I left a snow storm in Chicago and arrived home to 43 degrees of heat. The look on the face of ground crew at the BNE airport, when they saw us in our winter gear was priceless..

We left home with 4 backpacks and one suitcase, came home with 4 backpacks and 9 suitcases. Except for few pots and pans, I didn’t buy anything for myself and I am convinced that Yaya can open an Aéropostale outlet here. She bought t-shirts from every Aéropostale  outlet in every town we visited.

When I planned my trip to US, I had this notion that since all three of my children are planning to study and live in US, I might as well relocate, at least I will be in the same country as them.  And things are so much more cheaper in US than Australia.

Look at the price comparison for Ikea dragon flatware here in Australia

http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/70177665/

and in US

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70091761/

Of course, they have changed the product a bit by making it 4 pieces of 6 in Australia and 5 pieces of 4 in US. but charging me 49.99$ for it in Australia and 12.99$ in US is a bit too much, don’t you think?

Anyway, I was talking about relocating to US and I know I sound like the proverbial fox in the Aesop’s fables, but I like my ridiculously expensive life here. Why? I don’t really know. I guess I hated the fast pace lifestyle and the crowd. I waited two hours to be seated for NY eve dinner at Cheesecake factory and no, they didn’t take reservation. There were too many people everywhere  and everyone is in a perpetual rush.

I am so happy to be back home. It is hot and I am crabby, but the wine is very cheap.

Wishing you all a very happy new year.