A Thoughtful Trip

Cynthia Bloom a Meditation and Art History teacher was taking her daily commute on the city train. She was preparing to spend the summer in Northern, France near Giverny. Her beloved Aunt Fleur had invited her in hopes to persuade her to move to France and open a meditation studio. Fleur always thought of Cynthia as a daughter ever since the tragic death of her mother Adrianne so many years ago. The two had become remarkably close, kindred spirits. As Cynthia let the train carry her along the clackity journey to her classroom she daydreamed of beautiful French gardens with wisteria climbing the garden arbors, the Louvre with its awe-inspiring collection, pastries so decant from the flaky to the melt in your mouth macaroons, and the hot delicious sip of a café au lait. It made Cynthia weak at the knees. The people of France really knew how to let loose and enjoy life. The slow pace woke her up to mindfulness and thus she began her journey towards mediation and art history. She connected art and meditation into an effective teaching method.

As the train rocked back and forth assimilating the feel of a hammock tied between two trees, she began thinking about her happy Aunt and how they could become inseparable twins once again. Cynthia had some of her best mini breaks in France as a child. Aunt Fleur was an idiosyncratic food chemist that was studying the variables on grape cross pollination with a reduction in plant disease. Cynthia could just smell the grapes growing and feel the dirt between her toes in the small vineyard. "Ahhhh, What a sensuous life!"

The train continued to make its stops and the voiceover announced, “You have reached Brindmar, if this is your stop, please exit on the left at Brindmar.” Cynthia snapped back her neck and shot up to depart the train. On her way down the stone steps, she thought to herself, “I have just enough time to get a matcha latte at The Tea Experience before I teach my class.” How she adored her matcha lattes they always made her calm but more energized without feeling jittery.

“Good afternoon, Cynthia! Are you here for your usual?”

“Hello Margaret, how have you been? Yes, please. You’ve got me hooked.” I’m doing very well. That’s what we like to hear. They have a ton of benefits ya know, so you do not need to feel guilty about drinking them as often as you do.

“Hahaha, yes…. quite right unless you overdo the sugar.” exclaimed Cynthia

Margaret excitedly says, “We got a new variety in this week that comes from Kyoto, the birthplace of matcha. Its shade grown there in the finale process. It has a bold and bright flavor.” OOOOOO! That sounds wonderful, I’m excited! “Thanks, Margaret, and I hope you have a lovely day!” continued Cynthia!!! As Cynthia leaves, she hears Margaret shouting from behind the counter, “Hey!!!! You over tipped me again!” Cynthia turns and winks leaving the tea café.

Miss Bloom’s last lecture class started in 10 minutes on Monet’s technique during a movement called Impressionism. The students were somewhat engaging, but she supposed it had something to do with summer arriving and this was her last class for the term. Her A.I. was going to do the exam next week and send her the results. So, she was free as a bird.

Cynthia Bloom was standing in her apartment debating on what to pack for her voyage. She had become an expert in organized packing. She knew that most travelers brought unnecessary items and not enough of the right items. Essentials and basics were the beginning of smart traveling. Besides, she knew that she brought more back from her favorite spots. As she was finishing up, there was a knock at the door.

Cynthia peeks through the door and sees a very tall but muscular DHL man with a thick envelope.

“Hello, I wasn’t expecting a package before my travels. How are you today?” The delivery man, “I’m doing very well thank you. I just need you to sign here and I’ll be on my way.” Cynthia signs the handheld device and closes the door with her back. What on earth could this be and why would I be getting something from Aunt Fleur when I’m flying out tomorrow? As she nervously opens the envelope inside is a little black notebook. No special markings on the cover and somewhat foreboding. The inner cover has a house key taped firmly in place. There was no mistaking it, this was the key to Fleur’s chateau! As Cynthia peruses the notebook, she finds that there are journal entries made by Aunt Fleur along with her research work on grape varieties. How peculiar thought Miss Bloom. When she turned the next page wedged in it was a ridiculously small envelope with Cynthia’s name on it. This envelope also contained a key but a small one that was inscribed with BNP. BNP? Is that BNP Paribas, an international bank in France? This was becoming more and more concerning.

Cynthia didn’t sleep much that night before her flight, usually it was because of the anticipation and joy of seeing her aunt but this time it was for fear of her aunt’s life. Could Aunt Fleur be sending me clues on her whereabouts? What was she trying to tell me? Cynthia studied the little black notebook on the long flight to France. Normally, she would read Stephen King on the plane. She loved King and recently purchased “If It Bleeds” and was thrilled to have a chance to read it. This indulgence would have made time fly by but instead it was like being overdrawn during a blood donation. She was pale as a sheet and dreaded entering Fleur’s chateau.

