• BLOG POST #8 (Aug. 14): Rooftop Tour of Madrid
     • BLOG POST #7 (Aug. 13): Visit to the historic city of Segovia
     • BLOG POST #6 (Aug. 12): Tight game vs. top opponent
     • BLOG POST #5 (Aug. 11): Touring the city of Madrid
     • BLOG POST #4 (Aug. 10): Visit to Historic Bernabéu Stadium
     • BLOG POST #3 (Aug. 9): Opening with a Victory
     • BLOG POST #2 (Aug. 8): Watching a La Liga Match
     • BLOG POST #1 (Aug. 7): Traveling from Seattle to Madrid
     • VIDEO: Shamele Battan (trip preview)    
     • SPU Visits Spain preview story

DAYS TEN & ELEVEN:  Visit to Toledo and Return Home
August 15 & 16, 2015

Sunday we headed to the historic town of Toledo. Toledo was the home of the Spanish military academy, and also is famous for its weapons. The town is centered on a gorgeous cathedral.
 
When we arrived in Toledo, we went straight to a blacksmith shop. We watched a demonstration on metallurgy and also checked out the gift shop. Many of us ended up with a souvenir or two to take home. There were large swords, daggers, pocket knives, gold plates, and jewelry, all of which were handmade in Toledo.
 
After the gift shop we all went to lunch and then were let loose on the town for a couple of hours. Later we headed back to the hotel and had our final dinner at La Ciudad del Fútbol.  
 
The next morning, on Sunday, we headed back home. It involved a 21-hour day back to Seattle. Despite the long day of traveling, it was nice to be back home.
 
One of my favorite moments of this trip was the first meal we all shared together at La Ciudad del Fútbol. I think it was the moment that the trip really soaked in for everyone. We all realized where we were, and realized what an honor it was to be at the complex.
 
Here are the results from our four games in Spain:

Sunday, August 9
Seattle Pacific 4, Rayo Majadahonda 1
Scoring: 1, Rayo, 22:00; 2, SPU, Keenan dePinna (Luke Postma, Garrett Jones), 24:00; 3, SPU, Stephen MacDonald (Jeffrey Collings), 52:00; 4, SPU, Ian Adams, 65:00; 5, SPU, Ian Adams (Jacob Bohl), 78:00.
SPU Goalkeepers: Kary Whitney, Cody Lang
 
Sunday, August 9
RSD Alcala 1, Seattle Pacific 0
Scoring: 1, RSD, 67:00.
SPU Goalkeepers: Rodney Greiling, Shamele Battan
 
Wednesday, August 12
Rayo Valecano 2, Seattle Pacific 1
Scoring: 1, SPU, Stephen MacDonald (Jordan Kollars), 20:00; 2, Rayo, 66:00; 3, Rayo, 91:00.
SPU Goalkeepers: Cody Lang, Rodney Greiling
 
Friday, August 14
Seattle Pacific 3, Las Rozas 1
Scoring: 1, SPU, Keenan dePinna (Michael Duvall), 31:00; 2, Las Rozas, 35:00; 3, SPU, Ian Adams (Stephen MacDonald), 87:00; 4, SPU, Mori Tsuchiya (Ian Adams, Bryson Pavel), 88:00.
SPU Goalkeepers: Shamele Battan, Kary Whitney
 
Ian Adams compiled three goals and one assist during the trip, Stephen MacDonald tallied two goals and an assist and Keenan dePinna scored two goals.
 
Despite the two losses that we had, I believe that all four games helped us tremendously. They allowed for our team to build character together. We also learned how to deal with adversity together. The games helped our team gel, and helped our coaches find a role for every individual on the team.
 
All in all this was an extremely memorable trip for every individual who attended. It will be a time in our lives that we all can look back upon decades from now.
 
Thanks for reading my blog and following our adventures in Spain,
 
Adios,
 
-- Shamele