Home Time

It’s been a month today since we left China. Or should I say tried to leave China (not by choice of course- who wants to stop vacationing?)

I do believe I posted a really dramatic status update on facebook about flames shooting from the engine of our plane… that was not a prank. I did indeed see flames. Four to be exact.

We arrived at the airport about four hours early making sure we didn’t miss our flight. I was so happy to be on my way home. It had been a long two months. The last week was definitely the longest with Braeden being burnt and slowly developing an infection and fever. He jumped through a burning ring of fire in Cambodia and didn’t quite make it. We were really worried about his health and were anxious to get back to Canada where the health care is reliable.

The take off was smooth sailing. While gaining altitude that is when things went south- flames, flames, and more flames came shooting from the engine right beside me. I didn’t think it was normal but chose to assume it was. I closed my shutter and waited for the tvs to boot up. Instead the pilot came on the speakers announcing we were turning around. His reason—there was a little trouble with one engine—both were working fine but he wanted a mechanic to look at it. He was a little too casual which made me know something was up. Sure enough dozens of flashing lights were waiting for us on the runway.

A day we were so excited for turned into a total nightmare. For the next three hours we waited, waited, and waited some more.

I must say—Air Canada did have their act together. They rounded us all up and transported us to a hotel. We then got three free meals, cable, and a ride back to the airport. On the plus side, we stayed at the nicest hotel all trip. I watched True Blood. How fun.

Despite the drama it was nice to be taken care of and have a nice night of relaxation. One of our stays a few nights before was at a hooker hotel—but that is another story. We also got a flight voucher from Air Canada so I guess a little more travel is on the horizon. But for now we have settled back into our home lives.

I am so thankful for this trip. I had no expectations going in. A little fear, but really no concerns. China is definitely a place for the more adventurous traveler. You can go days without seeing a Westerner or speak English to anyone. It can be frustrating, but I had my brother. He was a great travel partner and I couldn’t imagine taking this trip and sharing the experience with anyone else.

Now that we’re home we barely see each other. Now isn’t that love.