October Break in the States :)

I don't know if it's just a Venezuelan thing, but we get an October Break from school. What a great idea! I had to go back to the States to get my work visa so the school paid for my round trip home so it worked out well. 

I got into Columbus late Saturday night after a long day of travel. The first meal I had when I got back into the US… PB and J. It was amazing. On Sunday, the family, along with Courtney and Abby and I, went apple picking. It was so cold! I was not prepared for it and I did not enjoy it. But apple picking is always fun. I had so much delicious, hot apple cider and fresh cooked kettle corn.

Then Sunday night we took a picnic to a local brewery. It was totally my kind of night. The property was beautiful, the beer was okay, and the company was great. 

I only stayed in Columbus until Wednesday so the rest of the days were filled with visiting family, shopping, eating good food, and getting my hair done by Sunshine of course. (Yes, I fly over 2,000 miles to get my hair did)

On Wednesday night I flew to meet Lane and go to Philadelphia. We didn't get in until midnight so we stayed in the city. Then went exploring downtown on Thursday. I got to see almost all of the "touristy" sites except for the Rocky steps (I had to save something for next time). Saw Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell and went to this cool market thing. I met the parents briefly, then we had date night and went out to dinner in Lambertville, NJ.

Friday Lane showed me around his hometown: the “borough” called Bryn Athyn. It is a really small town. It's nice. Quaint. But I do not think I could live somewhere where everyone knows everyone. By the end of the weekend, even I was recognizing people. During my tour, we walked around the three castles and got to go up to the top of the Cathedral. It was really beautiful especially with all the leaves changing. It was a nice breathe of fresh air compared to the city.

Cathedral

                     

Castles

Friday night was Lane's class reunion so we went to that. It was really informal and just at someone's house. It wasn't that bad, but after being there for about an hour, I decided that I am not going to go to my class reunion. The post-party was at “The Club” which is a crappy bar in a random house. We should have skipped that part because we stayed out too late.

Saturday we had lots of obligations including standing at a really cold football game and visiting more friends. Let's just say it wasn't my favorite part of my vacation. But Saturday night we got dressed up to go to the party at the castle. It was a lot of fun. I think everyone from the whole borough was there. There was free wine and live music and dancing so I had a great time. But somehow we again ended up at “The Club” until late, again a mistake.

Sunday was Family Funday. We went lunch and then to a corn maze. At the corn maze, we separated into four teams: Lane and I, his parents, his twin brothers, and his oldest brother and his girlfriend. Lane and I lost. We were stuck in that maze forever and by the time we got out over an hour and a half later we still didn't have all of the puzzle pieces. Then that night we watched the Eagles football game. It was pretty fun. His family kind of reminds me of mine. And Lane got permission to stay an extra day so I was really happy.

We spent Monday shopping and making sure I got everything I needed to take back to Caracas with me. But then there was drama. I did not get my visa like I was supposed to. And actually Monday was Columbus day so the consulate wasn't even open. I do not think my superintendent even thought of that being an issue. Lane left and I was stressed because I was going to miss my flight and my school was not offering any advice. Finally at 11 pm on Monday I was able to get ahold of my principal who confirmed that I should change my flight.

Everything ended up working out for the best. I got my visa early on Tuesday but the next flight back to Caracas wasn't until Friday. So instead of staying with Lane's brother until then, I was able to go to Jax Beach because it was so much cheaper. And I got to stay until Saturday because it was even cheaper than Friday.

Oh how I missed the beach. I was so happy to be back in the Sunshine state and on my beach. I got to meet up with most of my friends and stopped by my old school to visit some students. One night Lane and I went to the Garth Brooks concert which made it even more amazing! After all of the visa stress, it was worth it to get an extra week of vacation in Florida.

I got back to Caracas on a Saturday afternoon, after two weeks in the States. I was welcomed back by rain and traffic. Let's just say I was not very excited to be back.