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8/31 I arrived at the Lisbon airport only to be told that my flight to Newark was delayed 4 hours as we had to wait for the inbound aircraft. I finished The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith while I waited. He always writes simple stories that manage to impart important and often overlooked messages about everyday life. The Lisbon airport had a cybercafe so I was able to use the time waiting productively.

Fortunately the flight to Newark was not full and I could lie down across 3 seats and cat nap. Once in Newark, my changed flight to Houston was delayed a further 2 hours so I reached Houston early in the morning of 9/1. The trip lasted Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend but seemed much shorter. Thanks for letting me share my travels with you. Having this diary allowed me to feel that you were at least with me in spirit.

I never talked to other travelers while on the trip or met new people; just not my nature plus the language barrier was always there. While returning I was able to be introspective about the trip. It seems that life is composed of lots of memories and that few good memories are made alone. On my death bed will I think back to all of the places in the world I've visited? Or all of the gorgeous beaches? Maybe, but probably not for long. I'm more likely to think of, and cherish, those unforgettable memories I have of good times spent with family and friends. Sometimes it's the journey and knowing that it was made richer and more fun shared.