoria.  About 4 years ago, they purchased a home in Portugal and I have visited them there a couple of times.  Last spring, John and I did  a road trip along Portugal's "Silver Coast" to see more of the country.  So, last November when I received an invitation to John's 70th birthday party, there was no question I wanted to attend.  However, it is sure a long way to go solo just for a party.  Then, I came up with a possible plan.  

My friend, Kim, and I went to Europe for 5 weeks in 2003 right after I retired so we have been to Europe before.  Then, a couple of years ago, she was in Portugal at the same time as me and she came for dinner at John and Pedro's.  So they've all met.  However, what to do after a few days in Portugal?  I had an idea.  Last March, I started a cruise in Las Palmas, the capital of Gran Canaria and knew I wanted to return one day.  I thought it would be perfect to see if Kim wanted to go to the party with me and then spend a couple of weeks on Gran Canaria.  When I asked her, she thought it was a great idea so we booked some flights, accommodation and we are setting off tomorrow.

The journey to there is a long one - Victoria to Vancouver to Toronto to Lisbon and then a taxi to Setubal, the town where the party will take place on the 28th.  After a week there, we will fly to Gran Canaria via Madrid. 

As this trip is short (by my standards), there will probably be only three or four posts but I hope the capture the fun of the party and our time in Portugal before sharing our exploration of island of Gran Canaria.

Below is a photo of John and Pedro with me from last year.  




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