Today is our last full day in Spain. It has been an exciting, breathtaking, heartbreaking and bonding experience. Seventeen young men came, saw and went home conquerors in a way. So, today we get to relax and watch a little more futbol, the finals of the Mediterranean International Cup at Palamos Stadium. We arrive in time to watch the eighty-six final that Real Madrid eventually wins. The game is well played and we all enjoy it. We are anticipating the eighty-four game with the Brazilian team and (as Carey named him) Shreck the man-child.

           What a game! The Brazilians are matched against another Real Madrid team and the play is hard, fast and furious. So furious in fact that a brawl breaks out in the corner. The Brazilians retreat away from the contretemps while their reserves pitch in against the Real Madrid players. Surprisingly there are no ejections for the fight. Who knows? The Brazilians do eventually lose a player to a red card and play man down. As Coach Aliff says it just gives them more room. And he seems to be right as Brazil ends up the winner!

           Following the game is the awards ceremony. There are trophies for everyone it seems. Our Cameron crosses the field to collect our prize. It has been great. I'd come back anytime. After the conclusion of the tournament we gathered in the parking lot to plan for the afternoon. We clambered onto Jose Antonio's bus once again and headed off to Barcelona. We are leaving Lloret de Mar for the last time. Goodbye Costa Brava.

           Today's itinerary will carry us back to Las Ramblas with an intermediate stop for lunch (we vetoed the Royal Beach repast.) Following our final tour of Las Ramblas we will head off to our hotel near the airport for our final night before an early morning flight back to the States. Las Ramblas proves itself to be fascinating once again. Pictures speak louder than words…

           Tomorrow we are leaving Spain. It has been a tremendous experience. It will be capped in the airport by a meeting with the Brazilian eighty-fours! Photo op's and autographs, even a shirt swap. I will be glad to return to my family but I will miss this time in Costa Brava. When's the next trip?

           P.S. fast-forward to June 28, 2002, Newport News, Virginia, Patrick Henry airport. My wife and I have delivered our eldest son, Charlie, to the airport for a flight to Florida to play in another soccer tournament. We are leaving the terminal building. Just before I cross the street to the parking lot I hear my name, "Tom, Tom!" I turn to see Mireia Pujol calling me! Small world, she is here in Virginia with a friend, Elisabet, to work and practice her English for the summer! We drove them down to Virginia Beach to a hostel where they will begin their summer odyssey. Good luck Mireia!