For Bntsi Habiba (My Dear Daughter)

My daughter Olivia will be returning to Portugal in a few days, so I'd like to express my gratitude to her now, before she leaves. Throughout the 1000 kilometer journey that we walked together, from Portalegre to Fes, it was Olivia who always kept things together. When I was ranting and raving at the universe for the heavy rain, or the scary drivers, or the cold, or the lack of food or the lack of shelter; whenever I was fed up and carrying on in an angry monologue because of all the discomforts and inconveniences of perpetual, homeless wandering; when I was even on the verge of tears in frustration on one occasion, Olivia was steady, stoical, calm, and reassuring. She was responsible for finding our hosts on Couchsurfing, and she was adamant that we not spend beyond our budget. Olivia kept me in check when I was irrational, and cheered me up when I sulked. 

So again, my gratitude to you, kid. You are tough as nails, and sweet at the same time. I am proud of you, and I love you Olivia. God bless you.