Homeward Bound and Ensenada

We left Hawaii, ready to return home. We still had many days aboard the ship, but it was pointing the right direction. We had all loved our adventure, but by day 11 we all wanted to just be home. Unfortunately, we still had five days before we got there.

We entertained ourselves on the ship, and tried to enjoy the journey home. We played a few rounds of mini golf.

Krys spent every ship day attending Hula classes. The last full day at sea the Hula dancers put on a performance. We all took ourselves (even the poor motion sick Becca) to the theater for the big show. There was dancing, there was music from the ukulele classes and there were a couple impolite people making comments such as "Nobody puts Baby in the corner". Thankfully, we were not overheard.  Krys really enjoyed presenting her new dances while wearing the crown and leis she had made. When I say we were ready to get home, it applies to everyone but Krys. I wasn't sure we would be able to pry her off the cruise ship. She has found her happiest of all places.

The next day we made our final stop in Ensenada, Mexico. We piled off the ship, loaded onto a slightly sketchy van, and headed into the city. The van even took us downtown, despite Becca's fear of kidnapping. The driver did try to pressure us to shop at a specific jewelry store, but we graciously declined, and went freely on our way. We then walked over to a Starbucks in search of free WiFi, so we could use our phones in Mexico.

I like to call this pictures "White Women in Mexico Starbucks". We found internet, got a couple phones to work, grabbed some coffee and enjoyed being on land.

We then headed to a couple of pharmacies, in search of more motion sickness pills for Becca. Despite, being told we could buy any medication in Mexico, we struck out looking for her prescription. I did find this sign, which I thought was excellent advertising. 

Alas, despite the excellent signs, we didn't find the medicine we needed. So then we walked to Wal-Mart.

I enjoyed the art along the way. Others were focusing on trash and roving dogs, but they are spoil sports.

 We eventually reached Wal-Mart. Yes, the third Wal-Mart of the trip, this one being the international version. I feel so well traveled. The Mexico version looked a lot like the American version, with a lot more guards, and a lot more weapons on the security guards. Wal-Mart was not a high point of Mexico. After stocking up on medication and new headphones, we left the armed guards behind. 

We headed back to the touristy sections, and enjoyed some fish tacos and churros. We bought a few souvenirs, I paid sixty cents to use a public bathroom, which was money excellently spent, crossed a cute bridge, and then headed back to the ship.

Thirty-six hours later, we found ourselves arriving back on the Mainland.

Watching the Golden Gate bridge come into focus through the fog brought us joy and relief. We grabbed our bags, exited the ship, powerwalked to the parking garage and started the drive home. Sometimes the best part of vacation is the relief of heading home. We got to Boise in time to hug babies before they went to bed. 

That night, I climbed into bed with a sweet sense of belonging. I'm so glad we went on this trip, I'm so glad we went to Hawaii, I'm so grateful to have a three week break from being a parent, I am so grateful for the opportunity. I'm also so glad to be home and don't feel the need to do a long cruise again.