We made our way home to Bellingham via Amsterdam and Chicago. Long but comfortable flight – plenty of room as the planes were not packed full. Due to scheduling changes before we left; we stayed the night in Amsterdam prior to our return home, and then stayged the night in the Chicago/O’Hare area before our early morning flight to WA. This way we were able to get some “rest” before landing in Bellingham where our personal Uber driver (daughter) picked us up.
Staying in an apartment in Fairhaven (friend of a friend) and trying to walk everywhere. We have the use of our daughter, Keri’s vehicle (we drop off & pick up for her work) so that is a much appreciated convenience! Thankfully she has been available to get together with us often.
We’ve managed to take care of some paperwork issues and have set up doctor check-ups and Covid vaccination. Andy is done – J&J shot; I have my last Moderna at the end of the month, so will visit with family after I am finally “baked”.
Have been pleasantly surprised to see that almost everyone is masking up and socially distancing (we’ve been told that Bellingham has been following guidleines). Also, during our walks if we see others they are friendly and say hello – something we experienced when we first moved to Bellingham 25+ years ago.
Managed to get paperwork started for background checks (FBI and State), confirmation of income from local SSA, birth certificates (notarized), pulled paperwork from safe deposit box; so it’s hurry up and wait. In the meantime we’ve seen (or will see) our doctors for well check-ups; have lab work done as needed; get shingles vaccines; replace worn-out garments; visits with friends – so definitely keeping busy. There are some friends who we were not able to see but hopefully we can catch up with them next time, or better yet, they can come visit us in Ecuador!
A lot of our “free time” has been spent re-exploring Bellingham and we have been able to walk through the local parks and along the waterfront. It is definitely located in beautiful country. Mountains, rivers, lakes, beaches, islands…gorgeous! And our timing for the flowers is almost perfect. (Sharing several days worth of sunsets and clouds too.) ☺
We have managed to book our flights to visit Christopher in Las Vegas, Jill & Alan in Seaside, and Brady in Auburn. Our flight to Ecuador has been arranged as well as our temporary stay in Quito (there for five days). We have a place in Cuenca for a month – we want to explore the options before committing to one place for long term / extended stay.
Las Vegas = HOT!!🥵
109 to 117 degrees during the day and there was a “breeze” similar to when you open an oven. Too hot to walk much during the day unless you are inside one of the many casinos or malls. Thankfully we didn’t come to gamble, rather to spend time with Christopher. He modified his plans to accommodate us and Keri who joined us for our visit. Lots of great food was eaten, Christopher made us pastitsio, which was delicious; took us to unique spots for brunch/lunch/dinner; and was a great host. Hung out by the pool at his place, played video games and cards, met his friend, Monica, and enjoyed his company. Hopefully he will come visit with us next time.
Seaside was substantially cooler than Vegas and we enjoyed spending time with Jill and Alan. Nice dinners and picnics after walks by the coast. Got to meet up with Suzi one evening which was great. Found a wonderful Hispanic market with incredible produce and meat department (we’d be shopping there regularly!). Something to look forward to when next we visit.
Auburn – a return to heat (upper 90’s) and time spent with Brady. Had a really nice visit and got to see her new home. She has a wonderful sense of style and her place was comfortable and tasteful. Loved the time there and her too.
Lastly, we have spent two days in San Francisco. Revisiting old haunts, walking way too much, and exploring what’s new. Much has changed since we first were here (cannot believe we were here originally 40+ years ago!!) but some things are still the same-Viking Subs, Yuet Lee, Cafe Trieste, etc. main change there are the prices. Walked through Cow Hollow, the Marina, North Beach, Japan Town, the Mission District, China Town, Polk Street, etc. Took the bus today (which cut our walk down by 2 miles each way) so we only covered 9.5 miles. Tired feet and we need to pack and prepare for the first leg of our trip to Ecuador which begins tomorrow.
Will start again once we have settled in Cuenca.
brauner abroad 