Well, that’s it! The dream is over and I’m back to the nitty- gritty of real life.
I know, and appreciate that many of you have been following me on my journey in Arizona, here and on Facebook where I’ve posted quite a bit about my adventures. And I had to laugh as a few of you made comment to me on Facebook (you know who you are), about wanting to know about my travel day home and if it would become a new adventure I may have to write a new travel book about, lol.
Those comments were in reference to my last book, Have Bags, Will Travel, where I share quite a few of my travel escapes and my returns home going through Canada Customs with ongoing issues with overweight luggage. So, although I don’t think I’m going to write another book yet about this trip, I’m going to describe the dreaded travel day home here, and how I made it home safely.
You all know that I’m a huge believer in the universe and angels, so the first thing I do before traveling, is surround my thoughts with pink light for safety, and push away any scary thoughts of bad things that could happen while traveling. Besides this, I’m always armed with angels. Besides the fact that I know they are always surrounding me (I feel them), I have angel pins, dolls, and coins that I keep with me at all times, especially when traveling.
My most recent purchase while away at the angel store I found was a new pin called, ‘Angel on my shoulder’, which I pinned, naturally, to the top I was wearing, and an angel watching over me coin I bought at The Chapel of the Holy Cross in Sedona, which I keep in my wallet. I truly believe I need all the help I can get while traveling.
So alas, it was nearing the time to leave. I did my airport checkin the night before we left, checked the weather back home (no precipitation expected), finished my two day venture of packing, and went out for our last dinner in Scottsdale with our friends.
The next morning we got up early. Our flight was to leave at 1:45 PM, but we first had to return the rental car to a different area near the airport, and we wanted to leave plenty of time for getting lost and taking wrong exits, which of course happened.
We hired a bellboy from the next door hotel to take our many bags down the narrow 2 flights of stairs from our condo – a brilliant idea my husband came up with after we nearly put our backs out when we first came, lifting 4 – 50 pound bags plus 2 overweight carryons and a computer bag up them upon our arrival. We were also relieved that the new suitcase we’d purchased on the trip was already filled to capacity and sent home earlier with my step-daughter to save us a fifth bag to lug, and extra baggage fees.
After losing half an hour due to taking wrong exits again at the airport, we proceeded to drop off the car. We then unloaded the car onto 2 carry carts, strolled through to the elevators as we struggled to get them into and off the elevators to the shuttle bus which would take us back to the terminal.
Yes, of course the bags had to come off the carts again and get loaded and unloaded on and off the shuttle bus, back onto new carts for checkin. Thankfully for a couple of tips both ways, the bus driver did the loading and unloading in the already hot desert sun.
We proceeded to checkin, only to find out that our flight was delayed 3 hours due to mechanical errors with the plane. I wanted to kick myself for not checking online for delays before we left, but we weren’t about to leave and start the procedure over again, so we checked in.
While the Westjet agent was telling me about the delay and offering us each food vouchers because of the delay, my husband was eagerly putting the bags on the luggage weigh scale to speed up the process. Gratefully, I didn’t pay attention to the conversation going on between him and the agent weighing the luggage, or I would have been mortified to find that 2 of our bags were almost 10 pounds over weight, thanks to my trusted portable scale I always travel with that decided to read off bizarre numbers and malfunction when I wanted to make sure we were within the limits before leaving and I just threw up my hands in surrender and said, ‘It will be what it will be”.
The agent had mercy on us and didn’t charge us extra. I guess he figured we had enough to contend with on viewing our cart full of carryon luggage we had to tow with us for the next 5 hours.
We were lucky that security let us keep the cart holding all of our carryon things after being radiated and body searched once again and having to practically redress ourselves and get everything off the security belt and back on the cart.
