Heavy slate clouds rolled in last night, veiling the perfect skies I was blessed with during my time on Gozo, and easing the terrible fact that I had to leave this near perfect island, with its abundant hiking trails, kindly locals, warm October, and busy marine traffic.

As I flew onward to Lisboa, I saw Sicily, Sardinia, and Corsica from the sky, and later the lights of the European continent, the towns and cities scattered in valleys between mountains.

I love Europe, where fast food is rare, trails are rough, and I hear languages I can’t discern. Portugal will be fun – I know only one Portuguese word: obrigado.

Fun fact: the Frankfurt Airport has a piano in the waiting area, and people stop to play between their flights. How cool is that?

Live all you can. It’s a mistake not to.