5,000 miles

After my big move, I went on a big trip. I traveled internationally, about 5,000 miles. It was planned last year, long before I knew I was going to be moving. It was a special (and non-refundable) trip with my mom and sisters.

I'll be honest. It wasn't ideal timing for me. It was challenging to plan for a trip so close to moving. I decided to pack for the trip first. I loaded my suitcase with clothes and necessities. Then I finished packing up my house. 

By the time I was on my trip, that suitcase had been packed for a month. I had no idea what I'd packed. It was fine though. I remembered to pack a coat. And enough socks. And books to read.

The trip was great. I had a lot of anxiety leading up to it, but I figured I'd be fine once I was on the trip and couldn't do anything about anything. A true break from everything for two weeks, even if it wasn't exactly the best timing. But I did it, and thankfully that was the case--I was fine once I was on the trip. I had a great time, ate good food, and enjoyed the scenery.

It was a once in a lifetime experience. I don't usually take big trips like that. It was special.

But I've got to tell you the best part... I got to meet up with Elaine!

There were a couple days when I was somewhat close to her. She happened to be available and willing to travel to see me. I didn't have any set plans on Saturday and we were was able to meet up. It was so wonderful!!

We have been pen pals for years. We have even taken part in small group virtual meetups together. But it was the first time we had met in real life. And it was just like seeing an old friend. Because it was.

And after a stressful move (aren't they all stressful) and an international trip, Elaine was my lighthouse. Meeting her felt instantly familiar. She was so calm. Our lengthy conversation was so varied and interesting. Spending time with Elaine was the break in the storm that I so greatly loved and appreciated.

Connection is important. Feeling understood and striving to understand others is invaluable. It's like I've told so many patients over the years, "We don't heal in a vacuum." We need each other.

Elaine met me at my hotel. We planned to walk until we found a quiet place where we could eat a snack or even have dinner. We found this casual but elegant spot pretty quickly.

We started with hot tea. I got peppermint with honey.

Then we had salad. I had been eating heavy food for a week and craved something crisp and fresh. This salad was incredible! It had Lamb's lettuce, chicory, braised Hokkaido pumpkin, wasabi mayonnaise, hardboiled egg, chives, caramelized walnuts, and ricotta-fig dressing.

Other food I had while traveling included raclette on baguette and a fondue dinner.

This picture shows the server using a knife to scrape the melted top of the bottom half of the raclette cheese wheel. This melted cheese was immediately spread onto a baguette and topped with onion, pepper, and paprika.

I present the amazing creation that is raclette on baguette. 

Another time I got a baguette filled with fondue cheese. I wondered how I was going to eat it all. Then I ate it all. It was not a problem haha. :)

One night we had a fondue dinner. I was surprised there was no meat. I don't know why. I often eat a meal of just vegetables and/or starches and cheese. But I was surprised. We ate the fondue cheese with bread, potatoes, pickles, and pearl onions. Well, I think they were pearl onions.

There were many more meals. There were so many sights to see. I was so happy that my mom, sisters, and I were all healthy and able to take this trip together. And they were excited for me that I got to see a friend on the trip. 

I'm back home now. Well, my new home. It doesn't feel like home yet. I just started living here. But I like it. And it will be my home, at least for the next 11 months. I bought a couch today. Home is where the couch is, right? 

Quite honestly, I'm looking forward to what people call the grind. I look forward to going to work and coming home. I look forward to having routines. I look forward to working hard and paying my bills. I've always done that, but now I'm looking forward to it. I like my job a lot.

But right before this next chapter of my life starts, I got to take an awesome trip. I got to spend time with my mom and sisters. And I got to meet up with Elaine!!

Amazing. I didn't see any of that coming when I was deep in grief ten years ago.