MERRY CHRISTMAS

Here is a picture of Vago relaxing in the hammock. It's a little tough right now because we only have one hammock and we have 2 humans and 1 dog that always want to use it. Hopefully we'll get a few more after Christmas. This will be our first Christmas outside of the United States and away from family. That will be hard, plus there is no snow. Our neighbors here are all very nice though. As I was walking to Emily's office today they asked if we had a Christmas tree and when I told them no they said that they had one for us to use. The culture here is very giving, but we have to be careful when they ask us about things we need or they will just get it for us or give us theirs, regardless of how little money they have. And here, you really can't turn down a gift. The local soccer tournament just finished up with my team taking home the 2nd place trophy. They lost in a penalty shoot-out. I stopped 3 of 5 shots (which they tell me is good) but we couldn't make enough to win. So of course, they gave the trophy to the gringo as a keepsake. I really appreciated it and will always have that trophy as a great memory. Not a lot of Christmas plans here so Emily and I are going to have a Crib-a-Thon, kinda like my family in the States. Our goal is to play 25 games over the course of the 24th and 25th, but that is a lot, we'll see. We went with Emily's work to Caribbean coast for their company Christmas party. That was a lot of fun as we stayed at a really nice hotel on the beach and ate good (and free) food. It's really weird not being in the U.S. and around all the ads and commercials for Christmas. I realize know that that is a huge part of the "Christmas" season in the states. Kind of sad really. But we will definitely miss everybody during this time of year (not to mention the pies). Merry Christmas and happy new year to everyone!