January 4
Coming home.
We had to wait a while to disembark this morning but then we got our baggage and proceeded through customs which was really easy. I had prepared a spreadsheet with our purchases and we thought we might need to show receipts or items, but no, they only asked about jewelry and the only thing that was of much value was the pearl necklace and bracelet, so I pointed that out on the spreadsheet, and he waved us through. I think they really are looking for the very expensive stuff.
We were met by a stretch limo (courtesy of Oceania because we were world cruise travelers), and the driver took us to the Hertz rental center where we got an SUV to go up to West Palm Beach to drop off some bags (we will be there in 2 weeks for an ICF Board meeting so it wasn’t worth taking that warm weather stuff home with us). The other 3 were sent by the luggage free service and will arrive in Philadelphia on Wednesday. We didn’t realize we were missing one until we got to the Hertz place. Thankfully Alper, the executive concierge on the ship, had it also shipped to us via luggage free and that one will get here on Thursday. That service was also provided by Oceania and I would highly recommend it. Because of this, we traveled home from Miami after 6 months with just carry on luggage. Amazing!
And now we are back home – it was an uneventful flight. And it is COLD here. I am well and truly spoiled – weather wise as well as now having to cook, clean and do laundry! I said (jokingly, I think) that the first time in a restaurant we would probably walk out without paying! Force of habit. I did go to Trader Joes to buy a few things and the line was the longest I have EVER seen, it wound all around the store! Ah yes, reality bites.
So, next January 6 – 2017, we will do our second world cruise. 180 days – this time traveling west through the Panama Canal and doing Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, New Zealand, and lots more. We will go back to some countries and add some new ones, lots to learn and explore. So now begins the planning and the countdown.
Stay tuned, we will keep this site online and add to it when we do our next world cruise (or perhaps before as we travel in 2016.)
As Henry Miller said: “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”
And Hans Christian Anderson: “To move, to breathe, to fly, to float, to gain all while you give, to roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.”
And we saw and learned so much. Thank you for traveling with us. And thanks to Oceania Insignia crew for being such a class act and making our travel so special.
Pat and Norm's World Cruises and other adventures 
We’re glad your return and re-entry went smoothly. Fabulous news about the reverse-direction world cruise.
Welcome home. xoxoxo
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Welcome home, Pat. It’s been such a thrill following your adventures. Thanks for taking us all along with you. ~Steve
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Dear Pat and Norm, hung on every single pix and posting. Loved YOUR joy d’ vie ( sp.?) and generosity in sharing. My sis presently loving Thailand where Eli and his wife Weena have experienced an incredible Thai wedding with traditions and family. Then off to Cambodia and she to Japan….. I have no regrets, but look forward to vicarious living through your past and future travels. Welcome home . love Sandy
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Welcome home! We have truly enjoyed your travelogue and learned so much about many places we undoubtedly will not have the chance to visit (the bucket list keeps getting longer!). Thank you for including us on your trip! We are glad you are home safely & hope it won’t take too long to adjust to “reality” — cold weather, grocery shopping (somehow not quite the same as the many markets you visited!), cooking, cleaning etc etc. Can’t wait for your western leg of around the world in 180 days!
Beth & Paul Luka
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Pat & Norm, It sounded like you had a marvelous time. Thank you so much for sharing you wonderful commentary. Made me feel like I was on the trip and learned so much. Looking forward to your future adventures. Happy New Year!!
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Welcome home world travelers. Find that because of your fascinating reporting we are as sorry to see this cruise come to an end as you two are!! Thank you so much for giving us a deckchair view of your exceptional adventure. And now there’s to be another??!!! Believe you me, we’ll all stay tuned.
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Yes. we are signed up for another 180 in January 2017, going the opposite direction! And I will blog from that one too!
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Pat and Norm, I am overflowing with gratitude to both of you for keeping this blog and enabling all of us to travel vicariously by your side(s). It’s been like an adventure travel log I couldn’t put down! Thank you for sharing your journeys, and welcome home – and looking forward to reading the sequel in 2017. 🙂
With love,
Leona (Brandwene)
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Welcome home, and thanks for all the effort you put into regular blog postings – I enjoyed the trip! And now I’m excited that I get to go on another one:)
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Welcome home! I see the travel bug is truly embedded. What a gift…to be able to see the world.
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It has been an adventure following your voyage! Thank you for sharing your experiences! and now to hear that you are planning phase two. So wonderful. Welcome home. Enjoy the comforts of home, your bed, your family. Looking forward to following the next journey..
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Welcome home
Thanks for sharing your amazing world cruise with us.
What an incredible adventure!
Jane xo
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