We had a busy schedule of things to do and we feel like we have been away for a month. It is like having an amazing dream and on waking, finding out that you were only asleep for ten minutes. But then again, many of us already know that time is elastic and not the straight line we perceive it as being!
I will refer you to Mia’s Room for a flavour of what we got up to. Mia can capture the spirit of our holiday much better than I. And if you visit – do leave her a comment. The excitement when she gets a comment on her blog is pure joy echoing through the house.
For me, suffice to say that I love America. We in Europe (and particularly in Ireland) could learn a thing or two about service from our neighbours on the other side of the ocean. And once again I have returned wondering how the Irish got the reputation of being the friendliest nation on earth. My experience of America has always been that they, in fact, are far worthier than us of this particular accolade.
And so from the sunshine and palm trees and fantasy of Hollywood, we return to Ireland which seems to be reluctantly moving into autumn. And one of the great things about travelling abroad is that it provides us with fresh eyes coming home. And as our flight sank through huge layers of grey cloud at Dublin Airport, we were greeted with the greenery and the autumnal colours of the fields of North Dublin. It’s great to get away. And it is also wonderful to arrive back home. Home, to the unbridled joy of Dylan and the more subtle welcome from the four moggies. Home to where we can feel complete, to where we belong and to where our hearts are. And home to begin to dream about where we might be able to travel to next.
What do you think? Do like returning home after holidays?
great pic!freom mia
Depends on whether you enjoyed your holiday or not, Barbara A disappointing holiday and you can't wait to get home. However that does not seem to be the case with your US vacation. You all look as if you had a fabulous time.
Cute photo! Sounds like a great trip – it must have been so different to here?
When you return from a holiday that's when I know whether where I live is home or not. If i get that feeling you talk about and beam inside then it's great. If I don't then maybe the holiday was a little too good. 😉
Every time I return home, my heart sings when the plane desends from the clouds and I get my first glimpse of the patchwork quilt that is Ireland's landscape. As I step of the plane a sigh of comfort and ease escapes me regardless of the weather. All the tension I didn't even realise I was carrying is released. I am home. Then I have to go out to the baggage area and see if my suitcase arrived! Delighted to hear your trip was a dream!
Well first of all welcome back and thank goodness you are home! Cyber space just hasn't been the same without you. 🙂
I like holidays (to places that I haven't been before) as they ensure I stay in the 'now' and be 'aware' – everything is so unfamiliar that it keeps my senses alert and everything feels new and full of possibilities.
All those “first time” experiences when travelling, helps me to see my home more clearly (and with more appreciation) when I return to it too.
Great photo by the way, Marilyn and MJ look so real! Who are the other two filmstars with them? 😉
Hi Barbara,
Welcome home – glad you had such terrific holiday. After being in the States this year I have to agree about how friendly and polite they were especially to drivers. Never once was I beeped at, flashed at, no two fingers etc etc. and I am under no illusion it was because of my fantastically confident driving on the wrong side of the road!
The more hectic a holiday is the happier I am to be home – for those really laid back relaxing ones I could always squeeze just a couple more days out of it.
I think there's something lovely about coming home after a holiday. Much like the anticipation of going, it just feels right. The excitement before and the 'ahhhhhhhh' as you fall back into your own bed, kind of bookend the fabulous-ness in the middle. Glad you had a ball!
You know the bit in this post where I refer to Mia and how excited she gets when she gets a comment… I lied.. that was actually me i was referring to!! 7 comments! Thank you all!
Mia – photo is only great cos you and Roisin are the stars (as Susannah says)!
Nor – you right (as always??) – I remember that awful week in Malta last year when I couldn't wait to be home!
Niamh you always bring fresh perspective but glad you know that coming home feeling too… As do you Anne (snow – wow – but yep it is a bit early. AFter halloween at least!)
Maureen – your ideal holiday is probably a big sleep somewhere?????? Am I being mean?
HCM – 'bookending the fabulousness in the middle' – brilliant!!!
Yes Barbara of course you are being mean!!! I do not comment on your blog in order to get dog's abuse – my blogging days are over! (am I a blogger if I comment or do I have to have my own blog?)