I had thought about the moment Matthew and I would reconnect for many many weeks, after having been a million miles away from each other for so long, we were both ready to actually be on the same continent. My trip required a number of stops (3 flights in fact, so while on paper it seemed like an eternity, the reality was it passed quickly.

I had to pass through LAX and Charlotte before I reached the final destination of Sarasota airport. My journeys were easy, seamless and fast. While there was a number of hours of fly time, I was able to pass the time through sleep, and movies…….oh and of course chatting with the crew of each flight.
Charlotte airport was busy, and I mean busy. I couldn’t believe the amount of flights on the flight info screens, which had to list flights in alphabetical order so you were able to easily locate the gate that you were leaving from. I spent the time at Charlotte having a small snack, and a chat with Matthew who had already landed and had done a spot of shopping for the house we were staying in, so basically when I arrived there was everything we needed. He is certainly shaping up to be a keeper. Especially as he has stocked the fridge with Prosecco and sparkling water.
As I walk from one gate to the next I notice that the airport there is full of white, wooden rocking chairs. Many people opting to rock on them, charge their phones rather than sit in the food court or the restaurants and bars there. I realise my flight has a gate change, so I sit where I can watch the countdown to when it is time to board. A very old man can be heard at the counter, explaining that he is hard of hearing and needed the staff to speak up. I look at him and hope that when I am in my 90s I will still be traveling.

We finally board, and this is a short flight that will be less than an hour and a half. We are all on board and it seems that the person in my row is the older man than I had seen earlier. Knowing that he is hard of hearing, I didn’t strike up a conversation with him. However as I had boarded the plane, my recognisable accent gave me kudos with the crew, in particular a man named John who spotted my Disney t-shirt. I had switched out my shirt at the airport to be in the same t-shirt that I had met Matthew in. When we had met, I had an oversized disney shirt, leggings, thongs and no make up. So I thought that I would rock the same look on our reunion.
We weren’t quite ready to take off, and John popped his head in where I was sitting to ask the older gentlemen if he’d like to take a seat in business class. He was very appreciative, and so was I, as that meant that I had an entire row to myself. It was not long after that John came and sat down with a gift for me, it was some chocolate brownie crisps, and along with it came a little chat which meant that I had been able to secure another wonderful interaction.
We talked all things Disney and Australia, up until we needed to take off. He excused himself and I had now shifted myself to the window seat and was taking in the enormity of what I was doing. Some people might think I’m crazy for being with a man who lives on the other side of the world, and the craziness of this worldwind of a trip has just hit me. In less than a couple of hours we will actually be able to hug each other, after an absence of a few months.
I’m distracted by a couple of visits from John with some French champagne from business class and a couple of offers of snacks, of which I waved away saying “thanks, but it will go straight to my thighs”. He laughs in a knowingly way and carries on with serving other passengers.
The plane lands and Matthew has messaged to let me know that he has arrived and is waiting not far from the gate. I couldn’t get off the plane fast enough, and fortunately had a seat very close to the front, so I could make a fast getaway. It was obvious as I got off the plane and saw Matthew that he had been chatting to the people also waiting for loved ones to arrive, as the grins on their faces when we embraced was evidence he had given them ‘our story’.

We were finally back together and in 3D! Used to communicated on video chat it was an incredible moment and very emotional, but absolutely amazing. We quickly make our way to baggage claim, and I have so much to tell him about my journey. We are never short of stories to tell with each other.
My bag arrives quickly and we head out of the airport and make our way to the house he has ‘prepared’ for us. The 3 bedroom place is amazing, complete with ducted air conditioning and a pool. He points out some of the cool places on the Main Street, being that there are lots of Halloween parties. It’s the Saturday night before halloween so there is a lot happening.

He carries my suitcase inside and pours me a glass of Savvy B (Sauvignon Blanc). We chat away as normal and given that jet lag has not kicked in, we decide to head to the Main Street for a bevy at Blaze Cafe which is a hive of activity and costumes. Including a bartender dressed like a unicorn. The irony is not lost on us, opting to take a pic with her.

We order a pizza and find a spot outside, the weather is amazing and given Matthew and I share the same enjoyment of ‘collecting people’, it wasn’t long before we made a crew. Stories begin to be shared and we’ve met a guy who has been a minister, a firefighter, a security guard amongst other things. With five kids, and a lifetime of stories to tell, we are well sorted. I leave Matthew to chat with our new friends and branch out to meet some others. I meet John, a restaurant owner, and Thom his mate and it’s not before long we’ve made a bit of a crew.

I cannot even tell you what time it is, but we decide to head home and spend some time together. We sit outside with some wine, not realising the time passing, and before long we realise the sun will be rising and head for the beach to catch the sunrise. It’s incredible The sand is white and fine, and the peacefulness is calming.

After taking it all in, we stop at a restaurant for breakfast before heading home. I opted for a mimosa and Matthew takes a Bloody Mary and we sit and I slowly deteriorate. I am not sure how long I’ve been awake for, or how much sleep I have actually had, but I feel myself fading……..FAST! Matthew sees the warning signs and we had back home where I crash…..HARD! This is already shaping up to be an incredible time, and I have only been here for about 12 hours. What will tomorrow bring (well actually, the rest of today)?