This is Bryan posting for Katie...
For Christmas this year, Dad and I decided to take a break from being worldwide travelers and sailors and went home for a little taste of Americana.
I wasn't sure what to expect when I went home and was surprised at how certain things I used to be numb to stood out to me like a sore thumb. American’s unnerving attachment to their cell phones was one. Disconnect and look around, talk to the people you are with, and experience things fully instead of with only half your attention. Another thing I had never noticed before was the need to drive… everywhere. I have been based on a boat, but have been able to go grocery shopping, out to dinner, and to the bank by walking or riding a bike the entire time. There is such a thing as safe public transportation over here and it’s wonderful. I was based out of Orlando for most of my time home, and I never realized how much time I spent in my car until recently. (Thankfully my Dad fixed the AC compressor in my car while we were home) The last thing was the incredible portion sizes. I understanding getting your money’s worth, but it isn't always necessary to finish the entire plate. In fact, I’m pretty sure it’s a better idea not to.
While there were things that I shook my head at and made me want to leave the country immediately, there were far more wonderful things about being home. Things I got to experience that I would've only been able to being in America.
The Smithsonian Museum and Library of Congress were a good start to my trip back. Dad and I flew to Maryland to visit family and took a day to go to D.C. to take advantage of the free museum. I found out there is a Postal Service Smithsonian and decided that since Dad got me into stamp collecting, it was only fair that he had to suffer through that one with me. In return we went to the Library of Congress where we got an official library card and I got to see Margaret Bourke White prints made from the original negatives. Very cool.
Seeing as after 6 years I do still work for Mickey Mouse, we took our annual trip to Disney to see the Christmas decorations and take advantage of the wonderful weather and small park attendance after Christmas. I worked a few days to keep my status alive and to make sure I still had it in me. It was great seeing all of my old friends.
We both got to get just enough of a taste of football. (neither one of us are sports buffs necessarily) Dad got to go to the Gator Bowl and we both got to watch the Packers win in one of the greatest Super Bowl games ever.
Living in Florida we both got to see the final launch of the Space Shuttle Discovery, but while Dad was standing on the driveway and seeing just a trail, I got to drive to Titusville with Bryan and not only see, but hear it lift off from the launch pad. I think out of everything I did when I was home this was one of the best days and experiences.
I was having water withdrawal and Bryan had two weeks of vacation he could use while I was home, so we decided to “set sail” on a slightly bigger boat and took a Royal Caribbean cruise to Grand Cayman and Cozumel. I’d have to say, of course, that this too was a highlight of my trip home.
My brother came to visit us from Seattle and got to enjoy Florida in March which really is one of the best times to be there. Sunny and warm with a cool breeze and cool nights. He indulged in all of the fried foods and BBQ I had spent 3 months indulging in.
I went through the process of being certified to substitute teach in Seminole County so assuming there is still education when I get back, I should have at least a part time job set up. It was interesting to hear about what the government and different counties were doing to “save money”, especially in education… oh politics.
Overall my trip home was wonderful. It feels like a bit of a dream because it honestly feels like we never left Kemer, but awesome part is it wasn’t a dream. It was just a really great three months and reminded me how much I love home.
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