home again
I am back home again - in the arctic. This entry is a bit of a rambling travelogue. Feel free to ignore it!
We had a lovely time in South America - we flew to Manaus, Brazil ( a large city in the jungle). The next day, we went to a jungle eco lodge. It was an experience - there were monkeys in the trees outside our cabins. We then went to Rio - quite the contrast! We were in a lovely hotel across from the beach. Again contrasts - we toured the favelas - the slum areas. The poor live on the hills - we walked through a maze of alleys. I felt a bit ashamed knowing how privileged I was in comparison.
Our next stop was Iguassu Falls - a magnificent vista of waterfalls on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Joe went crazy with his camera - he loves waterfalls.
Next it was Buenos Aeries - my favorite city of the trip. it is very European in style. Then to Santiago, Chile. Joe liked the openness and architecture there.
The hilight of the trip of course was Easter Island, and it did not disappoint. The island it beautiful in and of itself, but the moas (statues) are unbelievable. They are all over the island. I was not at all ready to come home. Lisa provided the most magnificent sunset during our oceanside dinner.
The trip home was an adventure. We had a four hour flight to Santiago and a 9 hour overnight flight to Dallas. Due to the storms over the US, our flight to Calgary was cancelled. After a chaotic hassle, we were able to book flights for yesterday but were told our bags would go to Calgary, not with us. We booked in to a hotel for the night and collapsed - waking up just in time to watch the Oscars. Back to the airport yesterday morning to find out that the flights arranged for us got us to Toronto but the flight to Calgary was full. We were able to change and to go through Vancouver - much better. Our flight was late leaving Dallas, making us late in Vancouver. We had to convince people that our bags were not with us - something the customs people could not quite understand - the last person we had to go through just threw up his hands as we literally ran to make it on time. We finally got home around 6 last evening. Our luggage is somewhere between Easter Island and here! I guess the bags didn't want to come home either!
Lisa was on our vacation with us. She popped up in so many places e.g. birds in strange places such as the one in airport departure area - after security, It flew one way. I thought I was imagining things but it then flew back. I felt so comfortable during the whole trip and Easter Island was mystical.
I thought I'd be able to read journals but was not able to. So I am catching up. I thought of my SOTH a lot on the journey. I wish you could have been with us.
Lisa - thank you for coming along. As usual, I missed not being able to chat on Skype with you but I know you were with us. I miss you always and love you forever. Mummy
We had a lovely time in South America - we flew to Manaus, Brazil ( a large city in the jungle). The next day, we went to a jungle eco lodge. It was an experience - there were monkeys in the trees outside our cabins. We then went to Rio - quite the contrast! We were in a lovely hotel across from the beach. Again contrasts - we toured the favelas - the slum areas. The poor live on the hills - we walked through a maze of alleys. I felt a bit ashamed knowing how privileged I was in comparison.
Our next stop was Iguassu Falls - a magnificent vista of waterfalls on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Joe went crazy with his camera - he loves waterfalls.
Next it was Buenos Aeries - my favorite city of the trip. it is very European in style. Then to Santiago, Chile. Joe liked the openness and architecture there.
The hilight of the trip of course was Easter Island, and it did not disappoint. The island it beautiful in and of itself, but the moas (statues) are unbelievable. They are all over the island. I was not at all ready to come home. Lisa provided the most magnificent sunset during our oceanside dinner.
The trip home was an adventure. We had a four hour flight to Santiago and a 9 hour overnight flight to Dallas. Due to the storms over the US, our flight to Calgary was cancelled. After a chaotic hassle, we were able to book flights for yesterday but were told our bags would go to Calgary, not with us. We booked in to a hotel for the night and collapsed - waking up just in time to watch the Oscars. Back to the airport yesterday morning to find out that the flights arranged for us got us to Toronto but the flight to Calgary was full. We were able to change and to go through Vancouver - much better. Our flight was late leaving Dallas, making us late in Vancouver. We had to convince people that our bags were not with us - something the customs people could not quite understand - the last person we had to go through just threw up his hands as we literally ran to make it on time. We finally got home around 6 last evening. Our luggage is somewhere between Easter Island and here! I guess the bags didn't want to come home either!
Lisa was on our vacation with us. She popped up in so many places e.g. birds in strange places such as the one in airport departure area - after security, It flew one way. I thought I was imagining things but it then flew back. I felt so comfortable during the whole trip and Easter Island was mystical.
I thought I'd be able to read journals but was not able to. So I am catching up. I thought of my SOTH a lot on the journey. I wish you could have been with us.
Lisa - thank you for coming along. As usual, I missed not being able to chat on Skype with you but I know you were with us. I miss you always and love you forever. Mummy
Replies
It is always good to have you home, Marlene. We miss your angelic presence here but I am so glad you get to travel and get away. We all kind of escape in our own ways, don\'t we? Some travel, some read, some get more into their pets, some find faith but we come together here to also find each other. I will quit because now I am rambling.
Lisa, good job honey, you get to go with Mummy free and sounds like you enjoy it! Plus, you don\'t have baggage. Ugh!
OH Marlene it sounds like such a wonderful trip...especially going to Easter Island. I travel vicariously through you and look forward to each of your travels. Welcome back to the miserable weather.
Big Hugs,
Terry
glad your home.... luggage will get there sometime!!!!
Welcome back to the Arctic region! So glad you had such a magical trip. I am so envious LOL. I hope the bags decide to come home. I sure hope we get to see many pictures! LOVE you.
Peace
Sounds amazing!! Glad you have such a great time...glad you\'re home safely...and really glad Lisa tagged along!
What an awesome & adventurous vacation!!! Hope to see some photos.
Welcome back hugs.....Vicki
what an adventure...happy that Lisa shared it with you...good to be home sooner or later your luggage will find you. Hugs, Ann
Wow!! What a truly amazing vacation!! Monkeys in trees, Easter island and beautiful Lisa along, to keep you company :) You were very brave to walk through the maze of alleys. Were you on a tour, or just by yourselves?? I know you must be exhausted!! So glad you are home, safe and sound!!
(((((HUGS))))).....Julia
lol what and adventure! So glad Lisa went along for the fun! Love you lady, Angela
Sounds wonderful. Glad you are home safe and sound John and I are headed home now. Should arrive late Thurday or Friday. Not really liking the drive. The tinnitus and vertigo are both very present at the moment.
What a great trip!!! It is so good to get home after vacation. Don\'t forget to post the photos. Did you get to see Christ on the mountain. That was Marissa\'s favorite. She had it over her bed. I would love to see it. Of course Lisa was with you. There is no other way for her, she is thrilled to be in your travels. Hugs and get some rest now. Kathy
Traveling is our way of escaping for a while. Coming home is a downer.
I know we are blessed to be able to do what we do. I will try to get some photos up (with Joe\'s help - well actually he will do it!).
We were on a guided tour of the favelas. They are much safer nowadays but still not safe enough for strangers - there is a police presence. Besides, with my sense of direction, I would be still trying to find my way out!
Marlene, my head is spinning reading bout your trips. I like, Joe love waterfalls. I will escape with your words about your escapes form the artic. LOL Settle in hope your luggage will find you before next winter.....
Cannot wait to see the pictures of your travels
Hugs Penny
Marlene, your trip sounds terrific and I\'m glad you enjoyed yourself -- (minus the hassles getting back home!)And, I too, have no internal compassSO easily lost --it\'s ridiculous! I\'ll check for photos now of your tripLove, Donna
I can understand the letdown of coming home. The reality floods right back and we miss our child so...but as you said Lisa was with you on your trip and that is wonderful. Love and hugs, Linda