of home and Shakira home... when my Albe left, "saudades" hit me, until I discovered that I still have savings from Switzerland, and that flights are actually cheaper than in the summer. So Iberia it will be, since I refuse to book another Air Madrid flight after the nightmares that the latter created for Albe. Now I am dreaming sweet dreams of christmas eve dinner, boxing day family reunions, fresh biscuits, walks along the river, trips around Europe (Bergamo? London? Barcelona?), and of course hours with Albe.

yesterday (after a tough day of meetings) I went to see Shakira live in concert with Pipe, JuanK, Mauro y José. Those who know these four can imagine our conversations... but that is not the topic here right now.
Shakira has a very very important role to play for Colombia. She has the potential to not only continue the positive embassador outside of the country, but she also has the challenging combination of power and responsibility to use the fact that she is adored and admired for who she is, what she represents, and what she is doing. She must use this wisely, get together with influential people with new ideas for the country (like Sr. Karakatsianis from ANDI, whom I had the pleasure to meet this week), and ultimately make more happen than philanthropy...

Wishing her and everyone who works for and believes in Colombia and its people the best and the ability to break free from those bureaucratic processes and ideas paralysing innovative progress.  ¶ 5:35 PM