...to bid adieu to this island we love to think of as our 'home away from home' and I know many reading this know exactly what I'm saying and why. The end to another wonderful trip is almost here and the emotions are very mixed. I mean, when it's time to go home it's time to go, and the anticipations of travel day loom before you with all that sometimes implies but hopefully, this will be a good one.
It's been a wonderful 17 days in paradise - we ate too much; we had way too much fun though I did save plenty still to be had by those we're leaving behind and those soon to arrive; we did a lot of the things on my personal bucket list and enjoyed an incredible number of 'firsts' for someone who's been coming here all these many years; but it really is time to go home. The luggage is packed and ready and the unit looks so bare with all of our personal items stowed away until another time......
It was fun meeting new faces and making new discoveries across the island, and as always, it was wonderful to touch base again with friends and aquaintances from past visits.
And it's been interesting to talk with people who live here and see so many all atwitter with anticipation regarding the swinging bridge span's imminant arrival. It's really been all they've talked about - well after Jouvet and Carnival, that is..... And for those filled with mixed feelings about it, I do hope it goes well for everyone and does whatever good it was intended to do, because we all know the Simpson and Cole Bay areas really do need help with their traffic issues. I truly wish we could see the 'big boat' making the journey through the passage way and into the lagoon and at the same time, I'm glad I won't have to deal with the potential havoc and inconveniences a two hour (possibly longer, if at all today?) bridge opening might create. And if we're very, very lucky, perhaps we'll even catch a glimpse of the big event from high up as we depart the Friendly Island.
So as I've sat here I've been able to catch one last sun-rise over the far hills - not a gorgeous one - but certainly nicer than yesterday, and as I went out on the balcony and reflected on the view from there I couldn't help but notice the water in the lagoon is like a mirror this morning, so I hope that's a good omen for the days activities. And Saba, much as she's been for this trip, is still mostly lost to us and thoroughly ensconced in the cloudy haze that so often surrounds her.
But the good news is, the clouds will clear and Saba? She'll be back, and I know for a fact, if the Good Lord's willing, so will we. My countdown clock is already ticking away the days till we get to return and now I look forward to the travel hours ahead and seeing my family at the end of this day.
So as the sun streams into our condo and the sounds of the birds chirping away lingers on the air, I thank you all for taking the trip with us, and I thank you, too, for your kind words as you've read along and shared our experiences, such as they've been.
And now, as I prepare to shut down and pack up my trusty little netbook, I toss the job of keeping the island alive in all our minds to those who come behind me. <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" /> <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/handshake.gif" alt="" />
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