Day 43 - 25.03.2022 and epilogue

The last day. Irrecoverable. Until the very end, I kept checking the car rental website, but at prices of over 75 euros per day, even the most urgent desire to extend eventually comes to an end. The drive back to Atlanta is a mix of interstate and country roads, depending on traffic conditions. Of course, I don't want to arrive too early, but the traffic around Atlanta is quite heavy.

After 4 relatively emotionless hours, I arrive at my car rental station. The route wasn't particularly beautiful - but I didn't expect it to be. Farewells shouldn't be too difficult. The car is quickly returned and my Uber is on its way.

Kevin is from Iran and the ride with him is entertaining. He studied in Iran and we talk about the Shah and the current regime. His parents still live there, so I refrain from giving my opinion. However, it quickly becomes clear that he is not a sympathizer of the regime. Nevertheless, he speaks with a certain admiration for his homeland.

After half an hour, he drops me off right in front of the Lufthansa check-in entrance. Some people are already waiting for the counter to open - there is no self-service drop-off. Shortly after it opens, it's my turn and I place my suitcase on the scale. The nice lady at the counter smiles at me and tells me that I have 2 kg of excess baggage. So what, I ask. 132 dollars. They must be crazy, I think, but I'm prepared. In my backpack, which is inside the suitcase, there are dirty clothes. I take it out and ask if it can be checked in. It can. And it's almost exactly 2 kg. So instead of paying 132 dollars, I would have thrown away some things. They're insane.

I have one last meal, hot dogs with fries, and thus avoid the mask requirement. Then I patiently wait at the gate and eventually we take off. Unlike the outbound flight, the plane is quite full and Malcolm takes the seat next to me, a US-Nigerian on his way to Nigeria. He's flying via Frankfurt because he doesn't like American airlines. I'm sure he doesn't have excess baggage.

During the conversation, it turns out that his parents are the king and queen of Nigeria. Normally, I wouldn't believe that, but he says it so matter-of-factly and in a passing remark that I don't demand any proof. He laughs when I ask him if I should address him as "royal highness". That's not his business and he has nothing to do with it. One of his brothers will take over.

Almost 9 hours is a long time, but like all flight times, it eventually comes to an end. We land on time, I say goodbye to Prince Malcolm and go to the baggage claim. I'm only subjected to electronic scanning, unlike in Canada.

At the train station, I realize that I have to take a rail replacement service. Construction site between Mainz and Ingelheim. Well then. So the journey from the airport to Kreuznach takes 4 hours instead of 2, but it's bearable in the sun and higher temperatures. I'm not really tired.

Eventually, I arrive at my apartment and haul the large suitcase up the 4 flights of stairs. I can't believe that I was really gone for 6 weeks. Nothing reminds me of my long absence except for a moldy pepper. It's as if I had never been away. But in my mind, there are 6 weeks full of amazing experiences. And that's where they belong. Forever.

Epilogue: It's easy to fall back into the routine. Gasoline costs over 2 euros, the asshole P. has started a war, and there is no sunflower oil or flour. The world has changed. But for me personally, it's been positive. I have been able to gather incredible impressions over 10,000 km. I have spent time with good friends. I have visited 11 US states. I have been to 2 oceans. I have had the chance to see alligators, elks, water turtles, and much more. I haven't missed anything. Eventually, I will be back in the USA. Every ending means that there is a new beginning. And I'm excited about it.