Ireland was a nice waypoint. I walked for hours taking in Dublins city centre and enjoyed listening to spoken Irish and the accent. But it’s still just a city, and I’m generally not a fan of cities. It felt very loud after the mountains and the desert. My romantic notion to get down and rowdy till the wee hours in a pub didn’t happen. It was a bizarre thought as I don’t drink or like bars at the best of times, and I was tired. I guess I just thought… while in Ireland. But I did fend off a drunk on a city bus. Actually, “fend off” is overstating. I smiled politely (as Canadian’s do) when he sat down beside me. He then leaned into me and kept staring intently at my face. He was pretty brined and I leaned away and turned my head toward the window.. so I kind of got a taste of the pub experience. I eventually just got off the bus and went for fish and chips with malt vinegar (and half a pound of salt) which was delicious. I was warned the city could get pretty rough and I didn’t want to be caught on the streets alone after dark, so it was back to the airport for me.

I have only been back home a few days but Spain (and especially Morocco) already feels far away. I’m grateful that Sabrina and Ellie are home with me for a week as Sabrina introduces lil miss to the rest of the family. It was great to reunite with them all. Cade was so excited to see her aunt Sabrina and meet baby Ellie. And little Huck just kept on smiling.

In the fray of these uncertain times I feel so thankful that I was able to have this extraordinary adventure. It was the trip of a lifetime making memories with loved ones! And I enjoyed sharing it with you. My heartfelt thanks that you took the time to read, especially now, when our economy and very future feels turbulent and precarious. I love Canada with all my heart. Every time I cross the border back into Canada I am overwhelmed with a flood of emotion and my whole body exhales. No matter how wonderful the adventure, Canada is home and coming home is the best.

Thanks again for reading and riding along with me. If don’t see you soon, I’ll see you on the flip side!

Arlene