February 25, 2006 - Finally I am released from the clutches of the cruise ship, able to leave and not worry about IPM, being on the boat on time, the hassles of sharing a room, etc. Of course, now I pick up all the responsibilities and expenses of real world living. I began the day really early, doing the customs inspection stuff, then getting paid, then waiting around. Finally, around 9:30 AM I was off the ship, and headed towards the airport. I spent all day flying from San Diego to Salt Lake City to Tampa. Salt Lake City was a new airport for me. I had been in Salt Lake City, but it was a few years ago, and I didn't go the airport. The view of the mountains surrounding the city was stunning from the airport. I was met at the airport by Lauren. What a weird feeling, seeing her again, after sharing emails and phone calls and photos and letters and cards, but no physical connection for the past 4.5 months. I went home tired after a long day of travelling.