Back to the States

Day:22

Sadly, the cruise is over. In spite of rough seas, we reached Port Canaveral early. They fed us a nice breakfast before kicking us off the ship. Debarkation wasn't quite as smooth as embarkation, but it wasn't bad and we were on a bus back to Orlando within an hour.
I went to the Orlando Airport with the Hurley's, and we hung out for about an hour. After hugs all around (multiple ones for the kids) we parted ways, and I went in search of transportation to downtown Orlando. I had to wait over an hour, but I found cheap and nice transportation through Mears to my hotel. The hotel is ok, but does not live up to the standards I've come to expect from Sheraton. Oh well, it's just one night, I'll survive. I took time to get caught up with e-mail and blogging, and tried to check in with my family, but the connection was really bad.
I got a call from Matthew in Atlanta. Their airplane issues continue (for those of you who don't know, a couple years ago, Matthew & Jolene were on a plane that caught fire mid-air). They had a very turbulent flight. Matthew said it was the wildest ride he has ever experienced. He said at landing, it felt like the plane dropped out of the sky and slammed onto the runway. Why does everyone keep telling me I need to fly? The train is such a fun, relaxing experience.
Anyway, I promised to pray for them on the next leg of their trip from Atlanta to Sacramento, then driving from Sac to Susanville.
I decided to just order room service because I was so tired, so I tried calling, but no one answered. I tried back a few minutes later, nothing. I tried again, nothing. I finally gave up and went downstairs. I guy sitting behind the bar asked if he could help me as I walked by. I said I was looking for the restaurant. He said, "that's me" and led me to an empty restaurant. He seated me, took my order, brought salad & bread, cooked the meal, brought dessert, and bussed the table, and all the while, would run over to the bar and make drinks for people in there. Talk about multi-tasking! I did have to wonder why a big hotel chain like this only has one employee working the restaurant & bar.
I was so exhausted from a week of non-stop excitement, that I just vegged out in the room.

I'll be back on the train tomorrow headed for New York City, so I won't be able to post again until I get to Denver. Only 10 days of my trip left. I'm so glad I have a few days at home before returning to work. Traveling takes a lot out of you, but it's well worth it.
Be thankful, and express it!