Back home?

Yesterday I flew back to Canada. I think I encountered more wind from Hurricane Ike here than I did in Mexico - it was a rough landing and many people applauded the pilot. Hardened travelers like myself have been through turbulence before - we're 'too cool' to clap - but I have to admit that inside I was remembering recent plane crashes due to bad weather, and was glad when we were safely on the ground.

This morning I had an agenda - get my passport renewed. After getting the paperwork together I headed out to:

1. get passport picture taken


2. go to passport office


3. open and review mail while waiting my turn in the passport office


4. pick up parcels from Sears


5. go to bank


6. pick up parcels from post office


7. go for breakfast

I accomplished all of the above, and what was really amazing was that I did it all in 90 minutes door to door. I didn't stand in line for anything. Everyone I dealt with was efficient and friendly. There were no surprises.

I was thinking how much longer it would have taken to do the same errands in Mexico - partly due to the need to take the ferry to Cancun. Last week I did the most efficient trip possible to Cancun - and it still took 2 hrs door to door.

I feel very proud to be Canadian, and appreciate what my home country has to offer. I enjoy my time here, in small doses - but am ready to stop hopping planes. The ferry ride is more my speed now.