The hotel wake-up call came at 5:15 this morning in Lisbon, and our flight departed shortly after 8:10 a.m., as scheduled. Then we traipsed through Heathrow where we re-submitted ourselves to security checks, line-ups, and crowds, finally leaving sometime after 1:15 p.m. That flight was 9 hours, added to the 2 1/2 hours from Lisbon-London, so we were really glad to head through International Arrivals at Vancouver this afternoon and grab the cab to our apartment. The weather’s not especially glad-making, and apparently it’s been like this for weeks — after the brilliant colours and gorgeous warmth of Lisbon, our home city’s looking awfully grey, but it’s green as well, and it offers great, inexpensive sushi, and we spotted our daughter walking home from work, and tomorrow we’ll head to our island home and check out the garden and the dog and the cat and make cups and cups of our favourite tea. . . I love travelling, but I also love returning with a renewed appreciation for what I have.
Thanks to all who kept reading and commenting while I was away — I’ll try to respond to those comments over the next day or two. And I have hundreds of photos to sort through and choose which to post. A few stories to tell. Now though, I’ve been up for almost 24 hours, and I’m fading fast. More soon. . .
I am so happy you are back and I am so happy to be the first one to tell you how much you were missed. Hope you had a fantastic time and I look forward to hearing all about your adventures.
Welcome home!!!!!
See, I am always late!
Good to have you back. Having read the paper about the strikes in Portugal and Spain, you are lucky they had enough fuel for your flight!
My favourite part about coming home is that first nights sleep in your own bed, bliss…
A resounding welcome back from me too! Look forward to the news and the photos once you’ve caught up on your sleep. Patricia
Welcome back! We are all looking forward to hearing more about your trip.
It looks like the world is back as it should be. One by one, we all seem to find our way home! I can’t wait to be home and by the sounds of it, my best friend from grade 7 will be there as well! I’m excited for your stories; you’re my english literature connection in a country full of Chinese!
Caitlin
So glad you’re back safe and sound. I’ve enjoyed all your “away” posts. What a trip!
You are so right about returning with a renewed appreciation for home”! Especially that first night in your own bed!
I imagine no trip to Paris is ever long enough. Welcome back.
LBR: Thanks, I’ll have to catch up over at your place soon.
Alison: in France as well, there were ‘manifs’ about gas prices — we were glad our car rental was a wee one, gas-friendly.
Thanks Patricia, Pseu, Thom,Jillian (and yes, Jillian, one’s own bed is much appreciated after travel — and one’s favourite tea mug and armchair and . . .)
Caitlin: Can’t wait to see your little one — be sure to call me when you’re back and I’ll take you out for sushi — or come visit us on the island.