Once again everyone, I'm sorry.
Unfortunately, through missing the date I set for this one, I have actually left Louisiana since my last blog, and seeing as I wanted to capture all of my emotions at the time, this kind of a fail.
Oh dear.
Nevertheless, I shall try anyway- I don't think anyone's going to read this, seeing as most people who read this now know I'm back home and have probably assumed I won't be posting any more blogs.
...
So I'm essentially talking to myself here.
HELLO JAMES
HI JAMES
HOW ARE YOU
GOOD THANKS, AND YOURSELF
OH, I'M ABOUT AS GOOD AS A DOG WITH A TENNIS BALL MADE OF BEEF JERKY
YOU'RE WEIRD JAMES
I KNOW
BUT THAT'S WHAT I LOVE ABOUT YOU
OOOH JAMES SENPAI <3
Ahem! *cough cough*
Sorry about that.... I got a bit carried away there... But out of interest, could whoever is reading this leave a comment? Just so I get an idea of.. Well... Numbers I guess... 'Cos I'm thinking of continuing this blog even though it would no longer be a travel blog; I'd just write about random stuff- whatever I feel like discussing.
Anyways, back on track.
So I left Louisiana at 14:15, and arrived back in Blighty at around 8:05am (GMT). The first flight from Shreveport to Dallas Fort Worth was pretty uneventful, apart from the flight attendant making jokes with some of the more jolly passengers, all of whom were weidling bottles of beer.
But the plane from Dallas Fort Worth to London Heathrow was very noteworthy. First of all, when I got to my gate, I began hearing British accents and seeing British passports- the first proper time for two months (apart from the lovely Scouse banker lady in Bossier, but Scouse accents sound almost as foreign as American accents!), which was the biggest I'M GOING HOME mental realization I got. Anyway, the flight. Upon arrival I started chatting to the lady sitting next to me, who was called Beth and, as far as I could tell, was from London. She actually initiated the conversation by warning me that she is a nervous flyer, had taken some Valium, and was likely to grab my hand during take off.... It was good of her to warn me I guess.
A little while later a younger girl (looked around 20) sat next on my left and immediately started crying (I don't smell that much do I?). I assume she was a nervous flyer and that's why she was crying, and I felt bad for her being somewhat nervous myself, but after a while I was like
So basically, I was sat in between two nervous flyers. Oh Goody.
Other than that, the flight went off without a hitch, and we landed safely in Heathrow. I was glad to be home but so, so knackered.
Getting off the plane, I went into the UK passport holder's queue, of which there were two: one for "ePassports" and the other for normal ones. It was only after about 20 mins queuing in the latter that I realized I had an ePassport, left the queue I was in, entered the ePassport one, and almost immediately got through.
...
Urgh
Then came the elation of seeing my Mum and Grandma waiting for me. It was so great to see them and then later, when he got back from work, my Dad, but I also had a certain odd feeling swirling around in me; I was home, after all of that, after two amazing months I was home. I saw the streets I knew so well, was in a right- hand car driving on the wrong side of the road again, and was with the people I love in the house I grew up in. It was almost as if nothing had changed... But it had. Although I am back into my normal routine, I have memories, I have a slightly different way of speaking, I have a greater understanding of American culture and life, and I have new friends who will last forever.
Through going to America; the land of the free, home of the hamburger, I have not only discovered more of the world, but more about myself. I not only have a greater understanding of the world, but a greater understanding of myself. And for that I'd like to thank everyone: both Rotary clubs, Rick Gates, Doug Seegers, Alistair Knox, Rick Holland, Zach, Patrick, Philip.... And of course, my super amazing, lovely, fantastic host family: Steve, Krista, Ross and Avery Piraino. Thank you guys so much for taking me in, and letting me get to know you, I am absolutely 100% better for the experience and would happily do it all again.
And with that, I'm going to end my last blog documenting my trip to Louisiana, USA. Thanks to every one who read it! As I said earlier, I may occasionally blog about other things if I feel so inclined, but as far as where I actually have something worthwhile to report on- this is the last!
Thanks again, everyone!
Jya ne
James x
