Barcelona, the city of Gaudi and sweeping boulevards, teeming with the passion of Catalunya! They say "Mas que un club" to describe their futbol team, I would say Mas que un ciudad about their city! Having a great tour guide, Mary took me around the major sights of the city and I was amazed at its uniqueness, even being a big city as it is. The architecture is what really jumps out at you, with Gaudi's popular art nouveau style around every corner. Our days were spent touring his masterpieces and also included trips to the port and La Boqaria, the best open air market I have been to, such an invigorating local gastronomic scene! As I write this, I am sitting in a hotel room, just down the road from Barcelona airport! It is bittersweet as I come home tomorrow, but I must admit, this trip has exceeded my every expectation. I would not change much at all about my itenerary, and while I have so many things to see still (and see again!) I am very happy with where I stand so far! I have learned more about myself and the world around me in these seven weeks than I had in years, and this was all while visiting some of the most amazing places in the world! I hope that everyone who is still reading up until now has enjoyed the blog, as I have, and I actually promise some pictures once I get home to real Internet! I may throw in a couple more updates, but as of now, I'm not expecting to do much more with this for at least a little bit, I may tinker with it though! I am so blessed to have had this opportunity, and as I sign off this last time, I wanted to thank my parents and grandparents for there help with this trip! Always in Him, Freddie

Well, surprise surprise, I'm in Oia, on the island of Santorini! This was truly a last minute decision, and even I am amazed to have made it here! After making it through bogus flight reservations and lost baggage, I finally made it to Athens with Mary, spent an afternoon and evening at the Acropolis and surrounding sights, then flew into Santorini! The hectic travel stress quickly abated, and we found ourselves in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Unmistakably Greek, Santorini is an island of fava beans, vineyards, and cliff side towns so white that sunglasses are a must! The mix of white houses with the blue domes' of the churches make for quite a sight, especiallyOptional background of sea and distant islands. We have thoroughly enjoyed the visit here, and I think that of my trip, the Greeks seem the most charming and kind, not in a touristy "nice for your money" way, but genuinely excited to share the culture! Also, the food is tops, with fresh ingredients that are left to speak for themselves, accompanied by olive oil and fresh bread! From here we go back to Athens for one night, then back to Spain, where I will spend my last few days before flying home on the 7th! It's crazy to almost be at the end of an adventure I had been dreaming of and planning for many years, but when Mary asked me things I would change to try to improve, the list was short, and when she asked three places I think are necessary for all to see, I struggled to narrow down my list... That's the sign of a successful trip in my book! Signing off from paradise, hopefully to actually put some pictures up tomorrow!