On two ends of the world..

[TimeHeals]

So won't he feel that now it's my turn to, say, start a conversation with him or something, as a step on my side?

What do you want here? OK, so he did the gifts thing to show his affection. Is this pretty much how he always shows his affection? If so, then go buy him something. It doesn't have to be expensive; it just has to be thoughtful. And you can get a card if you want and say, "Thanks for the trip and workshops" (or something better).

Throw Fido a bone And a nice pat on the head is always nice too