Love at Spain's Iron Cross

61 - Cape Death

61

Cape Death

Tuesday, July 13

Makena woke up with Jordan still peacefully asleep next to her. They both wore shorts and shirts, and neither had made a move on the other since they had been renting private rooms.

Sometimes I wish you would, and then there are other moments when I know I would run. But I care, Jordan. I'm opening my heart. I feel it. I'm terrified at the same time. Soon? Maybe. In my dreams I want you, to feel you deep within me, but...

Jordan opened his eyes and smiled. "You look pleased about something. What are you thinking?"

She laughed. "It's just my early morning mysterious happy look. I'm so glad to wake up with you."

"Mmm. Me too. I mean with you, not with myself!"

She broke up again.

Jordan asked, "So, one final day here, then back to Santiago to enjoy the holy city again for a few days?"

"Sounds good. Maybe we can head to A Coruna to see the Camino Ingles and the Tower of Hercules?"

"Great plan. We'll get reservations before dinner, then book a place and catch a bus. Walking is done."

She nodded.

They got up and dressed for the day, then went downstairs and joined a mix of known and unknown pilgrims for breakfast.

Jordan wondered, "Is this a meeting of the United Nations?" He and Makena looked around at the tables, seeing friends from many countries, representing a mix of ethnicities.

"You Americans seem to be getting a little more diverse, so we will allow you to join us," said a South African they had met before. "Look at you two, uniting Asia and Europe together in North America. And now a President of color in the United States! Perhaps you are learning lessons from the rest of us?"

"Yes," said Mexico, a friend of Makena's. "Maybe you'll accept all of us from south of the border?"

"We always have," teased Makena. "At least when you work in the US and we benefit at your expense."

"That's true of all immigrants," agreed Jordan. "America is a land of newcomers bringing ideas and energy, like us. Even American natives apparently arrived from Asia via Alaska around 25,000 years ago."

"You don't look that old," said Japan. Everyone laughed.

"I was glad your President Obama went to Egypt and acknowledged the positives of Islam," said Australia. "It felt like he looked for similarities rather than differences, and helped bring us all a little closer."

"I agree," said India. "We need to do more of that between Hindus and Muslims within our country."

"We all do," said Japan. "Value diversity and uniqueness, while looking for ways to work together."

"Nelson Mandela did that in your country," said Jordan to the South African. "It was wonderful to see him show up on the stadium field after Spain won the World Cup. His work in unifying your nation, creating a cabinet with diverse races, and using sports for healing was a model for us all."

The South African nodded and smiled.

Jordan continued, "When I saw Invictus, I felt so much admiration for Mandela. He could have power for revenge, but instead took the formerly all-white rugby team and sent them into black townships to inspire and unify. When they won the World Championship, I was cheering for them, and I don't even like rugby!"