Good news (for a change...)

Yesterday ETA announced a "permanent cease fire" regarding it's terrorist activities. This was a surprise for the whole country given that little signs were sent previously that could lead to this outcome. This was obviously the main headline in all news channels here, "celebrating" the hope that this might be the beginning of the end, but simultaneously many comentators sharing some concerns about "having seen this movie before"... I naturally tend to the optimistic side! It was also good to see that the whole society and political spectrum is united behind this intention. Some causes can still unite opponents...

This has reminded me of the fact that I have been living for 6 months in a country with a higher than normal probability that a bomb might blow up next to me as I cross any street. Although this is not something one thinks about every day, this is a definitely a change versus living in my quiet Portugal (hey! one of the key advantages of my country!). Is it an act of courage to live here? Definitely not! But it is something that gains a different meaning when one lives here.

Last year this would have been for me just another report in the newsflash... Today, after living in this country for 6 months, and after counting with many basque friends, it is definitely a reason to celebrate! Hopefully, others will follow suit...

Carpe Diem!