We wrapped up our time in Santa Cruz with mom and Bup doing all the fun things that my hometown has to offer; bowling, playing laser tag and riding the Giant Dipper at the Boardwalk, going to Marini's, eating yummy pizza, hiking, watching Bup play volleyball at the beach and generally relaxing with family. Then, we headed up to Oregon to stay with Dad and Lisa for a few days. Up in the cold, misty Pacific Northwest we ate wonderful home-cooked meals, drank delicious wine, watched the Royal wedding and a football game, did a little shopping for wedding attire, visited Rogue microbrew for good food and drink. We also had two amazing visits, one from the Quinlivans, our friends from Peace Corps Guyana. It was so great to see them out of context and socialize in the real world instead of just in the Peace Corps bubble. We also headed over to my Aunt's house and got to meet my cousin, Dallas's 11 day old baby girl, Evelyn. Hanging out with my Auntie, cousin, her husband and baby was so super! I loved snuggling and kissing my first second cousin on that side of the family and catching up on all our lives.
Then, almost before we knew it we were in the airport flying back to Guyana. The trip was easy, although not quick (24 hours...ugh) but we encountered very few snafus. The strangest moment was when the flight attendant on our Caribbean flight told us we couldn't have the following in the exit row in which we were seated; anything under the seat in front of us, a blanket on our lap, a blanket folded up at our side, our water bottles, our shoes off, and my favorite, our books in our hands, since they were too “thick”. When we were told that we couldn't even hold our books or put then in the seat back pocket, we truly realized that we were back in “Caribbean mentality” where things don't always make sense and you just have to smile and go with it.
Coming into Linden and our house really did feel like coming home though. We were exhausted and I was feeling like I had a little cold (you know the stuffy, dried out feeling of being in an airplane too long) so we made a quick dinner and crashed out. This morning I woke up a little bit disoriented and had to remind myself where I was and why it was so damned hot. Oh yeah, it is hot. Welcome back to humidity. This heat is the only reason why we will be able to stand another 11 months of cold showers, which actually feel nice in this weather.
Anyway, we wanted to send out a sincere THANK YOU to everyone who made our vacation awesome. To our families who flew us out and gave us their own beds to sleep in, to everyone who bought us food and drinks to enjoy at home and bring back to Guyana, to the birthday party guests and people who celebrated elsewhere with us, and to everyone who reminded us that you will be there for us no matter where we are and how long we are gone for. We miss you and look forward to staying in touch over the next year as we all continue our adventures. Much love,
Chelsea
The boardwalk!
Volleyball. Smooth move, bro!
That's the "Strike" face...it didn't work.
LYRA!!! Such an pretty and amazing dog!
Proud Mamma, Pretty Baby
Just us gals.
Beer and food; good and good!
Yay for old friends and good times. go Quinlivans.
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