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. 🤣🤣
Ha. I basically feel the same way 🙂
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!
It felt SO good to be in my own bed. It’s so… comfy. And BIG. And we have BLACKOUT curtains. And more than one toilet for everyone. And Indy is sleeping ON A BED not a couch.
But, also, it is sad to think such a grand adventure is over. It will definitely live on in our memories <3
I’ve never been further west than Ontario. There is so much of the world still for me to see. (Ironically, it costs more to go to the west coast of North America than Europe).
PARIS! It is blistering hot right now. I feel bad for tourists who are navigating the streets in this heat. It is an exhausting time to tour a city.
I had Dr. Pepper once and that was enough for me! (And just a few sips was all it took to realize it wasn’t for me.)
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).
Also I realize my happy thing is a bit of a complain-y thing which is probably not in the spirit of happy things… but it is really a happy thing!
Oh goodness, getting through to the other side of extreme heat is a VERY happy thing.
Awww. Belle misses twin bedtime so much.
I have two loads of laundry currently in rotation. WE WILL GET THROUGH IT.
25 sounds… almost perfect??? I hope things cool down and STAY cool. Heatwaves are both exhausting and obviously super dangerous.
So glad you missed the heat wave. I was concerned when I read how bad it was.
We were only there for a few days of it; it was HOT, but thankfully it didn’t impact our travel and I feel immensely grateful for that.
So glad the return journey wasn’t too bad.
Laundry isn’t going anywhere, and you have plenty more clothes now that you’re home. Sit, relax, and enjoy your magic bag.
Relieved about: son lost his wallet, but no nefarious charges on his credit card. So he quickly cancelled that, applied online for a new license, and all will be well. Even if his wallet magically appears in the house, it’s better to have peace of mind.
Traveling- no vacation planned ( even talked about i last night with someone- my first thought as that ‘vacations’ just aren’t fun for me.) However, I should have a grandchild soon ( due date in two weeks!!!) so I will be going to cuddle that precious child as much as my daughter lets me.
Pamper yourself with this reentry!!
I have decamped at a cafe to do an hour of blog work because I just cannot stop feeling like I should be doing ALL THE THINGS at home.
Eeks. Losing a wallet is such a horrible feeling, but I’m glad that nothing bad has happened other than the very frustrating work of replacing everything.
Congrats on the hopefully soon birth of a grandbaby. What a wonderful and exciting milestone!!
How sad for your travels to be over but it sounds like you had the best time apart from a couple of spells of sickness. That is great you got to meet up with some other bloggers!
That is exciting that you have the trip planned in 2027.
It feels good to have something on the horizon in terms of a fun adventure!
Coming home to a clean house is the best!! Especially since you had another family in your house while you were away, it’s not to be taken for granted that everything was sparkly clean. Was Joy the one who made sure everything stayed in order while you were gone?
And I love that the kids went straight back into their routines – they must be so happy to see their friends again!! Finally!
And yes, the blogging world builds a strong global network. And once you’ve met in person, it steps up another level, turning into real friendships that span countries, cities, and time zones.
Enjoy your house and the peace and quiet!
The family living in our place made sure things were clean <3 Joy helped procure some groceries so that we didn't come home to an empty fridge. I cannot bear the thought of meal planning right now, so we're living off eggs (which we had very few of in Europe which is odd because they're a staple for us at home) and sandwiches.
Hooray for being home sweet home! I’m sure re-entry will be an adjustment. We’ve always said we get the post-vacation blues whenever we come back from a trip. It’s such a great idea to plan another trip! Even if it’s next year, it still gives you something to look forward to. I hope you enjoy some wonderful rest-time.
I think I feel the same way after a vacation/trip as I do after Christmas. It’s such a special time and then to have it all over is SAD. Plus, it’s just a change. Very different routines and environments. But we’re taking one day (and task) at a time. It all feels a bit chaotic right now, but I know we’ll get back into an equilibrium bit by bit.
Welcome home! I was wondering yesterday if Indy was going to make it to school as planned or if jet lag would get the better of him. Glad to hear he did!
I waved at you yesterday as we drove past Wolfville! I loved how the view opens up on the road right then and you can see the Bay. Gorgeous! Taking the ferry instead of driving the whole way to pick up my FIL was an ok experience. Driving back from Halifax and getting home at 1 am was definitely one of those things where I’m grateful we made it home safely and I’ll leave it at that. Due to terrible carsickness if I don’t drive I have to do all the driving and I’m not a night owl so late night driving is not my favourite.
Hmm happy things:
– That my FIL has actually come to visit. It’s going to be a trying ten days but it’s really important to my husband that his dad came so it’s a happy thing.
