Farewell, until we meet again...

We reluctantly said goodbye to our visitors today. M was off to a reunion with helpers, volunteers and former beneficiaries of her NGO, then to the mountains and a visit to another project tomorrow before flying back to the States. We were off to the hills too, leaving our Hidden Pousadas Brazil guests in charge of the house, with Ronaldo and his girlfriend standing by to help if needed. It has been such a pleasure having them to stay. They are on a year-long journey round the world, with their two delightful, bright and articulate girls of 6 and 9, and have a talent for making the best of every moment. Last night, they invited me to share Shabbat with them, a first for me and an interesting and touching experience - besides, they sang (chanted?) beautifully. HH and I then shared their curry with them too, very good news. Altogether a very pleasant evening. Oh, and I nearly forgot the hilarious cabaret with two girls and their mother in a mock interview concerning the glories of ham and cheese sandwiches in the Buenos Aires airport.
Up in the hills, we just had time to unpack the car and for me to take the dogs for a run (they run, I drive) before a massive storm rolled in. The dogs are so scared of the thunder, they were even trying to break in through the window, so I wound up sitting with them on the porch till it stopped.