you're basic line is pretty standard-- but alot of times i'd say things like:

I caught the new jazz group at the Natural History last week-- great show! (actually i did catch a jazz group at the museum-- and it ruined my visit-- Sorry JazzO-- to me jazz is just noise.)
Or

Several years ago, there was an exhibit on the dead sea scrolls-- I took a trip to DC especially to see the exhibit as it started the US tour-- My daughter caught the show when it came to NY, and my son included viewing the exhibit as part of his trip to Rome

If i were speaking, i would make an effort not to say I went to DC, my daughter went to NYC, and my son went to rome -- and all three of us saw the same exhibition! to many wents

and as for commenting on being late-- well as other have said-- depends on Who-- but with friends

Here! at last! I gave you up for dead!

or
Oh, you got here 15 minutes early! Oh, no wait, I'm wrong-- we are not meeting at 3 o'clock Chicago time (central time)! (i am in eastern time zone)
Neither uses a term that is varient of "final arrival"-- tsuwm's "Finally! you arrived!" is about the only way that seems about right..


my other obsession