Real Life Stories - September 2004

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When I arrived at his house for the first time, I was greatly impressed by the size of the house. There was even a stable with several horses. When I knocked on the door, a middle aged well dressed Spanish lady opened the door. I could tell she was Spanish by her accent as I had vague memories of my Spanish lessons in college. I politely stated I was Simon's friend Paul and had come at his invitation to visit him and his wife. I foolishly uttered my thoughts aloud "Simon even has a maid女仆 — a woman servant in his country house". To which the lady cleared her throat. Just then Simon came and we greeted each other. He said "Meet my wife, Galena.” The earlier embarrassment could not hide the sheer amazement and shock on my face. I meant no disrespect but here was a 30 year old man with a woman who is at least 50 though she had a mature beauty. The age gap though vast was the least of the apparent mismatch. I saw a young intelligent man whom has everything - career, money, looks, beside a senior short portly woman. If beauty was in the eye of the beholder than there could be no better example. Simon did not marry her for money or power. As I learned later, Galena was a lawyer in the public Spanish counsel.