The Crash to Come

This is day 11 of this trip. 4 days until we return home. I am the first one up today and I started reflecting forward. What it is going to be like to be back home for me. It will be challenging to go back to a quiet life after this camaraderie and shared purpose.

When I realized my trip to Iowa to receive my Distinguished Service Award from Luther College was shortly after I returned from Krakow, I thought it would difficult to turn around and get ready to travel again. Now I realize that getting ready for the car trip to Iowas will pull me out of the crash that is to come.

When I came back from the 10 days in Seattle, I was unprepared for the deep sense of loss I felt after having so much time WITH people. I am a profound introvert and have always needed time alone to recharge so I was expecting the same to be true after Seattle. But that was not the case. I am going to make sure I have a contact with the outside world planned for every day when I get back from Krakow.

The two women I am sharing the AirBnb with had not met (except on Zoom) prior to meeting up at Dulles. I knew both of them well and thought we would all get along and that has been the case. We have had many laughs. Doing laundry has led to many. Kay has a new rule. Never buy new underwear before a trip. As her laundry was new, she couldn’t tell what was hers versus others.

Yesterday evening, Mary asked if anyone had seen her pair of panties that were white with some black on it. Kay walked over and pulled the top of her pants down and said “like these”. We laughed so hard tears ran down our legs.

This morning Kay decided they had the same taste in panties. I do not think this will be the only adventure the 3 of us share.