cigar smoke and an intriguing soul

We went to the shore this afternoon for the beauty and the brisk air. When we arrived at the waters edge we were met with the sweet smell of what I thought was pipe smoke. Upon turning a corner we found an older man enjoying a european cigar and admiring the view while simultaneously consuming a Toblerone bar. He had a bushy white beard, a bulky coat and fine leather shoes. David struck up a conversation with him and found out he was Romanian. I asked what he did and shared that I had spent some time in Romania. It turns out that he is well published author an student of his surroundings. He shared many things that left me intrigued, but what impressed me was how freely he spoke of his God-it was the first thing out of his mouth and the last as he prayed a blessing over us. It's not everyday that you meet a world-famous-writer that was educated by monks. He said that he had found Maine to be quite cold to foreigners and kept apologizing for his accent. We were charmed and sat with rapt attention. He kept saying that it was so amazing to meet us, as if WE were the world-renowned accomplished individuals. It struck me that everyone needs someone to listen and it is often what we don't say that draws them to us.