So it’s all over. Did it even happen? Feels all a bit surreal sitting at my computer from downtown Caulfield.
Since last time I wrote I’ve had my final day in Roma, packing and repacking, having my haircut so I go home looking chic! Having my fill of coffees and wine and feeling the cobblestones under my feet.
Chris and I went out for a fabulous final meal at Casa Gleve, a rather more up-market restaurant in Rome with the most delicious food in a fantastic old mansion, family run with the Mama cooking. They love Chris so we got very special treatment and a very discounted bill.
The next day it was coffee and get ready to go really. I’d ordered the Shuttle to get me to the airport. The timing was a bit tight but when the shuttle was late, and then later, I was in a real panic. But long story short, it got there and I got there. Late enough to be able to walk straight up to the Emirates counter with my super heavy case.
It was 30.2kg but they were happy to let it through albeit with a ‘heavy’ sticker. It was a dream flight, the connection in Dubai was perfect and I was in Melbourne 21.5 hrs later.
Of course it was a joy to see Rose, Ang and Kirst waiting for me. Home to bed, good nights sleep and really back to normal. No jetlag whatsoever…very lucky!! There is nothing like your own bed, pillows and a shower that feels massive!! In fact everything feels spacious…a big house, a big garden, wide streets, great big horrible cars everywhere, big distances to places, for simple things like a coffee, the supermarket etc.
The best thing is catching up with family and friends and being reminded (as if you need a reminder) of how precious they really are. Going down to the beach and looking out over Melbourne and being reminded (as if you need a reminder) how much you love this city.
There is so much I will miss not the least of which are Ham and Ariane until they finally get back, and Chris, until she gets her act together to get out here…and the morning coffee, the slow infusion of wine, the food, the joy of life…..and so on.
Now I focus on what I’ve avoided to date…the old ‘what the fuck do I do now’.
Goodbye from this blog/email/missive…I think I’ll even miss this daily reflection…and thanks for reading so loyally.
Signing out until next adventure.