– The baby is just so smiley now! He coos and chuckles and it’s just so great.
He was at school with bells on! And then back out for biking with friends last night… and back to school today and then off to tennis lessons after school. He has jumped in with two feet.
Awww. I wish we had been properly home as I would have LOVED to meet up. Driving after dark is the worst. Exhausting, dangerous, and just no fun. Praise the Lord you made it back in one piece. Praying the visit goes smoothly. Family dynamics can be such a challenge.
Baby smiles. Nothing better than that <3
A friend trip to San Diego!!! How fun is that?
Elisabeth, it was such a highlight meeting you and John. It was the perfect cap of our time in London! I love our blog community and I feel so honoured to be a part of it. It’s so special, all of us all over the world, being friends in such a meaningful way.
Welcome home! How lovely to come home to a clean house. xoxoxo
IT’S SO FUN!!!!!!
I cannot believe I got to see so many bloggers on this trip. It really did make the whole experience feel even more special.
Always nice to be home again – we use the laundromat here in Ontario, and I do appreciate on-site washer and dryer we have in Wolfville. So nice that you and Joy will get to have that adventure together!
We didn’t have a proper tumble dryer anywhere and I am just ELATED to have one again.
And more than one toilet in the house.
And a king-sized bed.
And black-out curtains.
I miss Europe already, but having access to these sorts of things again has been lovely.
Welcome home!!! I’m so excited for your CA trip – it has everything – you get to trade out winter for gorgeous weather, and you’re going with Joy!!!
Ironically I don’t really plan my travel that far in advance. I have a mental list of places that I want to go, and whichever one is popping to the top as the most exciting is that one that goes next on the list. Right now I’m on a trip, and I’m doing a massive road trip with a friend in August, but right now I have nothing planned for July. I predict that by the end of next week I’ll get an idea and have something on the calendar.
I love how spontaneous you can be with travel at this stage of life. It really adds to the whimsy and fun.
I know a little bit about your road trip and I CANNOT WAIT to read all the updates <3
Yay! You made it! And Indy even went to school (I was wondering if that was actually going to happen). Yes, I would imagine you have LOTS of feelings right now. Including confusion at times (“wait- where am I???”) I can’t wait to hear more about the whole experience after you’ve had time to process everything.
Coming home to a clean house must have been a VERY happy thing! And- a trip with Joy to look forward to is awesome.
My upcoming travel isn’t too a very exciting location (Indiana) but as you know it’s for a VERY exciting occasion!!! I am very much looking forward to it.
He was so excited to see his friends and had a great day at school.
This time next month you’ll officially have a daughter-in-law. Jenny, this is so exciting <3 <3 <3
How exciting to have another adventure to look forward to – San Diego with your friend Joy!
As much as I love to travel nothing beats coming home to a clean house and my own bed. Laundry is usually the first on my “to do” list when I get home, but I am happy to let it stretch over a couple of days. I’m sure you have plenty of things on your own “to do” list now that you’re home but it’s good to just put your feet up and relax after such an epic 3 months!
Happy things was having my sister visit me for 3 days and waking up to cooler temperatures with rain this morning after several days of oppressive heat.
I’m trying to do a mix of getting things sorted and settled away… and relaxing. I will admit I’m not quite sure what to do and how to prioritize things right now.
That said, I know it will all get done!
Cool temperatures can be such a relief this time of year.
This joyful, happy post made me smile. So glad you had this opportunity and arrived home safely 🙂
Well, it made me smile to write this post! So I’ll count this as a double win <3
Welcome home! There is really nothing like sleeping in your own bed, no matter how amazing the places you traveled to were. It does make me very sad that there is a sense of heaviness to returning due to your dreadful neighbor situation. 🙁 I wish I could make that go away. A home should be a sanctuary and yours isn’t for reasons out of your control and I HATE THAT!!
I’m relieved that the offsite that I planned yesterday is over with. It was fairly low key – 3.5 hours of meetings, a social activity (escape room), and a dinner. But I felt like I had to be on and wanted to make sure it was a good use of everyone’s time. I usually read until 10:15-10:30 these days but last night I turned in at 9:45 because I could not need my eyes open.
Our next “trip” is a long weekend at my parents for the 4th of July. My parents are in town this weekend for my nephew’s graduation dinner and they take the boys back with them for the week since we thought we were going to be traveling to Chicago for our depositions. So I guess the silver lining is 4 nights of just being married people with jobs! It’s not much of a “trip” since it’s a 2.5-3 hours drive. I don’t have any trips on the horizon besides like trips and work travel in that is mostly in the fall. But summer is the time to be here in Minnesota! I do hope we can plan a family spring break trip for next April but we’ll see if I can talk Phil into that.
