There and Back Again

This little note will focus more on the "back again" aspect of life....

So for us it feels like we hit the ground running. After waiting for months to return to Canada we felt this growing unease about actually embarking on the last plane that would return us to our home, to winter weather, to family and friends, to routine, to less diversity, to organization. As the day to leave Cambodia approached we both second guessed our decision. Why were we returning to cold Canada? Jay had a job lined up for mid January, so we knew that money would soon begin to flood our bank account, but even that was not quite enough incentive to bring us back. Experiencing the Christmas cheer with family and friends was certainly a primary motive. Travelling, being on the move constantly and having no roots leaves you feeling exhausted. We were tired. Perhaps it really was time to take what we had accomplished ( many feats and adventures) and put it into some greater framework. To try to use it to change the world and ourselves as we make a difference where we are. Yeah that is no small calling!!

The flight home was decadent, so luxurious on it's own accord. You're going to have to be in the air for between 14 to 16 hours straight anyways. As we flew over the Arctic I awoke and had a pasty, dry mouth. It was disorienting to wake up and forget where you were and feel so strange. But before long the stewardess had been rung and was delivering us each a chocolate ice cream bar. The service we received was award winning. When the coldest hours of the day rolled in the ladies served a cup of noodle soup ( you know the ones where you pour boiling water over hard crunchy noodles, leave them as the heat works its' magic.) We even had a menu that outlined what our meal options were going to be. They had unlimited numbers of snacks. Our group of three seats was for just the two of us and so I was able to sprawl out and fall asleep. Jay spent the majority of the time watching movies. Who knew that there was over 50 choices of TV shows, 100 music selections and the most recent movie releases? Really what do you do with that many options?

Our 36 hour day involved flying from Phnom Penh to Hong Kong ( where we weren't charged extra for being a little over weight)to Toronto to Ottawa. The longest hours were those we waited in the Toronto airport. You are so close and yet those miles that separate you can only be diminished by waiting for yet another plane. As good Canadians we spent a good three hours in Tim Hortons sipping hot chocolate and catching up with our journaling, trying to distract ourselves. We had arrived at terminal 3 and needed to catch our flight in terminal one. A free train service transports you back and forth. As we stepped into the train there was a blast of cold air. It was the most unwelcome sensation, but also a poignant reminder of where we were. So many things to be discovered awaited us and the cold air was just the beginning. There was no visible snow on the ground.

Since we had cleared customs in Toronto it was torturous to wait as Jay went to use the bathroom. My family waited for us as at the bottom of the escalators. They were so close now. We'd used that very same gate a month and a half earlier when we had left for Cambodia. There wasn't too many tears, but certainly a few choked conversations. Dutifully my sister had brought us some warmer clothes. By the time we left the airport I had on a huge down filled 3/4 length coat. Jay was wearing snow pants and ski googles. Even still we commented on the weather and about being cold. Our family reassured us that this was warm compared to just last week. It was of very little comfort.

We slept in our own bed that night. Jay's sisters, who had last cared for our house, had done an excellent job cleaning the house and more importantly decorating it for Christmas. We spent a short time enjoying homemade Christmas treats with Laurie and Ben( sister and bro. in- law.) before being dropped off at home. I started the holiday season off right by trying a bit of every one. The tea we drank warmed us from the inside out. We were so glad to be back. The cozy atmosphere, filled with warmth and family was an excellent beginning. That is what we had longed for many times while we were away. That was one of the many things that brought us home.

We are still in the process of discovering the many others. Here are a few other things that we've discovered we love about our home, Ottawa and Canada. We'll hold off on the things that have irked and challenged us for another entry:0) A fully loaded kitchen with all the spices I can dream of. Ohh and I know where to find the sharp knives and a cutting board. The ease of public transportation. NO wait ... the bus drivers were on strike and the driving was terrible. Being so close to the river and starting to run again because there are tonnes of places that are close by and safe. Having a lap top computer which we can install with the programs we want and use. Picking up our phone and dialling friends and family. There are no extra numbers to dial, you can make yourselves comfortable or do something else at the same time and you can hear each other very clearly. Friends who change their plans to accomodate us. Talk about feeling special! Celebrating my birthday with a house full of people who know and love us.