At the time of writing this, it was exactly two weeks ago that I was inbound to JFK from Istanbul via Madrid. Looking out the window on approach, I looked down and saw Long Island, and discerning the geography I could see the Great South Bay, and Fire Island, and, smirking, I thought, "Yes, there's home right there. Welcome back."
Being a citizen is nice - you can sail past the long lines of tourists at Homeland Security. Everyone in the States complains about Homeland Security, but I love them - they keep us safe (I was happy to be literally molested by a tall Spaniard in Madrid for the sake of everyone's safety), and every time I come back to the States they are always so friendly. Waiting in line for quite some time because of problems with the people before me, I approached the booth. The CBP guy looked tired.
"Rough day?" I asked, handing over my passport.
"Yeah, you know. Spanish people and all their different names. How are you?"
"Great. Happy to be back."
"Where have you been?" he asked.
"Oh, I've just come back from living in Istanbul for a year and a half," I replied.
"Did you like it?"
"Well, it was interesting, but let's just say I'm glad to be back," I said.
"Well, you're all set," he said, stamping my passport. "Welcome home." I always loved that, coming back through passport control: Welcome home.
Back at one-one-five (and that makes seven, you know!).
Wubba says "Welcome home, Kyle!"
Inviting, isn't it?When I had come back in December, I was upset that nothing had changed and everything was the same. This time, however, I was happy just for that reason - everything was the same, waiting for me, it seemed.
I haven't done much since being back - shuffling my things around in the attic, reading, writing, taking boat rides, swimming in Paula's pool, and cooking dinner. Haven't made it out to the Beach yet, but I made a visit down to Delaware to visit my father last week. It was hot, the corn was delicious, and although we didn't do much besides go to the beach, it was nice. Naturally, I missed Dad and Jeanne, so it was great to see them again. I also got to see and catch up with my best childhood friend Aaron, and that was great. It's nice when you haven't seen someone for years and then when you do see them, it's as if you saw them yesterday. I wish we had had more time to spend together.
On the way back to New York, I made a stopoff in New Jersey to visit my best friend Grace. We caught up on her back porch and went to a funky bar to meet up with some of her friends, who were quite fun. It was so great to see her again, and catching up with her and spending time together, I've never felt more at home. Thanks for everything, Grace.
My best friend.
I'm so happy to be back in New York. Things are slow and relaxed in our bubble at the end of Laurel St: the wind rustles in the pines, the melody of the windchimes slowly, strangely, and perfectly accompanies the rhythmic clacking of mast lines in the wind, and the water laps softly against the boats in the slips. It's better than Puerto Rico, here on our Northern islands. Hopefully I can finally get out to the Beach soon, but I'm in no hurry to leave here again.
We're all waiting for you here, amore!
Sit in the shade...
...and enjoy the view.
