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Published: November 4th 2014
October 13 - This morning we said farewell to Tasha and Dan, our wonderful B&B hosts. I do hope we will see these two again.
Our destination this day was my Auntie Pat's home. We stopped a couple of times on our drive to Auckland, once at a lovely waterfall and another to have a quick snack.
Arriving at Auntie Pat's we were again able to spend some time with Jacquie, Roland, Erin, Kiera and Owen. Erin and Kiera even put on a little puppet show for us.
October 14 - The last day! We were fortunate that our plane was not leaving until later in the day, so we were able to unpack and re-pack everything in the morning. Once everything was in its proper place, we took the train to downtown Auckland in search of a possum merino sweater. We had great fun looking, but eventually settled for a great cup of coffee and dessert. Later, I found a hat and scarf at airport in my favourite colour -- purple!
In the late afternoon, we said our goodbyes to my Auntie Pat. We are so fortunate to
have been able to spend some time with this lovely lady. I will miss her.
Then ... the trip back started ... That day we lost at the beginning of our trip was given back to us, and then some. We went through security and boarded our first flight on Smaug, a monstrous Boeing 777! Twelve hours later, we landed in Los Angeles feeling like we had been swallowed whole and spit out at the end. (I think it was the front, but it could have been the back.) We collected our bags and went through customs and security, again. After a couple of hours, we boarded another flight to Vancouver. We again collected our bags and went through customs and security. We were so close to home but, the Travel Gods were not finished with us yet. Our plane was delayed due to some kind of malfunction in the ramp that lets the passengers get on and off the plane. Eventually, we were routed to a different gate, and the poor passengers were let off and we were let on. I could hear home calling our names.
Near midnight the pilot announced the
plane was descending into Calgary. Even in my sleep-deprived state, the sight of Calgary on a clear night was wonderful. I was so happy to see a tired Curtis waiting for us at the airport! And, there are just no words for my own bed and my own pillow! Yes, we went to some incredible places, travelled with some wonderful people, and have memories that will last a lifetime, but in the end ... there's no place like home.
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Christine Hall
non-member comment
Welcome Home!!
Welcome Home Michele!! Once you have re-adjusted and re-acclimatized we (at the YWCA) look forward to hearing more about your trip in person. Give us a call once your feet are back on solid ground!! Cheers! Christine