o regresso

My return to the United States was mostly uneventful. My flights were alright. I probably slept more on my Sao Paulo to Dallas trip than I ever have before. Customs and immigration went smoother than silk. I had a short amount of time for a layover, but I picked up a bite to eat and some coffee.

I noted I was back in The States by the crabby unhelpful Americans. I find it quite sad, but smile to hope their day might improve by it.

On my flight from Dallas to Seattle, I joined a number of US Armed Forces flying home from Afghanistan and Iraq. That was a prideful American moment when, at the end of the flight, they were recognized and allowed to disembark the aircraft first to cheers from everyone else. There are certainly a number of stories I heard from these men as they looked forward to spending time with their families and friends!

I was also on the right side of the plane to have a spectacular view of Mount Rainier flying into Washington. We flew to the East and North of the mountain on a stunning day in the Pacific Northwest.

Sara picked me up from the airport and we had a nice soup lunch together before she went to work. Then I stopped in Seattle to see Matt for coffee since he was in town to finish his fish research from the summer and a high school reunion. Finally, I stopped to see Dave and Chelsea in the same neighborhood before driving north back to Bellingham. For a trip up I-5, I couldn't ask for a nicer, more beautiful evening.

I am glad to be back in a land where I can understand people and they understand me, but really sad to leave the adventure, the rest, and the trip behind! I had a fantastic time exploring, learning, seeing, and participating in life in Brazil; likely one of the best vacations ever.

I've returned.