Ahoy,
I think there are 3 sighs of relief when returning home from a trip or travel of any kind. I love to travel and wander and see new things. The gloriousness of being somewhere unfamiliar and maybe even uncomfortable cannot be captured better in any other way. But at the end of the day, all I want to do is be able to go back to the place I call home.
The first sigh comes upon touchdown. This is arriving to the city, neighborhood, or general vicinity. The most intimidating part of your journey home has been completed. This could be the airplane landing, train reaching the station, bus dropping off in the city, etc. This is the relief of your plane not broken down, your train not being cancelled, your bus not being delayed. You've finally touched down and it touches your heart to know that you will soon finally be home.
The second sigh comes when you've gotten aboard your vehicle that will deliver you to the doorsteps of your home. For me, this has been boarding the public transit system - a bus or train - that will take you the rest of the way, or someone picking you up. This kind of relief is knowing that you will soon make it. The trains are still running or the roads are open. You're on your way and so close to walking through the door and kicking you shoes off.
The third, and final relief comes when you have entered your home and put down your bags. It is this point when you can finally breathe the familiar smells, take in the familiar sights, and eat your mom's cooking that has been awaiting your arrival. And now is when I delight in noticing what has changed and what has not. Now is when I unpack and distribute all my belongings in their proper place.
I have shuttled to and from my home many times. I have many desires to see the world, but never will I tire of the 3 sighs of returning home.
be longingly urban,
jt
