Two weeks ago I was casually browsing airfares online, as I often do on a quiet Saturday night. Spring break was coming up, and with it two weeks off work, so I thought it was time I take a little solo trip and explore more of the continent.
But as I looked at flight destinations, nowhere in Europe was jumping out at me. Suddenly I wondered — just for a laugh — how much would a last-minute ticket back to Pennsylvania cost?
I ran the search and could not believe the results: the roundtrip flight (with surprisingly convenient times and quick layovers at that) came to less than a thousand dollars. [For that route, that price is an absolute steal.]
Something in my gut screamed at me to go to the States. I wasn’t homesick; but at the same time, I hadn’t been home since November 2011.
I booked the ticket almost immediately.
The next two weeks were an exercise in restraint as I quietly planned my return without posting about the impending trip online, on any form of social media.
Last night, two of my closest friends were there to greet me at the airport as I returned to American soil and they drove me home, where my unsuspecting family had no idea I was coming.
I had spent nearly twenty hours traveling, but it was absolutely worth it to see my mom’s face when she opened the door at 10 pm to find me standing there on the doorstep.
(There’s also video, but obviously I’m not going to show the internet where I live.)
But of course, the best laid plans of mice and men…
The night before I flew out, I received a message from my mom informing me three different cousins had just arrived and she’d be hosting a full house for the next week. I had to laugh at the irony: I hadn’t been home in over a year, and of course the one week — the one week! — I chose to come back, was the same week distant relatives decided to come to town. Suppose that’s the risk of surprise visits.
Regardless, I’m ecstatic to be home. I’m looking forward to spending the next week catching up with my family and friends, brushing up on my piano and viola, gorging on home-cooked Shanghainese food, and perhaps finally even learning how to make some of my parents’ dishes as well.
This was the most expensive, impulsive travel decision I’ve ever made, but I’m so glad I made it.
32 Comments
Kay
March 11, 2013 at 20:31So happy for you………have a wonderful visit……..sounds as though you will.
Bon retour chez vous………
Ashley Hufford
March 11, 2013 at 21:18Aww! What a great surprise! theres no place like (your first) home :)
Lauren
March 12, 2013 at 00:33This post made me so happy. Surprise visits home are always a good idea – something I didn’t realize in the first 5 years of my traveling but value so much now!
Antoinette
March 12, 2013 at 01:03Eeeek United Airlines! I just flew UA to Peru and I swear, they have the worst, most miserable crew ever! On a brighter note, there’s nothing like being home with family and friends. When everything else in life fails, it’s always good to know you can always count on them. Enjoy your time in the American soil, I’m sure everyone misses you.
Camels & Chocolate
March 12, 2013 at 01:12Awwww, yay! So excited for you–and your mama!
Paris in Four Months
March 12, 2013 at 04:25Yay, I’m so happy everything went well :)
xx Carin
kristen @thekaleproject
March 12, 2013 at 04:37have a lovely time and say hi to PA for me! x
Vicky | The Golden Bun
March 12, 2013 at 05:05So great!! wish you a great stay back home!!!
bisouuus
Oneika the Traveller
March 12, 2013 at 11:37Yay!!! Enjoy!!!
Erica
March 12, 2013 at 12:54Being home is always special- have a great time!
Seriously still upset that flight wasn’t routed through NYC, though.
Ann
March 12, 2013 at 14:28Aw, what a sweet surprise! Enjoy it, Edna! Especially the Shanghainese food ;)
Daisy
March 12, 2013 at 15:59What a wonderful surprise! So glad that you decided to take the plunge and make the trip. Am sending big hugs, Edna!
Ashley of Ashley Abroad
March 12, 2013 at 16:09This is the cutest story ever! If I were your mom I would have burst into tears. Have an amazing time at home xx
Christine
March 12, 2013 at 16:12Aww, such a sweet daughter! Welcome home! Looking forward to your food recap :)
Ashley
March 12, 2013 at 16:14Yay! Surprise visits are the best! And I love that we both did surprise US flights within a few weeks of each other, haha. Coincidence :) Have fun!
Michael
March 12, 2013 at 16:24That’s a fantastic decision. As a father of kids your age… I’m telling you you absolutely made the old folks day.. Week. Year.
Janine
March 12, 2013 at 18:49Your mom’s smile in that photo <3 <3 <3
Have a wonderful week with your family.
Lauren @ roamingtheworld
March 12, 2013 at 19:16How fun!
I surprised my mom when I came back from Africa and she nearly had a heart attack. I vowed never to pull a surprise visit on her again! Lol.
Ah the irony! Hopefully it’s nice having extended family during your stay!
Enjoy eating your heart out!
Alex @ ifs ands & butts
March 13, 2013 at 13:49I’m sure the surprise made it all worth it. My mom sobbed. Then I cried. Then she pinched me all evening asking if it was real. Enjoy your special time home!!
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence)
March 13, 2013 at 22:46Yay! I am so glad to hear that everything went as planned (more or less!) and your big surprise paid off. I always think that it’s moments like this that make the rest of the time when we are careful pay off… I always tell myself I save my pennies so that when opportunities come to throw caution to the wind and splurge big, I can! Enjoy your week at home!
Sofie
March 14, 2013 at 08:39Soooo cool you made that decision! I would probably be doubting over spending that much money until it was too late to actually spend it.
Have an amazing time at home!
Jay
March 14, 2013 at 16:58I often daydream about planning a surprise trip home with no one knowing – looks so fun!
Enjoy your time with family & friends!
Ceri
March 15, 2013 at 14:58What a wonderful surprise for your family. :D I always wanted to do something like that but it’s wayyyy too expensive going from Mexico to Britain. So excited for you!
And, as you’ve probably noticed, I’ve spent the last few days reading every post in your blog. I’m hopelessly addicted, Edna, so I can’t wait to read more posts as they come. :D
Kieu ~ GQ trippin
March 15, 2013 at 18:28LOVE THIS! What a great surprise for your family. Eat well my friend. :)
Jessica of HolaYessica
March 15, 2013 at 21:20I did the same thing for my mom last year! You’re right, the best part was definitely the look on her face. Have a great time being home!
Kim
March 16, 2013 at 11:18Great post, great story! So many people think about these impulses but you were brave enough to go for it! :)
Erin Walton
March 17, 2013 at 13:04Have an amazing time!! I’ve thought about doing the same – might just head off now to see if Australia’s cheap :) ENJOY!!
cosmoHallitan
March 24, 2013 at 15:55What a special moment for you and your mom! Enjoy every second!!
Amanda @ Farsickness
March 31, 2013 at 10:03I’ve ALWAYS wanted to surprise my family like that. I’m so happy for you and I hope you had an amazing time at home.
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Anne
April 30, 2013 at 03:30Aww that’s so sweet!! She must’ve been so excited to see you!! I’ve always wanted to do this for my little sister/best friend, since I’m away at college or traveling 95% of the time, but it’s more difficult to be spontaneous like that on a college student’s budget haha.