A Break from Sailing
16 June 2006 | Los Angeles
Julie
While the roller furler was being repaired in Cairns, I flew home to spend ten days with family and friends. I hadn?? t been home in more than 1 � years, but was pleasantly surprised that not much had changed. When I saw my family and friends, it was like a day hadn?? t passed. With the exception of my nephew Cole and niece Cali who were both twice as big as the last time I had seen them. I was delighted, however, when they ran up to me and called me Aunt Julie. I was fearing they may have forgotten who I was!
I had a wonderful visit, spending time between mom and dad?? s house in Huntington Harbor and Deni?? s house in Manhattan Beach. We had family day at the beach followed by a fun sushi dinner at Octopus with Nik, Dave, Deni and Ray. I played in the pool with the kids and went running on the Strand. I had lunches and dinners with friends and Deni had a little party on Friday night which was great fun. I had dinner with the Mays?? on Saturday night and a goodbye dinner at Manhattan Beach Brewing Company with the family, Ray and Mikey. As you may have gathered, I spent a great deal of my time eating! I will say that American food is something I do miss. While we eat quite well out here, there is something about Peet?? s Coffee and a Noah?? s bagel or Wahoo?? s Fish Tacos that you just can?? t match.
Being at home made me realize how much I miss my family and friends, which I think I may have taken for granted in the past. Although it was pretty hard to say goodbye, I flew back feeling rejuvenated and excited about the second half of our trip and the adventures ahead. And of course to arriving home safely in about a year from now.