During this time meditation would have been her friend but under these unusual circumstances it was hard to not give into her dark thoughts.

When Cynthia arrived at the Chateau of the Bloom’s, her muscles were weak, and her face was gray with lack of sleep. It no longer had the rich sense of adventure and light-hearted ease of woman about to embark on a summer of leisure. The door opened with a pop, there was a steady stream of light coming in through the long French windows. Cynthia searched everywhere but there was no sign of her aunt…. even her bed was neat. She was exhausted but had no choice in the matter. She must refresh herself and go to this BNP and see what it opens.

Cynthia arrives at the BNP Paribas that her aunt uses for banking including the vineyards financials. Fleur’s accountant works for the bank and aids in the business decisions. The bank teller greets Cynthia in French.

The teller, “Hello Mademoiselle, how can I help you?” I have this key and was wondering if it goes to a deposit box or something linked to this bank. It was given to me by my Aunt Fleur. “Yes, Mademoiselle, let me open the deposit box and fetch it for you.” The teller takes the key and disappears through the locked door behind the desk.

Cynthia waits patiently for around five minutes and the teller returns with a stainless-steel box. He hands it over to her so she can inspect the contents. Inside it is a check with Cynthia’s name on it with $16,510 in Euros roughly translated to $20,000 USD. It’s from Aunt Fleur. Also, inside is a note with instructions from her aunt on where to meet her.

“What?!” Cynthia’s Aunt Fleur was vacationing in Florence, Italy. She wanted to make a little surprise of it, spend a few days at the museums, eating great food, and visit a vineyard. Also, inside was a plane ticket in Cynthia’s name, she was to fly from Paris to Florence and arrive just in time for dinner. “This is crazy! I just got off the plane. What am I saying? This is amazing! My aunt is okay, and she has something to tell me.” Rushing out of the bank, she takes a taxi back to the chateau to grab her basic bag with a change of clothing and a bikini.

When she arrives in Florence, she takes the taxi to the hotel where her and Fleur will be staying to have dinner. The place is historical and beautiful. Italy has many places that are well loved and kept instead of modern structures. It was also home to some incredible artists.

“Oh, dear Aunt Fleur! You have no idea how good it is to see you. You’ve never looked better! I have never seen you in florals. You should wear them more often. By the way you gave me quite the scare! I thought you were in trouble. This behavior was quite irregular.”

“I’m really sorry my dear. I thought with your nimble mind that you could cope with a little scavenger hunt, besides, you do read a lot of Stephen King and Agatha Christie. I’d think you’d be used to some detective work or unusual circumstances. I thought you would have been able to read a little more into a positive outcome. There was no ransom, afterall. In fact, it was the opposite. I left you money. Come sit down.”

They ordered their meal, which was superb, the best ravioli they’ve ever eaten. “Auntie, now tell me why you wrote me such a large check?” Oh, that. I have some exciting news! I have discovered a new blend and variety of grape. I was able to isolate some of the plants cell structure to eliminate disease while not disrupting the natural order of things. It has led me to a new business venture with some perks and I have created some job growth. I’m going to be partners with a vineyard in the countryside of Florence. I wanted to gift you this money because you are a strong independent woman who is deserving of her own new chapter. You can do with it as you please, but I hope you consider opening a mediation studio in France with a focus on art and art history. The university could use your insight and creative perspective.

“Aunt Fleur I don’t know what to say and I am astonished!” replied Cynthia. Don’t thank me yet, you have got to put the work into it. As the two discussed their new life transformations the stars began to shine, and it became noticeably quiet in the hotel. Cynthia let out a loud yawn, “I suppose we should be getting to bed. Tomorrow is the beginning of the rest of our lives, but we must celebrate and enjoy Florence before we begin our journey.

Aunt Fleur and Cynthia had a fabulous time in Italy. They toured the Galleria dell 'Accademia, sampled the wine at Chianti vineyards, and had a day at the beach. When they returned to France the wheels were set in motion on Cynthia’s meditation and art studio project, a location was found for it. It was going to be at a small venue downtown Paris. In the evenings, during that summer, Fleur and Cynthia relaxed with wine, reading, and plans for their next long weekend retreat.