There's no place like home...

Yup, that's right, I'm back!!! I flew out of Sydney on Sunday, March 9th at 1:55pm and arrived back in the US on March 9th at 1:20pm. Yes, kind of confusing.

Sunday morning was very eventful. I got up and went for my last run in Australia. It was okay running in the city again, but not my favorite. Mark and I had some last minute shopping and then it was check out time and head to the airport. This was not fun. We got lost all over the city not being able to turn left or right or where ever we needed to go. Then there was traffic into the airport. Once we finally got there and returned the keys, I only had 2 hours before my plane departed - plenty of time, right?!?! Wrong...It took 1.5 hours just to get checked in and then I had to rush through customs and security check. Mark and I didn't even get to say "Have a nice flight!" - we were on different airlines. I made it to my flight though and took a last look at one of my favourite countries before heading to Fiji.

The flights were flights and not much to say about them except I got no sleep. The seats are so small and uncomfortable - I can't imagine what taller people go through when flying. Luckily though, my feet didn't swell this time, WOOHOO!!

Unfortunately for Mark, he too had flight problems and had 2 of his flights cancelled. He did make it back though, so all is good now.

Flying from Fiji to LAX was interesting because it was the first time in two months I have been surrounded by all Americans. I talked to a lot of my neighbors and we shared vacation stories. Mostly everyone around me couldn't believe I was in Australia for 2 months, just traveling and alone. Ahh, the American view on things is so different than what I have been surrounded with the past few months. It did make me feel good though that I had accomplished what most of them said they could never do. I will take so much away from this experience, I can't even begin to explain what the past two months has done for me.

After what seemed like forever, I finally arrived in LA only to wait about a hour for my bags to come out to collect - I think the crews kept taking coffee breaks in between unloading... Then of course I zipped through customs and headed toward the sign that said "Exit To Los Angeles". Turning the corner, one of the first faces I saw was my mom...it was so great to see her smiling face. Once I got through "the walkway where a million people watch you waiting for their 'loved one' to come out", I saw both my mom and dad and was welcomed with big hugs and smiles (it may have been an act, but felt great!). :) Just to add to my long day, my dad decided to take a "tour" of the city of Torrence...yes, in other words, we got lost...but finally made it back and headed home. The scenery here is so different, I almost forgot what it was like. As much as I love American, Australia has it beat on views and landscapes.

I did have to make one quick stop...my good friends Joey and Leslie had no idea I was coming home today, so I thought I would surprise them. Only Joey was home, but he sure was shocked...I would pay money to get a picture of his face when he saw me standing at the door window. I think the dogs were more happy to see me though.

I then finally made it home and unpacked a few things - or as Dad says, made my room look more normal...you know, with stuff all over the floor. I promise I will clean it up (when I move out again...)!!! We then met with a few people for dinner - MEXICAN!!! It was wonderful...nothing beats Mexican in Southern California...

Now here I am at 11:15pm, shouldn't I be asleep by now?!?! Why can't I sleep?!?! I'm hoping staring at the computer screen will help lull me to bed...maybe it is starting to work.

Well, this is it. My Big Adventure is over and on to the next phase of life. What is that, you ask. I have no idea, but I'm sure I will figure it out - one day at a time.