It's been a while since I posted anything to this blog. Lots has happened since then. After a long year of teaching the children of American Samoa, I was afforded a three week break vacation in the states to visit all of my friends and family that I missed. It was a great trip.
First, I started in California where I spent some days in LA visiting friends Ariel, Cindy and I even got to see a NYC friend Liz. I also drove three hours north of LA to visit my Grandma Claire. I was able to see her last year before I left and I was again happy to see her. She was so great to me growing up that it feels nice to be able to spend time with her as an adult.
I then was off to the Northeast where I spent a couple days with my friend Sara and her fiance Brett. They live in a small town in New Hampshire. It was beautiful. I have always loved New England since my mother took me to Rhode Island for the summers when I was a kid and it still has the same attraction to me now. I also had the chance to go to Fenway Park in Boston for the very first time. Thanks to my AMAZING father, I had some pretty good seats. Too bad the Sox lost. But it was still a great experience. I also spent an evening with my friends Jay and Rick who took me to an awesome concert on the Boston Harbor. We saw Florence and the Machine. She was awesome!
Next stop, was New York City. I was able to see plenty of friends that I miss though there were still some that I wish I could have seen but schedules did not permit it. It also happened to be Pride Weekend in NYC which was fun to be at. Its too bad that I only had a weekend in the City, though after having visited for a couple days, I'm just not sure I could live there again. The highlight was being able to see my friends Kristi and Chris who had since moved back to Colorado. To be reunited with them, almost a year after witnessing the union of their love felt really special.
After friend time, came family time. And off to Columbus, Ohio I went. I spent the next 4 days with my brother Mike, his wife Gretchen and their three amazing kids. My nieces and nephew are the greatest children ever. I was so happy to be able to spend so much quality time with them. I took them to the park, the movies, the pool, the zoo and fun lunches at restaurants that I've missed too. It was a great time. I wish I could put them in my suitcases and take me wherever I go.
Lastly, I headed down to Florida to visit my parents and see some more friends. I love visiting my parents in Florida, which is funny because I absolutely hated living there. But now its nice to come home and relax. I feel a little bit guilty that at the age of 29 my parents still spoil me but what can ya do. I guess they just love me too much. I was also able to see my dear friend Steven and his boyfriend Michael. We went to one of West Palm Beach's trashy gay bars. EEK. A visit to florida isn't complete without a visit with the Noto clan which was great because there is a new addition this year.
After 3 weeks of traveling around the states, it was time to head back to American Samoa. First I had a night layover in Phoenix but then I was off. In total over 3 flights from Fort Lauderdale to Pago Pago, I spent 16 hours on a plane. SO NOT FUN.
I arrived back in Samoa on the evening of July 7 and that's when the real fun began. But I'll save that for another post.
XO
