Happy Thanksgiving!

No matter where you are spending this holiday, I hope you are surrounded by good friends and good food. Here in CV, I will feast on imported turkeys and cranberry sauce with other US Embassy staff. (No pumpkin pie, unfortunately, but we WILL have coconut ice-cream!)

This past weekend, I joined a group of people who commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness Day (thus the pink shirts in the photo above) by hiking from Praia to Rui Vaz (in the interior of the island). We had a great time. Definitely made me feel thankful for my health and solidarity with others!

As Christmas approaches, I am again reminded of just how far away I am. I will miss the cooler temps, snow-covered pine trees, cross-country ski outings, and family gatherings in Colorado (although SKYPE has certainly helped us stay in touch!).

For anyone who feels inclined to send a holiday card or small care-package (hint! hint!), below is my mailing (pouch) address and “wish list”:

Daniel Lopez
C/o US Embassy/Praia
2460 Praia Place
Dulles, VA 20189

· Red licorice
· Peanut M & M’s
· Mints
· Tea
· Parmesan cheese
· Trail mix
· Granola bars
· Photos
· Magazines
· Novels

Much Love,

Daniel