Return home

This last day of the trip was one I expected to feel very sad about.  But all I felt on the last morning was nerves about wanting the last day to go smoothly, and then a huge excitement to see my home again, and see if it was as I had left it.  So we got up early, ate a delicious breakfast at the hotel, and they treated us to a special breakfast, knowing we were leaving.  We checked out in a leisurely hour, and the hotel transport took us to the airport.  We arrived with plenty of time to spare, and got right through security.  I did run into one problem, an obsidian mask I bought was apparently a risk, since you could turn the obsidian into a knife on board, so I had to check that.  But otherwise, no problems, and after a short wait in a nice lounge, they whisked us off to the departure area, and we boarded.  First class was only half full, and we had a lovely flight in.  When we got to Dallas, we boarded, and one interesting thing, the man in front of us was throwing a hissy fit with the gate attendant as he exited the plane.  We were exactly on time, and he was mad I guess that he had little time for his transfer.  He began loudly demanding how much money he had paid for this flight, and he must get to Brazil immediately.  But I figured, if it was really so important, he could have booked a different flight with a shorter connection, and if it was really too expensive, he could have gone coach.  So, get a life, was what I thought...  Anyway, all went well and we were quickly through to Emigration, but they flagged me for some reason, and asked me to wait in a room.  I waited for about 10 minutes before a guy came and asked me to allow him to search my bags.  I did, and he was very thorough.  I'm not sure why I was flagged, maybe all the places we were.  David wasn't flagged through.  Anyway, after a VERY through inspection, he smiled and told me I was good to go, so I was home free back in America.  David's sister picked us up, and after I got home, I went straight to pick up the dogs, and spent an hour or so out there conversing with the kind lady and her husband who kennel them for me.  Finally, home sweet home, gave the dogs a much needed bath, and then dropped into bed, work the next day...

In the end, the trip was magnificent.  It was one of those rare things that I have done, when I know after this, my life will be different, forever.  I have taken a road less traveled, and there will never be any going back.  I love it!  I love seeing this world with my own eyes.  Now I have the bug.  I will be looking to do it again as soon as I can manage it.  Hopefully someday soon!  For now, Cozumel for more diving next March may be the next item on the agenda...

Here are pictures from the last day also.

Communist march in the square below the hotel on the last morning

On takeoff from Mexico City

In the air, looking toward the mountains in Mexico City

You can see the city just stretches on beyond the hills in every direction

One thing we wanted to see, we finally did get to see from the air, the Aztec city with its concentric canals surrounding center, we didn't visit in person, but now we did get to see it from the air.  Great luck to pass by it!

Before I sign off, I just want to thank my tireless and eternally patient friend and travel buddy, David, without whom this trip would have totally been lame.  He was a calm force in sometimes anxious moments.  He was a good humored companion when I might otherwise have started crying on a few occasions.  He was the only person on earth I can imagine having done such a trip with, and I will be his friend for the rest of his life.  We forever have a bond that most people will never know, thanks to his willingness to go along with me on what many people would consider, a purely insane undertaking.  So...  thank you David!  You are the best friend a guy could have!

Sam really missed watching TV, but was NOT willing to share the remote, typical!!  :|  He prefers watching old Lassie episodes, Indy films and of course, dog shows, neither of which are my favorite, but what can I do, he growls if I get within 5 feet of the remote!  hahaha