Happy Traveller Returns

 Thurs. April 7, 2022

It's been 2 years since I blogged so let's see if I still remember how. 

I left Halifax Tuesday morning about 11:10, after paying $85.  to get a covid test , which was nothing more than a rapid test with certification. ( and I never did have to show it)

I got to Toronto and spent 5+ hours wandering around and then eating my food. During that time I heard my full name being paged and threatened that I wouldnt be able to board my flight, so I presented myself to the appropriate desk. They required my passport, proof of vaccine, and locator form which I had submitted online. I got that all sorted out and was good to land in Portugal, but she said I would need another for France and I had to submit online. I showed her a paper copy I  had filled in by hand and she said,"what's this? I've never seen anything like this. You'll have to do it online." 

Those who are close to me know I don't have those capabilities on my phone like the rest of the world, so I was a bit concerned. When I proceeded to try and solve it I came upon a description which said they would accept a hand written copy. Why oh why are they so difficult. So, I put that concern aside.

At the given time, we boarded. Besides enjoying the fact that I had an aisle seat so I could immediately jump up if I had my persistent leg cramps, I also discovered on departure that I had no seat mate. Actually, the plane was not very full at all. So, off we go and 2 movies and a sleep later, we were landing at about 5 a.m. Lisbon time. 

Again, deplane, find my gate, and then I can relax...But, the gate was not listed nor would it be until 7:30 which was supposed to be our time to board. I walked around waited and kept checking until it did appear and I hustled to my gate, of course, to end up waiting.

Eventually, we boarded and since I couldn't seem to stay awake, it seemed short. I came alive when I started to see Alps.

Soon, we landed. I followed the crowd to luggage area, long wait and then it arrived. I'm always amazed and so grateful when my bag arrives with me. I collected it, followed the signs and came to exit- no passport check, nobody looking for my Locator form....just Nice.

Karen arrived to pick me up and we made our way home yacking all the way. When we got in Charlie heard the door and she said, "I'm home . Look what I brought (he thought she was on an errand).  He came out of his room and almost stumbled backward in his amazement. I wish I'd taken a photo. After a long, tall hug we discussed the surprise. Then Karen went to pick up the kids and when they came in I was sitting on the couch. Joanna spied me first and then they both swarmed me and hugged me non-stop. So good to have such a boisterous welcome. Karen had kept the secret well.When the hugs were done, we took patient Ribsy (the dog) for a walk on this marvellous path near their place. We skipped rocks in the Var River,  for which their town of Saint-Laurent-de-Var is named. I wasn't able to get pictures as my phone had died, but I'll be ready in the future, for sure.

Now we are making our final arrangements to visit David, leaving Saturday, for school break and we will see a home game on Sunday. Needless to say, I slept well last night and am ready to live life here.

(Sorry for problems with spacing. I haven't figured that out yet, if I ever will