As we waited and loaded up with food and water with our vouchers, it seemed Westjet had a few other delays in the gates next to us, and inevitably a totally cancelled flight for some of those waiting for their delayed plane. We were grateful that our plane finally came in and took us home after waiting another half an hour to take off, some frightening turbulence we experienced for more than half the flight home, then another half an hour wait on the tarmac once we landed in Toronto, before they’d let us off.
We were originally to land home about 7:30PM, and by the time we walked what seemed about 2 1/2 miles from the airplane to customs with our bags in tow, it was half hour to midnight. I still can’t understand why every single time I return FROM ANYWHERE, be it, Arizona, Florida, Las Vegas, on Air Canada or Westjet, we are always the furthest gate from customs.
Now my anxiety was heightened. Being that it was late, there were hardly any other people in customs other than our plane load. The customs agents would either be hungry for interrogations, or merciful because of how late it was and knowing we came from a delayed flight. I scanned the booths for potential agents I may choose to stand in their line to pass. There were too many women agents working that night, and that scared me. Women agents, for some reason could sense my shopping addiction.
Someone directed us to the customs kiosk where we electronically enter our declaration forms and passports. I’m usually scared of those things because you wait in line for a free kiosk, still have to pass through a customs agent and hand him the printout, and then I’m usually sent on to another agent at the booth lineup anyway for further questioning.
I handed him our declaration, he took it, looked me up and down, didn’t utter one word, and told me to go ahead.
As I continued to walk in hopes of not being stopped again on my path to the baggage pickup, I thanked my angels for getting me home safe and asked them to just please let all my bags be there, and get me the heck out of the airport without being stopped.
As I approached the baggage belt, I did a mental count of all of our carryon items, and a sick feeling of nausea came over me when I discovered that my computer bag was missing. My computer bag with my newest laptop that just finished being paid for on a payment plan, with the journal of the second half of MY HAND WRITTEN newest book I’m writing, NOT YET ENTERED INTO THE COMPUTER was missing! I almost choked.
There was no time to reprimand my husband for leaving the bag on the plane. And I knew I had to be the one to find this bag. First I panicked not knowing how to go about getting this bag and freaking out that it was lost forever.
I began running back to customs with intentions of doing an Olympic run back through the 2 1/2 mile journey to the airplane. Once I arrived back at the custom gate, an officer stopped me and asked what the problem was. I told her my dilemma, and she rerouted me over to the Westjet booth back in the baggage area. The 3 minutes I waited until the woman finished dealing with another customer felt like an eternity. I wondered if the plane had left, the plane was being cleaned and my computer would be kept by some dishonest person, or if it was even noticed still in the overhead.
Finally, it was my turn. I explained my situation to the kind woman who immediately calmed my nerves, picked up the phone and called the plane. Before she could even ask about the bag, someone was telling her that a computer bag had been left there. She got off the phone and told me to go back to waiting for my bags and it would be brought down in a few minutes.
Not 10 minutes had passed and the woman found me at the baggage carousel and brought me my computer bag all in tact. I told her she was an angel and hugged her.
Within minutes ALL of our bags had arrived safely down the luggage chute and we once again loaded a cart with all of our belongings. After the day I had, I prayed the angels just let us pass through the final exit point when handing in our customs card, and we did.
We waited our turn in line for a limo van, yes, I said van because of all of our luggage. The air was cold and biting, but my skin still retained the desert sun in my tanned body and kept me warm.
We finally arrived home in what felt like a very strange environment, like a place where I used to live. But my bed felt very familiar.
DGKaye©2016
DGKayewriter.com 
oh no what a nightmare but at least you are safely home again. Why do airports always seem to give some trouble. When we travelled to disney world we had to all go up onto the roof of a building for a hand to hand luggage search, my Mam gave me a sleeping pill when we got on the plane so I would sleep the ten hours it took to get to Florida.
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Wow Adele, I’ve never heard of that nonsense – up on a roof? Will the madness ever end? 🙂
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probably not, think it will get worse now with the situation in the Syria.
