Don’t be sad because it’s over… be glad because it happened.

So, on the last day, it’s still happening.  I get there as early as I can on day one and leave as late as I can on day 2 (within reason.  I don’t like hanging out at the resort when I don’t have a room.  Sure, I could use gym or spa showers to change and stuff, but it’s just a pain hauling that around with me.)   If you get there at noon and are sad your room isn’t ready, it’s me… it’s my fault… it’s because I check out at 11:59.

So we slept in on the last morning before making our way to Magna for breakfast.  It was early enough that the martini bar wasn’t even open, yet. I had some wonderful juices (one of them being a sparkling one with alcohol in it) and an excellent egg white omelet.  The brioche cart was as fabulous as everyone says it it.  It was super quiet up there.  Just the bear, me, and a couple of other “EPM Addicts.”

I told the bear that I wanted to wander the grounds for a bit.  The sun was out in full force after all the drizzly days, so some of the iguanas were getting their moments in the heat. 

I told the Bear I wanted to stop for a smoothie.  I really like “Tommy.”  It’s a celery based one, not too sweet and so tasty.  I know some people have said that the smoothie bar is closed when they pass it.  There’s not always someone in it, but when I’ve walked up to it, people have come up to man it.  No booze at that bar, but from 11-2 you can get a whole fresh coconut.  It’s a nice way to start a morning.

Back to the room and time to pack.  It’s always a little bittersweet.  Look, ok, I know it’s controversial and all to take the ENTIRE haul of Bvlgari products, but those things smell SO GOOD.  I’ve tried to buy them before, and they’re $10 EACH for those little tiny bottles. They replace them for you twice a day if you move them anywhere in the room! Yes, I have some guilt associated with it, but it’s not like I shoved the pillows in my suitcase.  (ha)!

The bellman called as soon as I was zipping the last suitcase at 11:30 and asked if we were ready.  They were in there in minutes, so we slogged off to the club lounge to check out.  It was starting to get cloudy and drizzly.  I felt bad for the new people, but I was glad to not be leaving on a sunny day.

We had one last drink.  (I had the “homemade gimlet” which was excellent.  I asked for it to be not too sweet…. there was no sweetness AT ALL, and I loved it.)  Then downstairs 5 minutes before Kalido was to pick us up.  The driver was already there.   Sheesh!   I love Kalido for being on time but another minute or two would have been okay!,  (ha)!

We did the sad drive away from the resort… probably won’t return for another year, although I’d love to sneak one in sometime before then.

The airport was a ghost town.  We were there almost three hours before our flight and it took us less than 15 minutes to get through security, but you never know!!!!  We meandered around duty free for awhile sipping on alcohol.  I was excited to know, however, that the terminal 4 lounge had opened since the last time we were there.  It’s a perk that comes with some credit cards (ours is Chase Sapphire Reserved) and a few other things.  I’ve been to the one in terminal 3 before, which is nice, but not THIS nice.  This one was exceptional.  It even had showers and places you could sleep if you wanted.   Upgraded liquor was available as was upgraded snacks, but the meats, soups, pasta, and cheeses were just fine with us.   I did order a rose, which was a mistake… turned out to be a sweet pink blush.  YUCK!   But it was free… so…

Our flight took off exactly on time and even got us home a tad early.  We have global entry, so we were off the plane and done with that within literal seconds, but still had to wait 10 minutes for luggage.   Again, reminding me that I’d like to do carryon, but how in the world could I take all my Bvlgari products if I did!!!???!!

We were actually home in time to go get Cava from boarding.  She was quite happy to see us at first, but later gave us the cold shoulder for leaving her so long.   I walked in the door, threw all the suitcases in the garage to deal with later.  We ordered a pizza and sat on the sofa snuggling the doggie… the end to another amazing trip,

I knew that the next day, I’d have to face classrooms full of 30+ high school juniors talking to them about research papers and synthesis essays.  Next year, I’m making sure this vacation ends with a break, so I’m not rolling into class and getting right back after it the next morning! 
Until next time, EPM… I can’t wait to see what trip #4 will bring…