Home at last

We finally made it home from our European adventure. What an tiring day we spent on our return trip. We began our journey home with an early morning pickup from the hotel. And just like the trip from the airport, we were on the edge of our seats as we were driven back to the airport.

I am still in awe of Italian drivers. How in the world do they manage to do so many things while driving? We had the pleasure of being in the back seat while a driver was on his cell phone, smoking, looking at a map, and keeping a hand on the horn the entire trip. Did I mention that we saw very few automatics? Yep, the guy was doing all this while switching gears. I suspect that he may have actually have three or four arms.

We breezed through security at DaVinci, we got to leave our shoes and belts on, and they looked at us funny when we put our camera and other electronic devices in their own bins. No wonder other travelers complain about airport security. None of the airports we went to had the exact same screening process. You would think it would be more universal, but what do I know, I am just a newbee traveler.

Ok so you know how they have some shops and restaurants to keep you occupied while you are waiting for your flights? At DaVinci, there are no shops...they have high end boutiques. Hermes, Gucci, Prada, Armani, just to name a few. I was in shopping nirvana, except it was all a bit above my pay grade. I think I actually began to drool over a couple of pairs of shoes.

We then got to spend nine fun filled hours aboard the Alitalia flight back to Boston.  I didn't think much of the time when it appeared on the video screens. Well that was before I had to sit next to the Russian guy, with no deodorant, and the pea sized bladder.  Can we say major BO? I really think there should be some kind of international law that states if you are flying coach you have to wear deodorant or cologne.  I guess it could have been worse, I could have been between two stinky, sweaty, non-deodorant wearing peeps.

So once we get to the airport in Boston we have to go thru the passport verification process and customs. I keep imagining a nightmarish time, since we were flying on September 11th. Nope, it was really quick and painless, or maybe we were just lucky enough not to be randomly selected for inspection. I again mentally cursed the designers at Boston Logan for putting the domestic and international terminals so far apart, but at least this time I was prepared for the long dash.  Have I mentioned that I am sure my carry-on bag weighed more than my checked bag? I think my biceps became huge lugging that think around.   And we go to go thru security again, what fun!

After an hour or so in Boston we boarded our flight to DC, another two hours of fun. But at least I didn't have to sit next to stinky Russian boy. But man I was hot, tired,  cranky and wanting my own bed.  We collected our bags and called our hotel to come get us from the airport.  I knew that it would take a while, with increased traffic and security...but we waited over an hour. Not to mention that we had to call three times to see if it was still coming. We were not happy campers!  Looking back I am so thankful that we had planned to stay overnight in DC, and didn't try to board another couple of flights back to O-town.  I most likely likely would have been put in jail or arrested. Although that could have been a funny story later, "Hey honey remember when we came home from Italy that one time....when you go thrown in the pokey cuz you slugged a flight attendant? Remember? That was funny."  Go on and laugh, you can picture DH saying that.

We slept in, then did some more shopping. Then it was time to head back to Reagan and fly home. We flew threw Atlanta, and all I can say is holy huge airport! We then arrived back in Omaha at about midnight, and began our final drive.  I was so tired, but also excited too.  We hadn't see our furkids in 11 days. I missed the so much.

I had joked with DH that if the pope offered me a job I would stay in Italy forever. As cool as staying would have been, I was homesick to see my babies. Every time we saw people out walking with their dogs in Roma, for a split second I wanted to be home, snuggling with my little Docker. I was also a little worried that they would have forgotten all about us. I don't know what I was worried about, the greeting we got when we walked in the door was the most amazing part of our journey.  It was so good to be home!

Even though I was happy to be home, I was also feeling home sick for Roma. Odd isn't it? I had just walked in the door, and ready to go back.  I feel so blessed to have had taken this trip, and so glad that DH & I go to spend it together. But I also can't wait to go back.  I think that I have gotten bitten by the travel bug.

Here's to planning the next adventure