October 20: Gracias, Obrigado, Grazas, Eskerrik asko, Merci, Gràcies and Thank you…

This week, I finally leave Spain after three extraordinary months – departing with a heavy heart and a very full belly. It’s difficult to sum up the trip in just a few words. The idiosyncrasies of the Spanish way of eating & sleeping were a challenge as well as the various dialects of Spanish we encountered. The Spanish bus system, perplexing yet efficient; the food, amazing; the vistas breathtaking. The people are lively, gracious and without a doubt, give the best directions in Europe. If not careful, you might get a personal escort to a bus and a homemade empanada.

I am thankful to have seen my Spanish family here and to do some much needed maintenance on the family house in Peñafiel. I also can’t thank David enough for all his companionship, hard work & patience over the course of the trip – I could not have asked for a better partner on this crazy, wonderful escapade. I would not have been able to do it without him. It is difficult to continue the final leg of the journey alone but I do so with much gratitude. I am traveling on to India to work with Vatsalya, an organization that provides a better life for children and rural women, then on to explore Nepal before returning to Seattle. Here is a summary of my favorite memories & pictures from the trip so far…

Portugal

Galicia

Peñafiel

The Pyrenees

The Picos de Europa and Pais Vasco

The Costa Brava

fin…