1/8 now I'm really heading home

I am do lucky to have been able to get my flights to and from Europe on miles! I learned more in the process with the reminder to get tickets earlier than later. 

But also, that London heathrow charges a heap of taxes and no one wants to have to fly through there if they don't need. 

So, lucky for me, there was a flight on a super saver miles fare (only 20,000) direct Berlin to JFK them to sfo. Miles allowed me to stopover for free in new York which allowed me to visit my longtime friend Lucia. 

So all that to say that it was great to meet her little girl and hang out for a while. Because the only available direct flight was out of JFK, I am in transit from cedar knolls new jersey to JFK. 

I took the nj transit to the long island rail to the AirTrain. 

On my way in, I opted for the subway. I always love to spend time in NYC but this time, I just enjoyed the subway and the train. And, it's ok because I had great pizza in jersey. 

So, early this morning, I head out. I will almost have had a full day of activity by the time I get back home at noon. 

I might even go into work.  Lucky for me I have a slim/not loaded schedule for getting back to work. 

As I get ready to head back, I checked the weather. Feeling lucky that the bay area is pretty nice! I looked and Portland and saw this

I'm glad my sister has always liked rain. Though, that was growing up in San Diego. :) and yup...i got an early start!

I think I was pretty well equipped for this trip. I packed pretty well. 

so, it's always helpful to lift off the things that were most helpful along the way to use for the next trip.... And what I might have added

Helpful items and trip prep:

1 called credit cards to tell them I was going away

2. Brought earring making kit-good for having something small yet creative to do (I even had to use the pliers along the way)

3. Stuffable puffy

4.rain jacket

5. Second lightweight jacket/windbreaker

6. Flip flops

7. Camera

8. Some energy bars just In case

9.sunglasses

10. Cheap distance glasses

11. A pair of bike shorts

12. Tights and skirt

13. Inflatable sky mall pillow

14. Spork

Next time I might also:

1: check on getting phone coverage for the duration of my trip- I don't think I saw one public pay phone in Berlin!

2: get and awesome folding bike :) or breakaway bike and bring it with??????

3. Bring a money belt?

4. Orthotics/super feet 

5. Bring a small selection of tampons so I have options when I need them

6. If checking a bag: Swiss army knife