BACK IN THE USA

We made it back.  It's such a funny feeling.  We had a great time in SMA.  We enjoyed almost every minute of our trip, but as Dexter said at dinner, "I'm almost giddy to be back."

Perspective is an amazing thing.  The trip today seemed so much easier than on the way down.  We knew we were more relaxed becuase we all got hungry today.  On the way down no one wanted to eat.  We knew what to expect at the gas stations and bathrooms.  We stopped at one gas station that was very similar to a large truck stop in the US.  (the bathrooms were free and clean!! Bonus points)

It rained almost the entire 500 miles.  It made for a long boring ride, but there were significantly fewer street peddlers and beggers on the rode.  At the tolls on the way down, there were between 25 and 50 people vying for our spare change.  This was a little nerve wracking and slowed  the traffic quite a bit.  Imagine as you approach the toll on I-70, there are women, children, old men all standing on the highway with their hands out.  You definitely slow down.

Rainy and foggy

The actual driving time was about 10 hours.  We left the house at 6:45am and arrived at the Border at 4:45pm.  Unfortunately it took us 2 1/2 hours to cross the border.  Dexter and I nearly went crazy, but man our kids are good travellers.  No complaining at all.

In line to cross the border

We're staying at the same hotel in Laredo that we stayed in on the way down.  The first time it seemed kind of scary, close to the border, maybe something dangerous could happen here.  This time we are feeling so safe and dancing a little jig because we are in the US.

Delicious dinner at Texas Roadhouse...with ice in our cups and ALL the pop you can drink!!!

Stay tuned tomorrow for our list of things we love about the US and the things we loved about SMA.  You'll find some of them pretty entertaining.