Arrival back to the United States of America!

Sunday, April 26, 2009 – Home, Sweet Home
Our last clock change...
Brilliantly sunny and hot day in NY and Delaware!

We were up by 4:30AM to be out on deck as we sailed in the dark up the Hudson River. We crossed under the Verazzano Bridge and then past the Statue of Liberty. I thought of how different the journey was of my grandparents to America. Their transatlantic crossing was not filled with daily social activities and elegant cocktail parties and balls and scrumptious meals. They were apprehensive to leave their homeland and were very unsure of their future in their new country…and yet they came to America.

The sun was just beginning to appear over Brooklyn as the ship spun around in front of Governors Island to face once again toward the UK. They are ready to sail tonight at 5PM. Our balcony had the most spectacular view of the Statue, Governors Island and Manhattan.

Breakfast was a hurried affair and farewells were said to many. It was a very sad time but there was so much to be done in getting off the ship that I did not have time to think about it then. I stood out on the balcony for a few minutes to soak it in but then had to get moving.

We were in the first group off so I could clear the way for the UPS van meeting us BUT found one of my suitcases had the zipper broken in transit from the ship to the dock. It took some time to find tape and make it at least moveable…but we managed and had no problems with customs. The porter put our 10 bags (!! – try NOT to travel with this many) in the corner under the canopy and we hunted down the truck meeting us. Found that and the clients who needed the assistance and we made that work. Then we found some other friends and they offered to drop Gene at Avis car rental so off he went to pick up the car. In the meantime, another friend found out her limo had been cancelled, so we offered her a ride to Newark Airport, as long as the luggage would fit! She had already shipped 14 cases so there was only one large one and a small one to add to our pile.

The Dodge Magnum (station wagon) arrived and we managed to squeeze us and the luggage in and we were off. The Queen Mary 2 was resting quite regally, in the sunshine, and we waived our farewells until next time.

The drive home went quickly, but we were both extremely tired; perhaps slightly depressed and very tired. It is over. We have just cruised around the world for 3 ½ months. 3 ½ months. We’ve had a quick glance at the wonders of the world. All of them deserve a return visit.

We’ve made some wonderful new friends and miss them already. Meals, and even walking the corridors!, were a great social activity! The “people” make a trip. The sights are always there but the people involved in the visit make it memorable. The funny moments when cultural differences collide or when haggling over an inexpensive item becomes a matter of principle…the people are just as memorable, and maybe more so, than the sights.

I have not come up with an answer yet for “Where did you like best?”...that will take some time. Perhaps as I review the photos and scan my memory bank, an answer will emerge with due justification.

I hope you know by now it was a great trip. It was a great voyage. It transported me back in time to the days when the oceanliners were the way to travel. I loved it!

I was very fortunate to have the strong support of my loving and dear family and boss, Joyce, behind me at home, handling the mail and bills and phone calls and hard work! God, family and friends…every day is better with all three.

So go out there and travel. The world is a big and beautiful place. Pick a continent to explore. Pick a region to discover. Pick a local museum to visit. Book that trip you have always wanted to take. There is no time like the present. Go for it!
Bon Voyage!