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You look so svelte here – not overweight like your bags. Your travelogue is always a hoot and a holler. Nice to be in that comfy bed though that you’ll warm from the desert sun – right?
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Very true Marian. And thanks for the compliment. But honestly, if not for the bed, everything else I love is in Arizona. And to top it off, and for all my efforts being an ‘expert’ traveller, I caught a flu last night, no doubt from the people hacking around me at the airport and on the plane. When I watched the news there they said Arizona was having the highest flu epidemic in the whole U.S. Naturally I had to be a part of it, lol. 🙂
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“Like a place where I used to live… ” I like that. But the bed felt comfortable… Reading your blog reminds me why I travel like I do, although I can’t manage this for more than three weeks. Two bags. Both carry-on. One is my roomy computer case including all my purse stuff. One workshop outfit w/ an extra top for the second day. One beach outfit with a big hat. One travel and whatever outfit. Pajamas. Small gifts for people I’ll visit. Life feels simple this way and, usually, I have things I didn’t need to bring.
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Elaine you got it right. I need to learn this. I think I’ve learned some new strategies once again after this return. Of course I had too much stuff. But I didn’t know what to expect weather-wise, and packed for 2 seasons . . .winter and summer. I’ll get it right one day. 🙂
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You hired another hotel’s bellboy? Hilarious. You left your computer bag on the plane? Horrifying! And all in one post in your imitable style. Your travels never fail to intrigue your readers. Nicely done.
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Lol Deb, yes, wasn’t that a brilliant idea to pay someone 10 bucks and let them schlepp bags down stairways and lift into the car. When you’re travelling with me, you have to be creative, lol.
Every time we get home from a trip, I’m hounded by hub that ‘next time’ we’re not taking all that luggage . . . Ya Right! LOL 🙂
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He can dream, can’t he?
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But of course! 🙂
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Oh no, Debby. You’ll have to add another chapter to your book! You have the craziest travel experiences. They’re funny to read, but probably not so much fun to live through. Welcome home.
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Lol Diana. I know I’m a victim of circumstance when it comes to travelling. And no matter how hard I try or plan, there just never seems to be enough space in my luggage upon my returns, lol. 🙂
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Oh the joys of travel. Glad you’re finally home with all your luggage and goodies.
I almost forgot my laptop in China in the x-ray basket. I know what you went through. ❤
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Thanks Tess for the warm welcome. Yes, losing a computer is one of the top frightening things on the list while travelling. 🙂
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Have two left feet, but my heart knows the Watusi.
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🙂 ❤
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Oh my, you must have been in panic mode when you discovered your computer was missing. I laughed when i saw the photo of your carry-on baggage. Your post was precious.
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Lol Carol, I know, I almost felt embarrassed to show all those bags. Good you didn’t see how much checked luggage went on before, lol. But when I noticed the computer missing, I thought I swallowed my heart. I don’t remember panicking like that over anything before. I got home and finally got caught up on Friday, reading start start a productive work week, and Friday night The Arizona Flu hit me hard. I’ve been in bed since Friday night with fever and aching bones, even my skin hurts. So today I thought I might be able to sit up for an hour and read blog comments. 🙂
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Glad you were reunited with your luggage and your laptop. What a nightmare.
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It truly was Marje, thanks. Now I’m stuck in bed for the last 3 days with the Arizona flu 😦
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Oh that’s wretched, take care hope you are fighting fit soon.
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Thanks Marje. 🙂
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The long and winding road…
I guess it is the price of a good vacation… not that expensive after all…
Love your photographs, Debbie— You are a beautiful woman.
Happy week… best wishes. Aquileana ?
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Aww shucks Aq, thank your for visiting and always leaving your kind words and compliments too! And true, along with the good, a little bad is bound to show up. 🙂 xo
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No wonder there is a well documented spike in heart attacks when people go on vacation. I would have already have had one if that had been my laptop bag. Welcome home to a relaxing work week.
