Canada

I am so close to home!! After a 14 hour flight from Sydney to Vancouver, Canada, I am so near Seattle I can smell it...mmm...the smell of coffee, Evergreen trees, and rain. Makes me smile. And can I say it is wonderful to see prices a tad bit more reasonable for a chai latte at Starbucks? (It was ghastly expensive in Austria, Korea, and Australia.)

The plane ride from Sydney was terrific. Air Canada did me well and I enjoyed 3 movies (Eat Love Pray, Zookeeper, No Strings Attached) + 3 episodes of Modern Family + 3 episodes of Flashpoint. Unlike the car and train, the plane doesn't lull me to sleep...despite my intake of a bottle of Merlot that the kind flight assistant offered me.

U.S. Customs was a pain in the rear as I imagined it would be. Actually...I don't know what was worse...standing in line for 2 hours at the Beijing airport in the International Transfers line (trying to get to Sydney) or having my baggage ransacked by a U.S. Customs official (who was just doing her job, but still). Either way, I'm glad those experiences are behind me.

My passport is looking pretty full. I realized after I departed from Sydney that having my passport stamped is one of the best feelings in the world. Not only do I like having something declare where I've been and where I'm going, but I like the way each country's stamp is different in shape and in writing...different colors too!

I don't know where I'm going next or at what specific time, but I am so thankful for the safe journey that I had while I was away from Seattle. Looking back, I don't think I had to endure many hardships (no credit card numbers stolen or other valuables...knock on wood). And no illnesses or physical ailments impeded my travels. And I do believe that it was the thoughts, prayers, and wishes of many family and friends that covered me while I was away. I thank our dear Father for such a wonderful support system and, of course, for His protection and guidance.

I'm really looking forward to reconnecting with family and friends and catching up on everything that happened while I was away. I'm also excited to share what I've learned and discovered about the places I've visited and what I learned about me.
I have a feeling that some great conversations are going to be had over some great food in the near future. (If you know me, you know that the two go hand in hand.)

Cheers to awesome family and friends!