41.5706° N, 83.6525° W, EST

Home at last! It was a pretty easy journey back. We didn't run into any problems until we came into the States at which point our flight was delayed half an hour and our gate was changed three times. Not really a big deal. Good old America. Actually, I was quite happy to land back on American soil, where I knew all I talked to would speak the same language and even more exciting was getting to the Midwest. The flight to Detroit from Chicago was full of people who actually knew where Toledo was. You see, when we were abroad, there was a hierarchy of answers when people asked where we from: first, "the States", then "Ohio" if there was further looks of inquiry, then if people were reaaally interested, we told them Toledo. Most of the time we were stopped at "is Ohio near New York City?"

Anyway, entering back into the US requires a lot of work compared to say, Ireland, where they greet you with: "Have fun! Here are some places you should visit!". There are forms to fill out, lines, people who ask you questions, and, if you're lucky enough, you get selected for a random search! I did. So they took my stuff and searched it and patted me down twice. They also said, "Ma'am, I'm going to need you to turn around so I can check your hair". Uh, ok. I guess there could be something hiding in my bun. They probably just wanted to see if I'd washed my hair (and I hadn't because when I went to take a shower, both showers were cold, even after I let the water run. I said absolutely not, I refuse to take a cold shower again, perhaps to the detriment of my fellow plane passengers).

On our last night in Ireland we ended up doing more than going to Burger King. We were sitting in our room when we heard live Irish music next door and I got very excited. I love Irish music. We put some pants on and walked next door where we picked a seat in the low ceilinged pub lit with string lights and  crowded with people clapping and having a good time. So we clap too, and I sing along because I know a lot of the songs and then they bring Irish dancers out! I swear, the Irish talk almost as fast as they can tap. And, well, we can't sit in an Irish pub listening to Irish music without a Guinness now can we? No, that is a transgression against my heritage. A pint of Guinness was ordered, a few toasts were made, and you know what? Guinness really does taste better in Ireland.

Many, many thanks to everyone who has been following my blog, sending me comments, looking at my pictures, etc. I love that you were all able to come with me! For the people who have gone before, thanks for tips on where to go, what to eat, what to see, and directions to get there. Thank you, Inbar, for prepping me and giving me some language skills and telling me how not to die, to Hannah for lending me things and telling me what it would be like to backpack. Farrells, you'd better be ready to plan that family trip to Ireland. To Mom and Dad and Mr. and Mrs. Horen for letting us go. I'll chip in for a dye job to cover those new gray hairs you probably grew...And to Taylor. We finally did it :)