The End

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Here we are, safely back at home. If I've taken a few days to write this post, it is because I was dreading writing the end of this wonderful journey. But I am trying to adopt Mike's philosophy, which is to say that if it seems to go by so fast, it means that we can get back there in no time. I still can't believe that we were gone for one whole month. It seems surreal, like that month just disappeared into thin air, as if the wonderful memories we created were but a dream. I'm sure reality will hit when I look at my bank account tomorrow morning. Ha! Ha!

There are not many pictures from the last days of our road trip, mostly because the scenery much resembled what we see at home, and our days were driving oriented, since we were determined to make it home on Saturday in order to have at least one day home before returning to work.

On Thursday, we drove from Johnson City, TN, to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Then, on Friday, we stopped in Portland, Maine for the night. Mike planned it this way in case I wanted to get a little shopping in before we got back home. Thankfully for him, I decided that any shopping for clothes could wait until the girls weekend I have planned with my sisters and mom in the early fall.

A few things I have learned about travelling from this trip:

-- Do not overbook yourself. Chances are you'll want to make some unplanned stops along the way, and it is truly unfortunate to have to pass up on something because you don't have time.

-- Along the same line, do not feel that you have to do and see absolutely everything. A roadtrip is about the journey. Enjoy the things that you are doing, and don't worry about those you may not have the time or money to do.

-- Opt for travel size personal products. I've always packed full size shampoo bottles, etc., for long trips because I worried I would run out. This time, I bought a travel kit from the Body Shop and filled it with my own products. There was plenty. Every container is still half full!

-- Do not pack your entire wardrobe. That's what laundromats are for. We met a lovely lady at a laundromat during our trip. She was originally from Columbia and told us that Austin was too hot for us to move to. LOL.

-- And do not wait until the last possible moment to go to the laundromat.

-- Do pack a few paper plates and plastic utensiles. And bring an insulated mug. Sometimes, all you want for lunch is a piece of cheese and a few crackers, and it's a whole lot cheaper to buy water in a 4L format than small bottles at every convenience store. Plus you can keep your coffee hotter, longer!

I'm sure I could go on an on with the things we've learned with time. But my advice would be to just take a road trip. You'll have loads of fun, learn lots about yourself, your travel partner and random people you have the chance to meet, and discover new sights, sounds, and flavours.

Until next time,

Cheers!

Monique and Mike

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