Home Sweet Home

It is a long way home. Home is pretty much exactly on the complete other side of the planet. I almost could not have gone further or so it seems. I left for the airport before the crack of dawn around 5 am local time. My flight arrived in Moscow early so I relaxed in the airport and excitedly awaited to board my flight home.

This time around the transatlantic flight was relaxing. I knew that as soon as I landed and found my parents that there would be a Chipotle Fajita Burrito with a side of chips and guac AND a WaWa hoagie just waiting for me. Yes, I am a fat kid with a minor addiction to Mexican food – guacamole in particular.

Even though my flight landed at 6pm and after some 30 hours of traveling – I decided nothing was going to stop me from going out with my amazing friends in Philly that night. I should mention that I am extremely lucky to have such an amazing group of friends. Melissa, who lives in NYC, was leaving the next day for a family trip, and Sarah, from Chicago by way of DC, was supposed to fly home to Chicago the same day I got in. So to celebrate Eva’s birthday and my short return home, both changed their plans and made the trip to Philly for the night. It was SUCH a good night and one that still puts a smile on my face.

The rest of the week at home was pretty great. I got to see my entire family and spent lots of time with friends. It was a really great week and it went by so quickly. It almost felt like I wasn’t even home and that it was just a dream. I went from one completely different world to another and didn’t give myself really anytime for it to sink in before it was already time to head back. I left for Russia on January 1. That was a poor choice seeing as New Years Eve is December 31. Still, everything worked out and I was really glad to be able to have a much needed week at home. Also, on my way back to Tyumen, I stuck around Moscow for a few extra days which was just what I needed to ease me back into reality!