RSSApr 28 2008
Homeward Bound
It’s almost over. Sigh.
We reluctantly left our beach paradise, boarded our very last overnight bus, and arrived in Bangkok (for the third time) this morning. Today, we’ve done some last minute shopping, indulged in our favorite Thai street foods, and kept each other from flipping out as best we can. Early tomorrow morning, we’re boarding a flight that will take us to Tokyo. Then one to San Francisco. Then New York. Then Richmond. Four flights. Thirty-six hours. Yeah, it’s really going to suck.
I am giddy to be returning home. We absolutely cannot wait to see our friends and families. I’ve realized during this trip just how lucky I am to have such wonderful people at home TO miss. Thankfully, we’ll have many opportunities over the coming weeks to see everyone — weddings, graduations, birthdays… First up (as in NEXT weekend!), I’m honored to be a bridesmaid in the wedding of my dear friend/former college roommate, Allison, to Evan, who’s a pretty cool dude even though he went to Virginia Tech. I can’t believe we’re all grown up and getting married. Long gone are the days when I’d overhear Allison, alone in her room, making fart noises with her hands and laughing to herself.
Do you know what else I’m doing at home? I’m going to get in MY car and DRIVE it. I’m going to turn on the radio and be able to understand what they’re saying. And if I want to call someone? I WILL. I’ll reach into my bag, pull out my cell phone, and call them. Playing this scene in my head right now is blowing my mind.
On the other hand, I am desperately sad the trip is over. So much so that it makes me feel sick to my stomach whenever I think about it. I’m terrified that I’ll never be able to do anything like this again, and that I’ll forget all the things I came to learn were important to me over the course of these eight months. Mostly, I’m just going to miss waking up every morning with no idea what the day will bring.
Because we’re not ready to let go of our trip JUST YET, we’re going to continue posting from home in sort of a “Tales We Never Told” series. We also have many videos we never uploaded. So, stay tuned!
We’ll see you in Virginia…
OK, that was depressing! . . . and I DO believe you promised us a full moon party story!!!
On another note, after having heard so much from you guys about sticky sticky rice with mango, I attempted to make it last night – quite unsuccessfully. Is it supposed to be soupy??? I’m guessing instant rice does not = sticky!! My conclusion is that either (a) you’ve been gone WAY too long and have forgotten how “real” desserts taste, or (b) I stink at making Thai food. Maybe both?
If anyone has a recipe, please post!!
Jodie
I’m so excited you are coming home! I’ve missed you. Let’s party!
ps- pffftttttttt… heeehee
hey brittany and ben… i’ve been following your entire trip and just felt i had to say thanks for the entertainment… it’s been an excellent read and i’ve always looked forward to your posts… you originally had me hooked when i stumbled upon your blog via the lonely planet forum because you were discussing crete and my wife and i are obsessed with crete (were there for our honeymoon 2 years ago) and i constantly check the greek craigslist for cheap land around chania… yea… a little crazy… anyways, don’t worry about this trip coming to an end… there’s so much more to see on this planet and you’re just getting started… there will be more trips and you know it… looking forward to reading more follow-up posts from you hilarious folks and give a shout if you ever need a place to crash in boston…
Hey Brittany and Ben, I just wanted to say how much I’ve enjoyed reading your blog (I found it via Kelly’s blog). I obsessively check it every day! You guys are awesome, and I hope one day to be able to do what you have done. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Have safe travels home!
Yay…you are coming home! We have missed you guys so much! Can’t wait to hang out and hear more stories. I have loved the blog but knowing you guys the stories will be even better in person!
Hi Brittany and Ben,
I’ve loved reading about your adventures. My husband and I have been following your blog for the last month or so, and read everything in the archives once we discovered the blog. You guys put such a humorous perspective on travel, that we both couldn’t help but get hooked to your blog. We are considering taking a trip ourselves next year and reading your blog is helping to convince me to do it. Besides the tales you’ve never told, I’d really love to hear about your transition to home life and life after travel – that is one of my biggest fears is what happens after, and reading about real people who experience it helps calm my fears. You two have embraced the trip with such class and wit, and I am sure that will continue as you transition back to your life in Virginia. Enjoy your homecoming!
Hi B & B;
A note from a slightly older-timer: You will have many more adventures in the years ahead of you. This was just the taster of things to come – the one that makes you appreciate what you have, wonder at the little things, and most of all, eye the horizon for the next adventure. Going home is only a minor detour. Travel, and the wanderlust it fuels, are things which are never broken once awakened. The opportunities to travel will always present themselves – be brave enough to risk it all and take them again. You’ve entered a new group – the uncaged birds. Marvel at the unique days which are ahead. =)
I’ve enjoyed your journey. Just back from a small adventure of my own, but will get caught up and post you a few comments in the coming week or two.
Take care. Enjoy your homecoming and all it entails.
Sciencemel
Yay! You are finally coming home. I know how it feels though to miss a place. You’ll be back one day. Have a safe trip home you two! And Britt call me when you get home but not while your driving b/c you may need a little practice since it’s been a while. And watch out for those buses.
THEY’RE HOME!!!!! I’ve hugged ‘em both, they’re reallly here!
Congrats on making it home. I am currently wearing my brand new t-shirt..thanks guys. I was asked a ton of questions about it and referred many people to read your excellent blog. Thanks again for posting your adventures. It sounds like you had a great time! I’ve enjoyed reading your adventures.
Taysmom…from california
and thanks to jodie for letting me know about this…