Lisbon, Portugal and Philadelphia to Virginia

Hello... if anyone is still there and is awaiting the "end of the story."
My apologies for becoming distracted and never finishing my blog!
Lisbon was a great city to end in. Ellen had picked out lots of places to see, which made my job easier. The history of the city is pretty cool, because nearly everything was wiped out due to an earthquake followed by a tidal wave in 1755, (I think that was the year.) The hostel we stayed in was also about the nicest, cleanest one, with the best huge bathroom, that I stayed in the entire time. If for nothing else, Lisbon was great to see just for the "look" of the city. The three sections on seperate hills, are actually very close and the tiles everywhere are amazing! Also, I loved the Cobblestone. Lisbon gives other European cities a run for their money when it comes to cobblestone streets.
Ellen and I had the full-out European meal with everything from Port Wine Aperitif, to dessert and coffee. I think the Portugeuse like to serve french fries with their pork... or maybe just to Americans. We went to "the smallest bar in Lisbon" which only serves shots of cheery liquoir, (well, I'm not exactly sure what it was... Ellen do you know?) and it was packed. I found it interesting that the streets are broken up into very specific shopping districts. For example, there were several stores in a row that sold buttons, followed by several stores that sold fabric, followed by jewelery stores and etc. There was one section that sold wedding dresses, although they were all closed when Ellen and I found them. The most interesting name of a weddng dress store was "Coquette." Now, after having the job I had at CW, I certainly know the definition of "coquette," and I really don't see it as a fitting title for a store that sells wedding dresses. hmmm.
The weather was gorgeous... a nice breeze and never too hot! Perhaps the most exciting (and random) part of the trip was going to see a bull fight! The entire time Ellen and I kept asking eachother if we were actually at a bull fight. I don't feel like stating my full analysis of how I feel about bull fights, but I will say that in Lisbon they don't kill the bulls, but they do seem to hurt them a great deal. However, I also think that watching the bull in a total trance with the madador's cape is like watching dancing... it was beautiful!
I left Sunday morning, July 29 at about 7:30 am (Lisbon time,) 2:30am EST. After my plane was delayed for several hours in Lisbon, I finally arrived to Philadelphia, where my plane was delayed for several hours again. Finally, after boarding the plane, I got to sit on it for about an hour while it taxied around before returning to the airport because the crew had timed out. So, after several hours of confusion I was able to book a flight to Newport News and I spent the night in the freezing cold airport. Finally, I made it to Newport News at around 9:30am EST, some 31 hours after I left! After traveling through Europe for 2 months, the most difficult part was trying to get from Philie to DC!
At least I made it home in time to leave again to California. But as for backpacking through Europe, that's the end of the story. Perhaps California will be the sequeal!