Homeward Bound

We have settled in for a short night next to Schipol, from where we will be heading home early tomorrow morning. It is strange to think of taking an 8-hour flight at 9:30 am and still getting home in time for lunch.

I have to tell you that it is with a heavy heart that I am leaving Europe again. I fell in love with a new country, thoroughly enjoying the return to three others more familiar and still wonderfully charming, and reaffirmed a friendship and bond with Val and Koos, who were stellar hosts and fantastic company. I have to admit that I did my fair share of "braying" on the train once we pulled out, because it was really hard to part from them and we did delay it as long as we could. Val, yes, you are like a second sister and I will miss you a lot, and I will try to not make it another 4- year gap between visits. Koos, you are sweet, funny, and generous, much like Val, even though I did hear rumors around the barges that you don't care about anyone.;) And finally, darling Sindy, you especially made me bawl my little eyes out as the doors closed, barking your adorable goodbye to us. You are so expressive, your liquid brown eyes just looking up for love and attention. I fell hard for you, little Missy, and I will miss you equally deeply. Thank you all for your generosity, and for introducing us to the local music, to Dordrecht, and the Ch'tis. Our time with you was precious, and we are so happy to have spent our last days in Europe with you. It was the best ending to a magical trip.