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No kidding Malcolm! Any writer knows the devastation we’d experience over a lost our computer bag. And I was doing fine catching up until Arizona chose to leave me a gift . . .the Arizona flu, which took over my body since Friday. Downright delirious, with not one bone without an ache. I’m just passing by trying to sit up for a few moments to answer comments, then it’s back to bed. 😦
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Just reading your account made me anxious, Debby. Welcome back. Now I’m happy I never let my computer bag off my sight.
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Thanks Olga. And I never will again! Lol. 🙂
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An amazing read for us, Debby, but oh! what a nightmare for you. So very pleased to hear you got your computer and its bag back. I know exactly how you felt having once done the same thing. Welcome back Home. It will soon be Spring ?
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Thank you Hugh. And glad I could entertain ,lol. Yes it seems that spring is pushing through here, but unfortunately I’m very ill right now with the Arizona flu, a lovely parting gift. This is my first time on the computer in 3 days, it’s painful to sit. But the rest is good, lol. 🙂
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Oh no! Well, wishing you a speedy recovery, Debby.
Take care
xx
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Thanks Hugh ❤
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;-( Hope you feel better soon!
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Thanks Marian. I could sit up for more than an hour today, yay! 🙂
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A nightmare like that could only happen to you! Glad you got home safe and sound, even if it was later and much of a hassle. The best thing about coming home is always your own bed and shower. There’s nothing like it. Hope you and hubby continue to feel better. Hugs.
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Thanks a lot Michelle. Those who’ve read my last book wouldn’t expect less from me, lol. 🙂
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That’s right!
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🙂
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Oh Debby, I’m catching up with your journey home here although as you know I’ve been keeping an eye on your over on Facebook 🙂 (And I hope you’re feeling much better now, I was so sorry to hear you had that awful flu, it can really take it out of you. I used to get horrible sinus infections everytime I flew between Los Angeles and Heathrow in London, those long haul flights never got any easier..). I carry those portable scales too, always sweating it that they are accurate! And those angels, oh I’m so with you. I hate flying, I get so nervous, and the only thing that keeps me calm is prayers for angels to keep me/us safe. Your guardian angel was certainly looking out for you, not only in keeping you safe (and I can’t stand turbulence either), but also in finding your computer bag. I had my heart in my mouth reading that…phew! What a scare, nightmare. It must have been so strange returning. I used to find that even after 4 weeks or so. You look amazing btw…great photos, loving those angel wings! 🙂 I know you miss Arizona so much, but I will say this: Welcome home my friend… 🙂 xoxo
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Thanks for your well wishes Sherri, and for following my journey. It’s always nice to look back in retrospect and even with our troubles, look at the outcome and know that we truly do have angels among us. My head is still spinning, so it doesn’t make sitting at the computer very comfortable yet. But every day is a new day.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend. xoxo 🙂
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Get well dear Debby…each day brings you closer to full health again. Thank you so much… ❤ xoxo
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❤
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I cannot tell you the number of times I fuck up booking holidays! I’ve booked the wrong dates TWICE on the same holiday, I have booked the wrong hotel, on the wrong days, followed by fucking up the transfers and even having things not booked in the right name! I am a nightmare that should not be allowed near airline websites! ha. BUT losing your precious laptop bag and novel? I’d have been having heart palpitations, SO SO SO relieved you found it, the angels clearly were with you ❤
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Lol Sacha, thanks for the smiles. Clearly, you should not be permitted to make ANY travel arrangements! LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL You’re so funny. And yes, it was certainly a sick, sick feeling in the gut thinking about my lost work. Ever grateful. 🙂 xo
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ahaha I know right, I’m a total liability!
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LOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL xoxo
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Ok, now I remember why I don’t travel much. LOL. Glad you are back safe and happy, D.
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Lol Diana. ❤
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Wow, what an amazing blog with great info!
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Thank you so much Jesse. 🙂
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