the end of our tour of duty (free)

 

Right, lets begin with a question, as we bring this blog to a close. Why do people (not all people, but many people) wish you a 'safe flight' - is there some implication that flying is dangerous and this will exonerate the conscience if we do all go down in a ball of flames?  And why is the same level of concern rarely used on the outbound leg of a journey, where it is always, have a great trip etc Statistically if there is a danger, its just as dangerous. And then we know other forms of transport are much more dangerous, we do get the occasional safe travels/journey, but its again, more likely to be have a good trip. Answers on a postcard please, is there a correlation between this term and a fear of flying/technology?

Onto more important matters, but still safety related. We survived 3 nights in not the best of neighbourhoods without any injury to our person or property, which statistically was far more likely than anything flight related.   A few I think have picked up on my concerns from the last couple of blogs, I wonder if perhaps I was playing it down, certainly a little so as not to alarm Carys, although Bryn seemed to think he could look after himself.  (against a firearm!)  More in depth research shows 20 years ago we would have been fools, now we are simply foolhardy.

A few hours sleep and it was over the Bixby parkrun which was a pleasant enough trundle out in some countryside away from any gang warfare. Bryn didn't come, keen to hold the fort, or get some sleep. 2.5 weeks of travel have certainly taken their toll as what was a good course and good conditions was one where approaching any of the top gears was way out of the question. A few other welsh there to chat with, and a reminder its time to get back to training and healthy living when we get home.  Home, yes, very much now a reality.

What was also a reality was an unnoticed set of scratches on our hire car that we hadn't picked before. Certainly been no actual incidents on this trip but we are crossing our fingers we don't get any repercussions from Alamo.  It must be said the checks at pick up and drop off nowhere near as rigorous as in other countries so maybe they are a bit more go with the flow. As we will be contesting ...

It was then a sharp turnaround at the Airbnb, sticking a rocket up Bryns arse, and getting out of there quick smart.  

We then began our long, 18 mile trip north to the airport .. did we need a car on this trip, probably not. Allowed us to go and shout some abuse at Facebook, or Meta. By the time we travel again I'd love to be off that pointless platform (and twitter) where people really do not show the best of themselves (including me) and the platform such an arch manipulator.  But it does allow me to share stuff, so holding my nose.

Onto the Mall after that, Hillsdale, where we needed to while away a few hours. I did plan to buy some stuff, but held back to see what the car bill might look like!  Carys, Bryn and Chrissi bought some odds and sods, but then it was onto the closing ceremony of a trip. Forget Wendys or that Slut Place, the real US  curtain call is of course Panda Express.  So have we now got a new narrative, Wendy, the eggy or slutty (delete as appropriate) panda? Possible children's book ?

So 3 Buds down in the airport we start to bring this story to a close. Trip of a lifetime (since the last one, and before the next one), Chrissi and I have had a reflective chat on a few things we will keep, and a few we may eject. Not each other as we don't half do well together, and in fact with the kids it has been a great blast.

Won't do another blog post, but happy to take questions and comments below if the conversation is to live on for a while.

Decent kip on the flight home, one of our luggage didn't come with us, but probably the best time for that to happen.  First time ever for me in what may be flights that would be well into three figures I would think.

Its certainly been a few ups and downs that is for sure, but nothing that hasn't been overcome and helpful to go with the flow, roll with the punches etc  Plus points pretty much all of Japan (but Fuji the pinnacle), all of Fiji (the Island trip the highlight), some of the US (footie night was great), lower points is a bit of weariness as we reached the end of the trip and our final location did not help in that regard.  San Fran pleasant enough but doesn't stir the emotions for me it does with others, not in the way that other cities do for me (and there are many, Hong Kong, Brisbane, Sydney, Vegas, pretty much any town in France or Scandinavia) Plenty of the world still to see if circumstances continue to allow, but through backpacking, working in travel and making travel the goal since not working in travel I've been so fortunate to have even bad experiences abroad and then reflect and narrate the stories afterwards.  Still character building? Happy if that continues to be the case.

So back to the real world, a few weeks to restore some running and cycling fitness.  Friends and I are doing a challenge in September to raise money for MND if anyone wants to sponsor us here 

Well I can’t quite believe that this is our last post for this blog! We’ve had quite the couple of weeks, and I’m not sure whether they’ve gone quickly or slowly? We started out the day by heading out early to Parkrun. Google maps has been a good friend to us on this trip, and assisted us in finding how to get to Byxbey park. We arrived nice and early with next to no mishaps so that was relieving. The run was lovely, quite small but a nice number of friendly people. It was an out and back straight twice which seemed like it would be good but I think feeling tired and the humidity was a bit offputting. It was quite dusty too, but the park was pretty, and it was nice to check off another run in America!

Once back at the Airbnb we got a move on and quickly tried to get everything organised and packed. We were on the road again, me in the front seat assisting maps - I’ve enjoyed having this car to travel in, although it’s not been the easiest for dad to drive, as it’s quite sleek and spacious.

We went to visit the Facebook/Meta sign at its HQ where there was a hoard of students on a trip just leaving, and then headed out to the mall that I’d planned for a couple days earlier. I had a checklist for The Cheesecake Factory (this was before we ended up going the other day), Bath and Body World, and Panda Express, and this checked all three. We parked up and had a mooch around the shops, then getting some breakfast from a cafe. I had a tropical smoothie which was refreshing and probably helped my struggles with the heat, and therefore dehydration over the last few days especially.

Once we’d finished mum and I went up to Bath and Body Works, which I’d been looking forward to visiting since we booked the trip, like The Cheesecake Factory. They don’t have it in the UK and shipping is so expensive, so I like to stick up a little. I probably spent way too long sniffing candles and hand soaps but I like to make sure the scents I’ve selected are perfect! I ended up with two 3 wick candles, lots of little hand gels since they were a dollar each, and mum bought lots of soaps for our bathrooms. 

Feeling satisfied with our purchases, it was now lunchtime, so we headed to the food court. Although Panda Express turned out to have a few vegetarian options, I opted for vegan chicken and chips in the food court - beige food just felt right. Feeling full, it was then time to head to San Francisco airport, rid ourselves of the car that has caused some troubles. I was very sleepy at this point, so just spent our time in the airport having a chill, stocking up on flight snacks, and trying to stay hydrated. 

The flight was a little delayed, but not irritatingly so. We had a bit of a picnic of each other’s assigned meals on board, and then it was time to sleep. It went reasonably quickly for me, though I’m not sure I slept a whole lot. Landing back in London was a strange feeling, since it’s been a while since we left but still feels like yesterday oddly. Our final mare manifested in being a lost suitcase, left behind in San Francisco, which was just not ideal but hopefully should be back with us soon. 

We stopped at Reading on the way home for refreshments, and eventually we were back in Magor, dad soldiering on driving form the front seat though he was probably even more tired than the rest of us, and now we’ve all crashed a little I think. Despite our mishaps, which are inevitable when travelling with us, I have truly had a brilliant time away. I’ve been so lucky to visit such richly cultured and beautiful countries and explore so many fascinating places. This one has been big, and very different to what we’ve done for the last few years, but it’s reminded me why I adore travel and I’m excited for more future adventures. As always, thanks to anyone who has read along with us. Until next time, over and out.