Dear Spain,

I remember how scared I was of starting our relationship. I didn't know if we'd go well together, and prayed that the language barrier wouldn't be so much of an issue. I knew that I would eventually improve my communication skills, but it was quite tough at first and it took a few weeks before I was comfortable being with you.

You weren't slow in opening up to me, that's for sure! Loud, colourful and full of zest, you took my hand and led me from city to city, zipping this way and that, showing me beautiful churches, old monuments, and gorgeous beaches. Thanks for reminding me to take my camera, by the way. You know how forgetful I can sometimes be.

You're quite amazing, you know that? Yeah, you're something of a macho and you really SHOULD stop smoking like a chimney, but I loved you nonetheless and wouldn't have changed you for the world. I'm glad you got rid of your mullet after the summer of '05...although lately it has been slowly growing back. Chop it off for good, ok? Miss France is starting to gag...

However, all good things come to an end. I can't be with you anymore. It was really fun while it lasted and I'll never, ever forget you, but I have to leave. It's not your fault, trust me. I just have to go back to climb up that ladder called life.

I know, I know...it's...painful. There's no easy way to say it. It's now or never, I guess.

I don't have much time left and it's better to end it now than to wait at the last possible moment and let it be even more painful.

There aren't many bad things I can say about you. It seems like the longer we were together, the more I fell in love with you. Damn you for introducing me to chorizo, chistorra, tortilla...and how on earth did you manage to make me love olives? You're quite the little devil, aren't you?

Don't worry. I'm not saying that we'll lose touch and that this is the end, forever. One never knows what the future holds and someday I'll come back to visit you and we'll toast the event with a Cruzcampo Caña and a nice bowl of fresh, green olives. You'll blow smoke in my face and forget to apologize to me when your feet bump into mine under the table, but I won't care.

Living in your surroundings was one of the best things that happened to me. Wow, do you ever have heat over there. I'll miss those 200 plus days of sun...any chance of leaving me a bit in my suitcases for when I move back to the land of poutine?

Ok, so I'll end this here. It's not a final goodbye, but it is goodbye.

I guess I don't have to say that I'll shed a tear at the airport.

Side Note:
Thanks Guys: Gavin, Dearbhla, Caspar, Kevin, Iñigo, Aloha, Donna, Theresa, Belén, Abel, Mercedes, Angel, Carmen, Mónica, Inma, Juan Fran, Lloic, Roberto, Vince, Kelly, Katie, Jason, Randy, etc..."Rock On." You guys made my last 2 years incredible.

I'd also like to thank my friends and loved ones back in Canada...thanks for not forgetting about me, guys. Your emails, postcards, letters meant the world to me.

I'm now off to Rome. Exciting times are ahead.

I'll be home soon, everyone.

(kiss kiss on both cheeks)

Heidi xoxo