This will be the last post from this house. I have to back the computer up, and wrap up all the loose ends before tomorrow, when we are officially out of the house. We will be bouncing around for a while, and I'll be sure to leave posts about my trip back home.

I was thinking today of the things that I will be happy to see again when I get back into the States. Coffee brought this to mind today. I have given it a long try, but espresso-based drinks are not for me. Sure, the long black—a shot of espresso mixed with hot water—has its place, but for me, when I order coffee I want to chose the size of my drink.

Coffee and water need to have more time to meet and get to know one another, and slapping some water on top of an espresso is an awkward greeting. Maybe I should open my mind and start downing shots of espresso, but part of the joy of coffee is savoring its goodness over time. I will take the bottomless cup, please.

Anyhow, there are other things that I am excited to get back to. Family, friends, a tight community, a newspaper worthy of the Subway fold and all that other typical New York City stuff. And I keep forgetting that it is not winter up there. Happy to have two summers this year. Better than two winters.

Travel starts tomorrow. Places to go. More to come.