Date men from United States / California / Venice, 56 year old

Date single man from Venice, United States. So, I'm traveling around Europe and stop in Chatillon, Italy, to meet some relatives. My cousin Enrico asks if I want to try gliding. And he introduces me to his brother-in-law, who is a gliding pilot. I envision those fixed-wing craft that I see people flying off of the bluffs in Manhattan Beach, and say "sure." Not much of a drop there over the beach, so I'm not too worried about the risk. After I've committed and the date is set I ask my cousin if he has ever done it. He says "no." This gives me pause. Well, it turns out we are not talking about gliding but instead paragliding, i.e., jumping off a cliff with a parachute. So, I show up at the staging ground in the Cervina Valley and help the crew re-pack the parachutes and then we get in cars and drive high up in the mountains to the little village of Magdeleine where we stop by a small plateau. The crew lays out the parachutes and straps me into a seat in front of my pilot, Jean. Then they tell me that when Jean gives the word I am supposed to run as fast as possible towards the edge of the plateau and a little village we can see on the opposite mountainside. Of course, there is a gaping gulf of nothing for about a mile. I assume they know what they are doing and apparently we ran fast enough because the parachute inflated properly and we were quickly airborne, soaring about 2,000 feet in the air above this valley that makes up the southern approach to the Matterhorn, known as Cervigno to the Italians. The 20 minute flight was exhilarating, offering spectacular views of the valley and mountains. We soared on the wind currents like a bird. It also was frightening and I had this weird urge to jump out of my seat. Jean just flew around, doubling back and forth, staying close to the other flyers, Paolo, the brother-in-law, and Enrico's daughter Eliese, who launched just after us. To land right at the staging area on the floor of the valley, Jean had to put the paraglider into a tight corkscrew dive, which increased the "gs" and left me close to puking. The actual landing was a walk in the park and I was able to walk off the motion sickness.
I'd like to have a partner who appreciates adventures like my flight in the Italian Alps.
I am seeking a woman who is caring, intelligent, well-educated, attractive, fit, maybe European, maybe looking for a partner to help parent a young child or two (or have a child with).
A sense of humor is important.
I've been in a couple of long term relationships; I'll tell you about them if you ask.
I am a native; born in St. John's Hospital, attended schools in Santa Monica and then UCLA, and then Occidental for my masters. My mom still lives in Santa Monica, and she and my five siblings are important in my life.
I was deeply involved in Democratic politics in California for many years though my interest has been tempered by being a bit too close to the game.
I was a legislative advocate for about 25 years, with a slew of high profile clients, and I still do a bit of lobbying as the client or cause requires.
I helped found American Oceans Campaign quite a few years ago and until recently served on one of Oceana's boards.
I also have been very involved with the diplomatic Corps as the representative of Slovenia. It satisfies my interest in international affairs.
I bike about 50 miles a week and occasionally ride in century rides.
Last year I completed the level 1 & 2 International Sommelier Guild certificates. The course taught me just how much I don't know about wine.
I've spent 20 years restoring an Islamo-Byzantine house in Venice (and could probably spend another 20 years on it), but would rather bike, hike, tend my rose garden, taste wine, travel or read.
I like to travel, especially to Europe.
Let me know if you'd like to meet for a cup of coffee, walk in the Venice canals, a glass of wine, or a bike ride down the coast.

Meet a soulmate from Venice, United States. I'd rather do this in person but since we're here... I have a growing need to keep things simple. You know. Don't sweat the small stuff. I avoid drama like the plague. Have more than enough of that at work. My main goal in life now is to learn as much as I can about the world around me and that means getting out there. Around the world, that is. I am very well traveled and have never minded going off on my own. But the honest truth is that it's just not as fun when your don't have someone to share it with.
I'm searching for a life mate. Someone who can give as much as they take. In all things. Someone who is easy going and doesn't scare too easily. A woman who knows what she wants and what works for her. As comfortable in sneakers or hiking shoes as she is in high heels. Pizza or Morton's, fine by me. Don't care about your politics, your religion or your ethnicity. Just that your open to new things and experiences.
I like to travel and have the time to do it. Hope you do too. It's a very important factor for me. And I like visiting far out places as much as say, European cities. Just returned from 3 wk trek to the Mount Everest base camp. Loved it!
I'm financially secure and hope you are too.