First there were months left, then weeks, and finally just days. It has been such an unusual experience to count down to the end of this trip.
Originally, it seemed to stretch in front of us literally forever. And even now it all feels a bit like a dream.
We’re back in Nova Scotia and have jumped—with two (shaky) feet—into some semblance of a routine. We woke up early (5:30 am local time; 9:30 am to our bodies) and hit the ground running. Indy was so excited to see his friends and opted to go to school. I’m sure there will be next to no academic work happening, but it’s a great social occasion for him. Belle headed off, armed with goodie bags full of souvenirs, to see her closest group of friends. They spent almost the whole day yesterday together, which was sweet.
In my attempt to get back to “normal,” I thought a Happy Things Friday post was in order, despite not really knowing what time of day it is or what I should do next.
(Laundry. I should do laundry.)
After months of a travel-themed Happy Things Friday posts, it’s time to go back to the original. Which feels a bit sad. I’m having all the feelings right now, even over silly things like blog graphics.
No more planes for us! Actually, that’s not entirely true. John flies back to Europe in a little over a week, and I have a VERY HAPPY THING to share that involves a plane. So let’s start there…
A TRIP WITH JOY
While this is a long way in the future (early 2027), we officially have flights booked to go visit her hometown of San Diego. Together! John had some flight rewards set to expire and we didn’t want to see them not get used, so I proposed a trip to Joy and we pretty quickly decided to escape the worst of the upcoming Canadian winter by jetting off to California.
I’ve never been to the west coast of North America and I’m excited to explore a place I’ve heard so much about and that means so much to her. (I’m definitely planning to enjoy my first In-N-Out Burger.)
It’s also wonderful to have a long break from travel stretching in front of me while also having something exciting to look forward to.
HEALTH ON THIS TRIP
We bought health insurance before we left Canada, and I’ve never been so thankful to spend $1,500 on something I didn’t end up using. There was a moment when Belle’s temperature went sky-high that I was pretty sure we were going to end up in a Helsinki emergency room. Thankfully, that didn’t happen.
Aside from a few colds—and one admittedly dreadful stomach flu bug for the kids—we managed to stay healthy and unhurt on this trip. What a blessing!
A twisted ankle, broken bone, or bout of pneumonia would have dramatically changed the trajectory of our plans. So I’m feeling very appreciative that none of those scenarios came into play.
TRAVEL PAGE
I’m finally up-to-date (almost) with my travel page. If you’ve missed any recaps, they should all be listed/categorized.
BLOG FRIENDS
It wouldn’t be overstating things to say this blog has changed my life. I’ve met so many wonderful people, explored so many wonderful places, and made so many wonderful memories because of the connections I’ve made in this corner of the internet.
Our recent trip has really driven home just how wonderful these friends are that I’ve met and bonded with despite our different backgrounds, cultures, and geographical locations.
Today a huge thanks is in order to four people who have gone out of their way to make this trip extra special for our family.
Catrina, who planned an epic day in Zurich and gamely joined us as we sampled our way through the Lindt factory.
Nicole, who squeezed in a delightful few hours of time with me at an English pub.
Coree, who opened up her home and showed us the best that Edinburgh has to offer. (We will be back!!)
And, an extra special thanks to Rachel. She coordinated a wonderful stay for us at her mother’s flat just outside of Cardiff, loaned us castle cards, drove us to iconic Welsh destinations, and generally welcomed us as part of her family. (Belle will forever hold a special place in her heart for your kids, and has added words like nappy, pram, and dressing gown to her vocabulary.) Thank you, thank you, thank you <3
WE DID IT
I will likely be blogging about this trip for a while yet. Right now, my current focus is on the relief and joy over the fact… WE DID IT.
I remember when Kae and SHU visited our family in Nova Scotia last fall (see above about how many awesome connections blogging has brought into my life!), and this trip to Europe was still just a little nugget of an idea.
We nurtured that idea and turned it into reality.
WE MADE IT HOME
Because of the ongoing heatwave in the United Kingdom (and other parts of Europe), there has been widespread transit cancellations. Our train from Cardiff to London was very iffy and we were Googling all the alternative options for getting from Wales to Heathrow. Thankfully, everything went smoothly and our train was on time.
Our direct flight from London to Halifax was cancelled, but Air Canada automatically rebooked us and while we had extra flying and an unexpected layover, all told we got home about 4 hours later than expected. Considering all the travel we’ve done, that is the longest delay we’ve had the whole trip, which feels like we’ve gotten away with something!
A CLEAN HOUSE
We came home to a spotless house, a few basics in the fridge (thanks to Joy), and fresh sheets to climb into. While I have admittedly mixed emotions about our house because of the neighbourhood challenges of the last number of years, it looked like a little warm, cozy beacon last night when we pulled into the driveway.
It… doesn’t look nearly as clean now as the chaos of unpacking and reorganizing our lives gets underway, but it was such a Happy Thing to come home to a blank slate, so to speak.
BONUS HAPPY THINGS
- We left the UK before the worst of the heat wave. I’m very thankful to be back in my house with air conditioning.
- Once again, we ate our temporary pantry down to the last crumb. I’ve been so happy with our low levels of food waste while on vacation. We have a great habit of using things up at home, but it’s a bit trickier on the road.
- Magic Bags! I have used them multiple times since getting home for cold feet. HOW I MISSED THEM!
- I got to go out for coffee/tea with Joy.
- So many smiling faces and hugs. In the span of an hour I got half a dozen hugs from people that I ran into within our little town and it warmed my heart. Everyone was so happy for us to have this adventure and equally happy to see us home.
Okay. That laundry pile is waiting. Off I go to tackle it.
Your turn.
- What are you feeling relieved about today?
- Do you have any upcoming travel you’re looking forward to?
Discover more from The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist
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Welcome home! You had such an epic trip, I can’t believe it’s over already! It must be so lovely to be in your own home and bed and everything.
You’ve never been to the West Coast before? You are going to LOVE San Diego, it’s so beautiful. In N Out? Eh, I would compare it to Dr. Pepper. Sure, worth a try, but you have had better many times. (Sorry if that offends anyone, I know many people are fanatics about their In N Out!) Still, fun for the kids especially to try something so legendary.
I’m behind on reading most blogs, and need to get caught up. I have LOVED reading about your trip. UGH on the heat. My sister and BIL are in Paris right now, and they are melting.
J, how dare you speak that way about Dr. Pepper. 🤣🤣
So happy for you to be HOME SWEET HOME. I totally understand all the mixed emotions but can imagine how wonderful to must have felt to crawl into your own bed!! And yes, feels like yesterday we sat at your table and chatted about the logistical complications you were working through to make this trip happen, potential itinerary ideas, etc. And now it’s over! So bizarre! I bet the kids were SO happy to see their friends, and how wonderful to immediately get a warm welcome back from your community.
Oh, and San Diego with Joy!!!! That is EXCITING!! I’ve only been there once a few years ago for a work prize trip with Ivan so didn’t “see it all”, but I loved what we did! Will be so fun!
Welcome home! I had such a great time with you as my neighbor. Twins have been asking after Belle at bedtime, so sweet! I can’t imagine the locational whiplash of being BACK IN IT so quickly. Hope the laundry pile isn’t too terrifying.
My happy thing this week is that you didn’t have to experience this heatwave, it’s been truly awful for me and the kids. While our school didn’t shut, the afterschool did, the house was 31 degrees at bedtime, and everyone is tired and hot and ratty. I thought it was hot on Tuesday… it got worse.
I am relieved that the heatwave is over (only 25 today).