POLI AND SONIA

My bicycle racing team leader, Poli, and his girlfriend, Sonia, just dropped by to give me my Christmas gift (though in Spain, gifts are usually given on the day of the three Kings, January 6th). Poli and Sonia, who are in their mid twenties, have been more than friends to me here...they have been like my older brother and sister. We see each other all the time, to go for training rides, to eat out, or just to take a drive. Below I typed up what they wrote in my Christmas card...it shows what incredibly kind and warm individuals they are, and what today was one little thing that helped me not miss home so much:

I hope you understand my 'own' English but I'm trying to do my best! We (Poli and Me) would like to say to you the biggest 'thank you' you've ever heard, absolutely! We still wonder how and why we met each other....but it happened and that's wonderful, Samuel. We're not going to forget you and we hope you remember us every time you see the watch!! Don't forget Tenerife, your friends here, the daily trainings, the food, the sea, Rodazul...everything will be waiting for you if you decide one day to come back. Sam, you're the most marvellous person we've met, kindly, friendly, happy, smiling...just being yourself: Sam Starr.

To my little brother: I hope that in the next Christmas I will recibe a postcard from USA with your name! Congratulations Samstar (Yanki)

Tus hermanos mayores de Tenerife te desean mucha suerte en la vida, alegria y felicidad.