Criss-crossing the USA in 4000 long miles…

In order to receive our residency visas, we had to travel to Midtown Manhattan for the requisite in-person appointment with the contractors who work for the Portuguese consulate. So we drove the 557 miles from Dundee, MI to Rockaway, NJ, spent the night, and took an early NJTransit train into Penn Station, NYC. Our appointment was rather anticlimactic and consisted mostly of presenting our documents to the contractor in the order they had been listed on an online checklist. Exhausted and mentally spent, we made our way past the Empire State Building (forgoing the $43 elevator ticket to the 87th floor…) back to Penn Station and the first train back to NJ for much-needed rest at our hotel.

We departed the following morning on a three-day drive to the Florida Panhandle to sell our 2017 Fiesta to Lukus’ aunt. Her eldest grandson (Lukus’ first cousin once removed) had just graduated from high school and was in need of a fun fuel-efficient vehicle – we were happy for the good fortune! First day: passed through five states, night near Roanoke. Second day: continued driving through The Great Valley of the Appalachian Mountains, night near Chattanooga. Third day: continued south west to Montgomery and south to our destination in Crestview, FL. Had a great time at Aunt B’s house, as always!

We then made our way to central FL and stayed for a little over a week at the Zuker home. Between the towering sunflowers and angel trumpets in the front yard and towering bamboo and bananas around the koi ponds in the back yard, this suburban Orlando home is in every way an oasis. Add Lukus’ sister and her family under 2 miles away and the area very much feels like home.

We returned to Raymond’s family in Dundee (via a flight to Toledo) in time for our birthdays and anniversary in June. Thankfully the veggies and flowers we had planted earlier were well-cared for in our absence (thank you, M!). Michigan really is a beautiful place in the summer!

Which brings us to today…this was supposed to be our day of departure for the Azores…

But alas, the visa process has been delayed by the Portuguese consulate. What was stated on the website as taking 4-6 weeks is now taking 5-8 weeks, per my phone call last week. We have changed our flight and are eagerly awaiting the new date of departure: July 30!