Love for an aging dad provided the motivation and inspiration for one of the most unforgettable events of the year: in May my parents and I flew to Spain and enjoyed a two-week driving tour of the country. (Photo - 74KB) Despite living in and visiting numerous countries during my father's many years with the federal government, my parents had never been to Spain. It was my first time back since I completed an 8-month language program at the Universidad de León in 1994. I happily discovered that my failing Spanish was still good enough to ask for directions. I served as a tour guide, chauffeur, and translator throughout the two weeks, returning home exhausted. The highlight of the trip for me was going back to León and revisiting friends, professors, and old haunts. Also memorable was witnessing my parents get fleeced by a smooth-talking carpet salesman in Tangier, Morocco. (Tour of Spain - 21KB)