Day 653: Welcome home

After one year, nine months, and fifteen days, I returned to San Diego. My luggage is somewhere between Philadelphia and San Diego. With all the extra security with checking in, I did not have any carry-on luggage, so there is a chance I have lost everything. How ironic it would be that after travelling through lands perceived to be unsafe and dangerous, I would lose my luggage in the States.
At the Philadelphia International Airport customs gate, unsurprisingly, they tagged me for luggage inspection. The officer at the passport control didn't believe that I didn't buy a single souvenir. At three different times, I was asked if I had really been gone for almost 22 months, and when I replied "yes", the inquistor gave me a dumb look and asked, "why?" (to which I would reply, "to see the world," with an equally dumb look). The follow-up question was, "How did you get the money?" (I saved money instead of spending it), followed by, "You went to Syria? (or 'Pakistan?') How was that?" (very friendly immigration officers; they love Americans). It was amusing, and I was actually a little giddy being back. The lines at the security gates were long but brisk as they had been in London.
Being at home, seeing my parents and Kevin, it is great and comfortable -- it is like I never left. I've got a lot of stuff to do over the next few days (and weeks).