I always feel a sense of ‘what just happened?’ when I’m ready for take off after a trip that was long awaited and is now over … like so much else in life. Including I imagine, life itself. No matter how wonderful a time was had, it will be a relief to come home. To get my passport stamped. To speak and be understood. To know I can find my way all by myself if I get lost. So I’m happy. But I’m also sad to leave my friend. Because I’ll miss her all over again.