Thursday afternoon, the girls and I will board a big white bird and fly across the ocean to London and then to Belgrade. Last few days I have been overwhelmed with a feeling of unbearable panic accompanied as usual with an accelerated heart beat, a crazy adrenaline rush (not in a good way), and a sensation that a baby elephant has made a nest on my chest. The items on my list are almost completely crossed over, our e-tickets are printed, the passports are neatly laid out right next to the tickets, and empty suitcases lined up on the bedroom floor.
I still have to buy a few necessities for the trip, like goat cheese, multi-grain crackers, and pretzels, as the girls requested them as snacks. Packing should not take a lot of time, as I have piles of stuff destined to travel neatly arranged all over the apartment. I am helping my sweet next-door neighbor with making a creative journal for her special friend’s 70th birthday. In exchange, she will water my succulents and keep my herbs alive until we return. The roots and grays are covered, the nails are done, the purses purged of extraneous material that inevitably manages to collect in time.
I am as excited as anxious, unable to relax, even though these trans-Atlantic trips have been my routine for over twenty five years. But, I tend to fret whenever anyone travels, even for a weekend, even just across the state. Once the baggage is checked in and boarding passes are safely tucked in my purse, I’ll slump in a hard plastic chair at a Starbucks and bury my face in a latte, a smile replacing the angst. Until we arrive at Customs, of course.
Wednesday morning, the suitcases will be packed and keeping ranks in the hallway. I hope to emulate Dorothy Parker and walk around my friend’s street party, cool, armed with a witty repartee and a glass of good wine. (The only thing that I can guarantee right now, though, is a glass of good wine.) We’ll stroll down to the beach at sunset to watch the fireworks and I will take every burst of color personally, as a farewell greeting and a colorful goodbye. I will miss the smell of the ocean and the bike rides on the strand. I will miss my friend madly. But summer is always the fastest of the seasons, and the day of our return will creep up sooner than I expected, as always, and plunge me into another panic-ruled state.
I will not be cooking any Fourth of July delicacies, but here are some great dishes that would make any party unforgettable. Happy Fourth!
Grilled Sweet Corn with Chipotle-Lime Butter
Roasted Peppers, Roasted Beets, and Grilled Eggplant
Уживајте! Баш дивно да можете посјетити дивну земљу.
Have a wonderful time! It’s nice that you are visiting such a beautiful country.
Lana,
Wishing you and the girls a wonderful holiday. Ally and I are off to the UK on Friday to attend my niece’s graduation from university. Enjoy.
xoxoxox
Have a wonderful visit with your family. So sorry to have missed you and your cupcakes at Sarah’s bday! Wish you had a layover in France!
Tamara is in Belgrade visiting her mom until end of August! We had a lovely visit before she left.
We will stay in touch online and see each other when u return!
Have a great trip. I am sure your family is the same, with a knot in their stomach, waiting for your arrival!
Keep us updated
Wishing you a safe journey, and a Happy 4th of July. xx
Have a wonderful time. When you get back we need to chat about a relaxing visit to Oregon. Safe travels.
Bon voyage, dear one – bring home lots of new stories.
Sretan ti povratak kući … neka sve bude onako kako zamišljaš svih onih mjeseci dok te nema i još bolje
fooood!
good luck on your journey:)
So where are you now? I know you’re busy traveling but after all that fretting, we need to know you’re all okay.
Thinking of you!
I hope this trip is the best ever for you and the girls!
Safe travels, Lana! Remember to enjoy yourself while you are busy thinking of everyone else.
Lana — I hope you and the girls are doing well and that you’ve had a lovely reunion with your family. I hope your mom is okay — I’m sending lots of love and warmth. xoxoxo
I know you left for the trip awhile ago, but I hope you are having a wonderful time. Good thoughts and much joy!
Safe travels Lana! I hope you enjoy the time with friends and family!