Musings: A Jug of Wine

A few nights ago, Greg and I were chatting about the little notes we write as we travel. He had recently opened his journal, read this one and wanted to share it with me. It’s from our trip in July 2023. I hope you enjoy it.

A Book of Verses underneath the Bough,
A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread—and Thou
Beside me singing in the Wilderness—
Oh, Wilderness were Paradise enow!
From Rubaiyet by Omar Khayaam
Translated by Edward FitzGerald

The second stanza of the 12th Century Persian poet’s Quatrain XII has been on my brain since yesterday (I had to look up the rest!). As we made our way up the Rhone by train from Lyon to Montreux, always facing Judy, then later while sharing a late lunch at the Grand Hotel Suisse, I was struck by the simplicity and joy we felt, quietly chatting about life and vacations while sharing a cocktail or a glass of wine.

We walked the promenade along “Lac Leman” (as the Swiss call Lake Geneva) hand-in-hand, watching the people play in the water, enjoying the spectacular scenery, and sharing the love that seems never-ending. I commented that this was what we were all about.

At a market, we bought some tomatoes, burrata, olives, bread, prosciutto, and, of course, wine for a simple dinner in our room. We’ve done this many times before and it’s a constant reminder of the simple things that make life — and our love — special.

“A Jug of Wine, a Loaf of Bread—and Thou” never rang more true. There’s a whole world out there just waiting to be explored. Enjoy the simple things.

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