Day Eighteen: The Final Leg of Our U.S. Adventure

Cheerio, Cousin Julie!

Hello, you lovely lot! It’s your ever-so-charming correspondent back on duty, bringing you the latest update from our whirlwind tour across the pond. Today, we’ve reached the grand milestone of Day Eighteen in the land of the free, home of the brave. And while our adventure is drawing to a close, the fun is far from over. But first, let’s talk goodbyes—specifically, the heartfelt farewell to dear Cousin Julie in Greensboro, North Carolina.

Waking up at the delightful hour of 7:00 a.m., we stumbled out of bed with all the grace of a herd of cats. My back, naturally, decided it was the perfect time to throw a tantrum, protesting the relentless sightseeing and disconnecting the TV from a wall at Julie’s. But like any seasoned traveller, I came prepared with my trusty sidekick, ibuprofen. Pop a couple of those, and voilà! I’m back in action with a cheeky grin and a slightly less grumpy disposition.

Leaving Cousin Julie behind was a tad bittersweet. We’ve had an absolute blast, but alas, the show must go on! With a tear in our eye and a smile on our face, we set off for our next challenge: navigating the treacherous (not really) path to the airport.

Off to the Airport: A Tale of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles

First up, we needed to return our trusty hire car. We hit the petrol station—yes, I said petrol, not gas. One mustn’t forget one’s roots, after all! After filling up, we bid farewell to our faithful four-wheeled companion and waltzed through airport security in a mere 15 minutes. Greensboro, you absolute gem, you’ve made our lives so easy.

Next on the itinerary was a short hop from Greensboro to LaGuardia in New York City. The skies were kind, and we touched down with nary a bump. But don’t be fooled—our journey was far from over.

After landing, we found ourselves shuttled off to JFK Airport. The shuttle bus, bless its little heart, was more thrilling than a roller coaster ride at Blackpool. Well, maybe not, but one must add a touch of drama to keep things lively, right?

New York’s Infamous E Line: A Subway Adventure

Just when we thought we were nearing the finish line, New York had one last surprise in store for us: the notorious E line of the subway. If you’ve ever fancied an impromptu game of dodgeball with a side of human traffic, this is the place to be. Commuters, tourists, and even a mariachi band or two kept us on our toes. Ah, New York, you never fail to keep us entertained!

Finally, after a bit of bobbing and weaving, we emerged victorious from the depths of the subway and made our way to the AirTrain. This marvel of modern engineering whisked us towards our departure gate with all the speed and efficiency of a well-oiled machine. As we zipped along, we couldn’t help but marvel at the wonders of public transport—when it works, that is!

Reflections from the Airport Lounge

And now, dear readers, I find myself cosily ensconced in the airport lounge, sipping on a much-needed cuppa as I pen this little missive. Security was a breeze, with only a 20-minute queue to navigate, leaving us with a whole hour to twiddle our thumbs before boarding. Perfect timing for a bit of reflection on our grand escapade, wouldn’t you agree?

It’s been quite the journey, full of highs, lows, and everything in between. But fear not, for this is not goodbye—merely au revoir. The next chapter of our adventure will be written from the comfort of our own home, where we’ll undoubtedly look back on these past eighteen days with a mix of nostalgia and relief.

So, until then, keep smiling, keep laughing, and for the love of all things holy, keep your back pain in check. Stay tuned for the final instalment of our family travel saga—it promises to be just as cheeky and charming as ever!