From Rochester, MN (Monday, 7 July, 2008: 5:20pm)

The end of my 22-and-a-half-month trip ends here, in a tiny airport in Rochester, Minnesota. I am waiting for my delayed flight back to Raleigh, North Carolina at the small diner in the airport. There are more people working at the single security checkpoint than there are people waiting at all six gates. I ordered an almond cappuccino and as I looked for change I shook out currency from four different countries, quietly hidden in my wallet. Not sure of what to expect with a $1.50 cappuccino, the cook dispensed my drink from a machine that is not unlike what is found in gas stations, into a giant Styrofoam cup. Even after making espresso-based coffees for 9 months at my job at Dash, this is the drink I crave the most.

I spent the past four days playing with my little nephew, whom I think is extremely cute and intelligent (and I am usually very critical of mini-humans), and hanging out with his parents. I preferred to not do too much sightseeing around town and just stay at home and run errands with everyone—it was great to not feel obligated to be on the go and just stay in one place for several days in a row. It was also fun to poke around the local grocery stores, the mall, Sam’s Club, and even the evil Super Walmart. (I am more easily entertained than Carter, though I am sure my wandering around drove Andrew and Jennifer nuts! But it's been a very long time since I've experienced these American-caliber mega-stores.) Last night Jennifer suggested making a handbag for me; she has become very skilled in designing and creating handbags and other small items and sells them at craft shows and online. I don’t tend to use handbags very often, but I designed this one exactly how I wanted it so I am sure I will use it all the time!

Andrew at the lab

Andrew and Carter (they have the same expressions!)

El Gallo

My brown corduroy bag!

It will be strange being back home in Raleigh, but I am sure after a day or two it will be like I was never gone. It would be a much needed rest to be there for several weeks or even a month or two, but I know staying at home would drive me nuts after a while. However, while in Raleigh, I am mostly looking forward to seeing a few friends who are still in town, going to the coffee shop down the road to read, and taking a yoga class with my favourite instructor over in Carrboro. Unfortunately, I must also pick through piles and piles of crap and decide what I should keep, what I should chuck, and what needs to somehow go up to Boston. I also need to fight the necessary evils and look for a job and find a home… ergh…