Oct 23 – 25, 2014 —
As we finished lunch at one of the waterfront cafes and started to leave, the couple at the next table spoke to us. They had heard our American accents. 
Michael and Valerie live in London and have a home in Menorca. After a few shared stories and laughs we decided to get together again.
The next day we attended the local Oktoberfest celebration enjoying Spanish cerveza and chorizo. A quartet played foot stomping jazz that keep you wanting to stay for more refreshment. Realizing that, for the first time in a long time, we had nothing to do, we stayed a bit longer before moving on to dinner. Dinner was at a romantic waterside restaurant we had seen pictures of in the next cala over from the boat.
The proprietor was sitting at one of the outdoor tables dressed to the nines waiting for the customers to arrive. Taking the opportunity to talk with him we learned all kinds of interesting facts about the island. 
We enjoyed his company as nuch as his restaurant, and came to find out that he is a big sailor. After the restaurant closes for the season in a few days, he and his twin brother are going to take their 38 foot sailboat to the Caribbean as part of the ARC rally. They will be leaving from the Canary Islands December first.
Saturday evening, with hand drawn map in hand, we drove south to Michael and Valerie’s beautiful home overlooking the Mediterranean Sea for drinks before going to a fabulous local restaurant with them and their London neighbors. The area around the restaurant is amazing–narrow roads, almost paths, with high stone walls on both sides. Not having dropped breadcrumbs on our way there, getting back at midnight was initially a bit of a challenge. We took several different roads hoping to not meet any oncoming vehicles before getting back to the main road. There were several dead ends with tight turn arounds. Ever the navigator, Bob took to the stars–identifying Cassopea we found the North Star and used it to reset our course. At last we were back on the main road. What an truly wonderful time: great new friends, an incredible restaurant, and a successful return home, all in the same evening!