Farewell, Jamaica! [For NOW, That Is!]

Checking out of a hotel is either a relief or a disappointment for me, but rarely ever both. Today was the first time I have ever had a perfect blend of both of those emotions. I am of course disappointed because we've been spoiled rotten for the past week here. I'm excited though, to get home and see Sydni, and basically start over in planning for the next vacation, in 2015. Because hey - that's what you do immediately following a big vaca, isn't it? ;)

We dragged our bags down to the lobby just after 7am, followed shortly by Cassie and Shayne, then Tara and Jordan. The six of us sat down for a quick breakfast and some last minute absorption of what the last five days have been.

legends sunrise panoramic

We included some love for the management; that's Clayton in the front and Adrian to the back right, they are awesome, and we will be back to see them & Jamaica, ASAP!

so i probably should get out of the shadows... haha..

At the front, some of the cab drivers and guides with whom we've connected over the past few days left us with farewell [for now] hugs, warm wishes of safe travels and those big, happy, contagious smiles that pretty much make a repeat trip to this place a done deal.

The trip back to the airport felt normal compared to the initial ride out six days ago. Riding on the left side of the road felt less foreign and the erratic driving culture didn't phase us as we careened on through the hills and open roads back to Montego Bay.

At the airport, we passed through security and customs to be immediately greeted by an Americanized food court. This is our normal, but felt vaguely unfamiliar in contrast to what we've just done. It's funny how just a week of adjusted living can make us feel!

'murica.

Also, it wouldn't be a last hoorah at the airport without a stop off at Margaritaville for some refreshment.

margaritaville | montego bay, jamaica

... in margaritaville!

"come back, come back to jamaica"
..... yes, yes i think i will!

seeing doubles!
... could you imagine two of this guy? haha...

And... a group pic to commemorate our final moments in Jamaica:

rob. cori. cassie. shayne. nate. audrianna. jordan. tara.
new friends from jamaica 2014!

Finally, despite our last-minute protests, we boarded the flight and waved goodbye to this beautiful island.

boo. hiss.

Three hours later, we were back on the ground in Cincinnati, where we said goodbye to the newlyweds Tara and Jordan, and to our other couple friends Cassie and Shayne. Our cab carried us away from CVG and before we knew it, we were dragging our luggage back up our driveway and into the house.

Our dogs were more than ready to see us. A MILLION thank you's again to Becky for pup-sitting them while we were gone! WE. OWE. YOU!

hiiiii babies!!

Of our little group of couples, Shayne and Cassie happen to live within an hour's drive of us; we immediately agreed to make plans in the near future to hang out soon, but we didn't figure it would be this soon: 

well all right then!

With that being said, we unpacked, did some laundry, loved on our dogs and took power naps before we were up again, showered and out the door down to see our new friends back on US turf.

with our new friends.. in cinci!

rob. cori. jessica. cassie. shayne

ladies!

We are back on American soil now and have one day to buffer us from the reality of returning to work on Monday. We'll be sleeping in, for sure, and with any luck, doing absolutely nothing with it before our routines find us again.

Good night, Cincinnati! It was beautiful abroad but it's nice to see you... and my own bed.. again ;)

xo | cmd