Sunday, February 1, 2009

El Regreso

The next day I felt a lot better, but was still ready to go home. I had to be at the airport by 9:30 AM and my family drove me, Margarita and her husband, Beto. I thanked them, said goodbye, and got in line with some of the other Cabrillo students who had already arrived. I was glad to be less sick the second day, or it would have been a much harder day of travel.
In this first picture, I am in the women's restroom at the Oaxaca airport. It's  the smallest airport I've ever been to with the smallest toilets too! This one of course is, sólo para niños. I just thought it was so cute, I had to get a picture.
Our plane left Oaxaca airport (see bottom left side of map) at 12:25 PM to Mexico, D.F. (Mexico City, red star on map), which is only a hour flight. We had a four hour lay-over there, but after lunch, walking around, and a few hours of card games it was time to board onto the next plane. From Mexico D.F. we flew another hour to Guadalajara airport. The layover was only an hour there, and we went to one gift shop before we got on the plane. The longest plane ride was from Guadalajara back to San Jose airport. I made the most of it by starting a new book and talking with some of the people on the trip. I got in a few good laughs that I really needed.
I was really happy to go home, I almost couldn't wait to be back in California, especially after my last day in Oaxaca. As you all know though, I had a great time overall, even with its ups and downs. 
I got to San Jose around 9:00 PM and my mom was waiting for at the door where we exit from the high security at the airport. She was relieved to know I felt better than the day before. 
I was really happy to go home to Boulder Creek and sleep with my cat in my own bed. Besides seeing all my beloved friends and family, it was the little things I missed: being able to brush my teeth with the tap water, New Leaf sandwiches and Jazzercise. I'm happy to be home, but of course, I have had unique experiences and learned more about the Mexican culture and Spanish language. I am grateful for being able to indulge in a personal goal and have a great time doing it. Thank you to all who contributed to this incredible journey, it's made memories that will last a lifetime. 

5 comments:

  1. A warm Welcome Home to our Punky, so glad you made it back safely. Seems like the trip was exactly the right length of time (well, maybe 2 1/2 days too long!!), and you had adventures and experiences some of the rest of us have never had.

    I'm glad you're feeling better. Sounds like you got REALLY ill.

    That is the funniest little toilet I have ever seen!! I'm surprised it doesn't get broken by regular size people sitting on it!

    Thank you for your blog, for your humor and generosity in taking us all along on your travels, it was so fun to see what you were up to every day, and to send you love and support even though you were so far away.

    Aaaaahhhh....No Place Like Home, huh?
    It's really true.

    Welcome Back Punky. xoxox

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  2. Welcome home babe, so sorry you got sick. Can't wait to see you!

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  3. so weird that it came up Jeanna's account, anyway I am excited to see you, Jeanna ia actually Linda Hurd

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  4. I'm sorry your trip had to end on a sour note. It must have been so hard to pack and get organized to leave while you were feeling so poorly. I think the Cipro might have really helped you because I once had a similar experience in Jamaica and didn't recover for 10 days! It sounds like your Mexican "family" took very good care of you. Welcome home. We hope to see you soon.

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  5. Hi there Chelsie! Welcome home. It was SO GOOD to see you at Jazzercise Monday morning. You were glowing, and watching so many people come up and hug you was heartwarming. You have certainly found a good niche in the group. Thank goodness you had recovered a fair amount before boarding the plane. I'm glad you're all well now. You're certainly welcome for my contribution to your adventure. I'm so happy you took advantage of the opportunity Cabrillo offers. You will have memories for the rest of your life and now your language skills are even better than before. I love you. xxx

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