San Diego in early 2027 will be amazing!!!!
Thanks for the kind words and solidarity <3
It can be so exhausting to "be on" and some of these types of events can feel like such an outlay of energy. Sigh. Especially as an exhausted mother of two! I'm glad you got to bed a bit early and that the weekend is relaxing.
Enjoy a quiet house; I know you still have so much on your plate (and it's a COMPLETE bummer that the deposition got moved to another time), but hopefully that little reprieve feels good.
I'm excited for our trip. And it will be SO FUN TO TRAVEL TOGETHER. All that time to hang out?? Can't wait.
Welcome home! Good for you for getting out to a cafe to take some space and time for yourself!
I believe that there are two types of people in the world: those who unpack when they get home and those who have an open suitcase on the floor for a month, and they marry each other (I’m the neglectful never unpacker in my marriage.)
The travel I’m presently most excited about is going to Disney World in February to run a race! One of my daughters and I are running with two of her friends and their moms (who are my friends, too!) although our whole family is coming. February tends to be my lowest point, so I have high hopes and a lot of excitement for this trip.
My suitcase is unpacked but I’m feeling mildly panicky about getting my life back in order because I feel like I CANNOT focus on anything at all right now. It’s like my brain and my body don’t quite know what to do in their jet-lagged “everything is familiar but not” limbo.
Disney in February sounds PERFECT. What a fun event to look forward to, especially since you have a race planned with people you love.
Hurray you’re home! So good to have you back and catch up a little and it’s been fun to follow along with your adventures from afar! I cannot express just how excited I am to go to San Diego with you! Hoping I’m not overhyping it for you – I admit my bias as it’s home for me, but it will most definitely be warmer than Nova Scotia in February!
I’ll admit it hasn’t fully sunk in that we’re going on a trip together. What a fun milestone in our friendship and I cannot wait to have you tour me around familiar places you love.
Welcome home! It’s been a blast following you through Europe, but reading through the comments – it’s good to be home.
Happy things:
– having fans in this heatwave (it’s still not over here, 1 more day and then things should start cooling down again)
– coldish showers to cool down
– kids finally asleep
– going to see the Dutch championship finals tomorrow (cyclable distance, which is good as the parking there is ridiculously expensive, although we could also do a park and ride with the metro thing)
– cut out a pattern for trousers – I need some lighter cotton trousers that fit my calves!
– my husband and kids rearranged furniture in the oldest’s kid bedroom. So much better! There’s now space to consider getting him more workout equipment.
Gah. You’re still in the heatwave. I am SO sorry. It is truly oppressive and dangerous and awful. I’m glad you’ve found a few things to help relieve the stress of it all (fans, showers).
I’m wildly impressed you’re going to make your own trousers/pants! That’s awe-inspiring to someone who can barely sew on a button.
How lovely to be home and in your own bed and maybe have a bit of your own space back?
I worked for the opera company in San Diego for three seasons and I loved it so much – the Farmer’s Markets, the burritos, the beach (Pacific Beach was my favorite), Little Italy… I’m so excited that you get to go.
We just started booking a vacation to Niagara on the Lake – I’m really excited for that. We used to go to Niagara Falls every couple of years when I was growing up, but I haven’t been since I was nine or ten, so it will be interesting to see it as a grown up.
I’ve been to Niagara Falls twice now. Before I went the first time, a few people complained about how touristy it was. This is true and also, it’s incredible and I LOVED it. I hope you have the best time <3
Oh hooray, you’re HOME!!!! What an epic adventure. I know you and the kids will remember this for the rest of your lives.
The blog friends section made my heart all warm and fuzzy! What amazing connections you’ve made!!!!
Having such an epic trip punctuated with time spent with blog friends was such a delight.
Oh, a trip to San Diego with Joy! Can I come and crash your party? How long are you going to be there? 🙂 San Diego is beautiful (do we know how Joy ended up in Nova Scotia when she’s originally from CA?) and I haven’t been in a while.
I am so, so thrilled that you were able to meet so many (!) blog friends while in Europe. The world becomes a smaller place when we know people in all the places, doesn’t it?
I think we’re there 8 days??? I can’t actually remember. Maybe 7?
I’m so excited to see San Diego. Especially at that time of the year.
Joy married a man from Nova Scotia!
Welcome home! I am sure it has been a whirlwind to get back to your normal routine after so much time out of the country. And eeps, can’t believe John flies back to Europe so soon!
My next big travel adventure isn’t until October when I’m doing a New England road trip with my mom! It’s a pretty quiet year for me on the travel front.