R. returned from Germany last night, backpack (literally) bursting
at the seams. He voiced loud complaints about the Toronto airport,
much praise for the efficiency of German trains, and renewed inspiration
for all things culinary. When I asked him if he liked traveling alone,
he answered with a resounding "Yes!" He said one of the best things
about the event was the opportunity to network with chefs from
all over the world. Network? Was this truly my shy son speaking?!
At the risk of sounding cliche, I must say that one of the most
amazing things about being a parent is being able to watch your child --
at any age -- lift those wings a little higher.

This song is for Reilly:

"And yes, it's real food."

I heard from Reilly in Germany this morning -- yay!
(Ever the mother hen, who frets and fusses when a chick
is far from the nest. And my boys will ALWAYS be chicks
no matter what their age, no matter how far they roam.)
His photo (above) is from the International Culinary Olympics
in Erfurt. His very brief e'mail just happened to mention
that he has consumed his fair share of German beer --
O the glories of youth! Nonetheless, this mother's heart
is lit up with joy on this dark, wet, October morning.

And he's off!

Reilly took off this morning (by himself) for a week in Germany
to be a spectator at the International Culinary Olympics.
He has worked hard this summer and fall to save up the cash
for this, and I'm extremely proud of him. And I can't but recall
flying to London by myself at the same age where I booked
a flight across the channel to Paris to spend a summer
not getting a job, even though I had a work permit.
Ah.....the follies of youth!

(Needless to say, it was the best summer of my life.
Going broke and all. Lingering at sidewalk cafes
far past midnight. Strolling the halls of the Louvre.
Feasting on cheap wine, St. Paulin cheese and pain au levain.
I think it's time for [yet] another trip to Paris.)