Farewell, Spain ..

Just finished wrapping up the suitcase. I can't believe that this is my last night here. I walked through the entire city today for the last time this trip, stopping only to pray and catch the three World Cup matches. A splendid way to end my trip to Spain, in my opinion.

The Portugal game doesn't even require commentary. Seven goals? Enough said! The Chile-Switzerland game was average, I felt, although the one goal that Chile did score was a very pretty one. Spain versus Honduras was just stressful. I am glad that David Villa nailed two, putting Spain in the lead early, but they had so many close opportunities to score again! And that penalty. I don't even want to talk about the penalty. It was a good game, though. Kept my attention. I got to watch it with two old Spaniard men, too. How great is that? Pretty dang great.

I won't catch any futbol tomorrow as I'll be traveling all day, but I'm okay with that. I'd love to watch Argentina play again in the evening, but it's not the end of the world. Oh, also. This Copa Mundial is really reinforcing my belief in midfielders being super underrated assets to the team - especially after watching and comparing Xavi and Fabregas today. I'm really looking forward to Cameroon versus The Netherlands on Thursday. I hope I can watch it in Tanzania, although that isn't looking practical considering we'll be touring the northern portion of the country (hopefully).

I'm getting excited to go back to my roots, see chachi and chacha, and get to work in Kibaha. My life here in Spain seems so far removed both from what my life will be in Tanzania and from what life is for me in the States. It was a great break from the real world, though. I hope I can keep practicing the language and maintain the fluency in reading that I have developed during my time here. With my focus shifting to the purification of my very khoja-friendly Kiswahili, I hope the Spanish doesn't wear off. Hmmm, maybe I could start journaling in Spanish to keep the balance alive?

I guess my thoughts that I leave this country with revolve around the same theme. Spain is beautiful. I'm sure I find it more beautiful because I have some knowledge of the language and the culture (thanks to schooling and friendships), but I don't doubt that anyone else without these possible benefits would enjoy the country just as much as I have. Although I am looking forward to the new experiences and lifestyles that the next few weeks will bring me, I will miss Spain. I hope one day I can return - if not to live here for a few years, then, at least for another visit.

Okay, these keys are noisy and Adarana is sleeping. I need to write thank you notes, journal, and then get to bed. It's already 1:56 AM! The next time you hear from me, I will be in Tanzania, insha'Allah. Until then, be good!