A Long Way Back to California

Leaving Morocco really symbolized the end of our trip. We flew back into Madrid and had a couple of hours to see the fantastic downtown (most liveable city we all agreed) before catching an overnight train to Lisbon, Portugal. The overnight train was remarkably comfortable (unlike our experience in Eastern Europe). Lisbon is a fantastic city that is frequently overlooked by its bigger and more beautiful sisters in the Spanish cities. Still it is full of delightful squares, outdoor eateries and old Portugese architecture. There is even a monument on the edge of the harbor which was built in the late 1400s where all of the famous Portugese explorers were bid fairwell before heading off to find new lands in the Americas. Although we didn't spend much time appreciating the findings of the Portugese. We simply enjoyed their food and port, reminisced about the trip and bid our good friends the Haases fairwell (for now of course). Out of our traveling companions the Haases will be in Indianapolis, The Murphys in Minneapolis, Spetzlers in London and Baxters in Sydney. We are extremely saddened to see them all go but we are thankful for our time traveling with them and look forward to get-togethers in the near future. The Harris', Houghtons, Kings and Kelly and Malcolm will all be here in San Francisco eagerly waiting to host visitors!

After 24 hours of flying we arrived back in the States. One of the most wondeful places on the planet!