The Last Day

If yesterday's presentations weren't emotional enough, we had today's certificate ceremony.  By the end, everyone had teared up at least once, and several people have already said their goodbyes, even though they are in the same bus back to Madrid, because they can't face it again.  It's that kind of group.

First, though, we had our last one-to-ones (though in some cases they were two-to-ones or two-to-twos).  One of the Spaniards finally caught up to me to take part in his project (which is brilliant).  He has been recording the voices of every Anglo on his phone so that he can show his English teacher.

After the ceremony, in which the Anglos were given Sevillana-style aprons, we had our lunch at one long table.  That was followed by a cava toast and a small celebration for the birthday of one of the Anglos.  More singing, more tears.

The bus and the rain arrived at about the same time.  We should be in Madrid in about two hours, and we have voted for no stops, one person to a seat, so that those who were at the party last night until past 3:00 could get some sleep.  I didn't go, but I think I will sleep, too.  If it is still raining when we reach Madrid I will have to dig my umbrella out of my suitcase (and I will be glad that I brought it). My train to Leon is at 8:30 tonight.

Over the course of this week, the conversions have been interesting and wide-ranging.  Some of the things I have talked about are the difference between seafood rice and paella (one declares it is all paella and another says they are not at all the same thing), the distribution of cremains in illegal places, cancer, divorce, the sign language for "bullshit", the difference between various uses of the F word, taxes, work schedules (siesta has gone the way of the dinosaur in most Spanish companies, though every place except the Chinese store were shut up tight from 2-5 pm in Belmonte), study abroad, travel history and plans, and much more.  We have seen the shy ones come out of their shells, sometimes in dramatic fashion. One guy who privately told the MC that he was much too shy to take part in any of the skits turned out to be a magnificent Prince on stage when she finally talked him into it.  Long hours, late nights, laughing, talking, dancing, sharing meals and confidences, are all part of the process.

As I told the group when it was my turn, I was asked several times during the week why the Anglos would do this.  They are the reason.  We receive much more than we give.