A good end cannot sanctify evil means; nor must we ever do evil, that good may come of it... We are too ready to retaliate, rather than forgive... And yet we could hurt no man that we believe loves us. Let us try then what love will do: for if men did once see we love them, we should soon find they would not harm us. Force may subdue, but Love gains: and he that forgives first, wins the laurel.
William Penn

Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations wherever you come; that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them; then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone...
George Fox

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Sant Vicente and the University of Alicante

My first host in Sant Vicent, Alberto, on the right, and his flatmate,  Pablo, on the left. These guys  spoiled me, and showered me with gifts: a pocket knife, a pen drive, a pen, a straw hat, and lots of food and candy.

At the University of Alicante,  Felipe, a history student and  a young Tourism  major sign the petitions.

Arabic and Islamic Studies students sign a petition at U A.

Rodrigo, from Sao Paulo, Brasil; my second host in Sant Vicente, and a post-graduate student of Environmental Studies (natural disasters). He took me in on 24 hour's notice.
Five kilometers to the north of  Alicante is the suburban town of Sant Vicente, where I spent the next two nights. My first host, Alberto, has an MA in Business, but currently works as a barman and a distributor of organic seeds. His flatmate, Pablo, is studying at University of Alicante, and formerly studied in Kansas. These guys set a new standard for hospitality.
While in Alicante, Elena had suggested that I visit the University of Alicante (between SantVicente and Alicante), so I took up her suggestion and was happy to find several students interested in the pilgrimage, and wanting to sign one or both of the petitions.
Later that night I stayed with Rodrigo, and we discussed not only peace in the Middle East, but a shared passion, swimming.

3 comments:

  1. I told you University of Alicante was great! Funny to see how you pass naturally from minimal to sixties-seventies decor!

    ReplyDelete
  2. And you were right, Elena! Thanks for the tip! And I always select my Couchsurfing hosts according to their decor, you know.

    ReplyDelete
  3. hehe...with a eclectic approach!

    ReplyDelete