It's been about a month and a half since we've been back home and I do believe that there is still stories to tell.
We last left off with a wonderful blog entry by our travel buddy, Britt, who told you all about our adventures in Ireland and Scotland. I just want to thank Brittany for taking the time to write an entry. It's was awesome!!
After a almost teary goodbye to Britt in Edinburgh, I was in no mood to get back on the road, particularly since leaving Scotland meant taking a 12 hour, overnight bus ride to London. I was ready to go home. However, with a little encouragment from Steph, I managed to pull myself on the bus. The ride, though long, was quite enjoyable and we arrived in London at 7am.
A little grogy, we decided against taking the tube during rush hour and simply walk, with our packs, to our hotel. It didn't look that far on the map...After about an hour and half on our feet, we made it. We of course could not check in till 2pm, but thankfully were allowed to drop off our bags and explore the town a
LondonSouth Kensington. We ate at a cute little restaurant around the corner here every morning.
little. Though we were tired, we were not discouraged and decided to go on a 3 hour walking tour of the city. We saw a large chunk of London and by the time in was over and we had walked back to our hotel we were totally exhausted from walking litteraly ALL day.
That night we disscussed with great enthusiasm our busy week in London and how shortly we would be going home...
The next day, we went to meet up with some of my family who just happenned to be visiting London at the same time as we were there. My aunt, uncle, and cousins had rented out a very cool apartment for the week and invited us there for an AMAZING breakfast. We spent the day with them at the British Museum and at covent gardens. We also spend the day after with them which was great as I got to experience a little more of home.
The weekend flew by as we spent it with a friend that we had met in Barcelona. We went out several times with her and her friends and got to experience a Londoner's perspective of the city. We
had such a great time and before we knew it, it was Monday and we would be going home on Tuesday.
Still wanting to socialise a little more, we met up with Brittany's friend Rachel and her boyfriend Andrew whom we had met in Scotland. It was lovely to have tea and scones with them!
Monday night, we were a bundle of mixed emotions as we packed our bags for the last time. It was so strange and surreal. After a week of fun, friends and family, I'm not sure we were as anxious to get home as we had been a few short days before. It's like we were recharged and ready to go to our next new city, except now, we weren't...it was bitter sweet.
On Tuesday, everything went smoothly and we boarded the plane to Montreal where both our mothers and our friend Steph Broder we awaiting our arrival home. The flight was thankfully uneventful and we arrived safely in Montreal. At this point we were back on home soil and very excited to see our families; however, customs had other things planned. We waited in line for almost 2 hours at border security.
I don't think I have ever been so frustrated. I was driving Steph crazy. Finally though, we were let through and were reunited with our mothers and friend who had also been waiting for us a significant period of time.
We drove back home, making the ceremonial stop at Tim Hortons, our trip...our adventure...now seemed like a distant memory.
Looking back our the last six months, I am in awe of what Steph and I managed to accomplish and sometimes have to remind myself of what we actually achieved. It almost seems like it was a lifetime ago, or someone else's life, but it wasn't. It was Steph and I who explored South East Asia, climbed the Great Wall of China, visited the major cities of Australia, drank wine and ate cheese in France, Siesta-ed in Spain, trek up the Alps, spent days and nights in the company of new and old friends. It was our trip, our adventure and 6 of the best months of our lives. We couldn't have asked for more, we couldn't have dreamt better. Never before in my life has six months been so rewarding, memorable and wonderful. Never before have I felt
more alive.
I want to thank you all for following along with us, for the love and support and for being with us every step of the way.
I would also like to thank Steph for being there with me. For being the amazing person we all know she is and for pushing me to do what we did. Without her I would never have even bought a plane ticket. There is no one else in the world that I could have done this trip with and no one else that could have handled being with ME for 6 months either. I love you.
LondonThanks for smiling Gavin...
LondonLexi and Steph in front of the millenium bridge
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Sweet ending. Isn't it funny how once the journey is done, it seems so distant? It was great seeing you at Shalini & Chadi's wedding, and finally getting to meet Steph in person after your blogs. Thanks for all the blogs, I really enjoyed them. What will I do now? ; )
xo
That's it - you're back...
That last paragraph had me all up in suspense ;o)
Congrats on a very wonderful journey and of course, on a very safe return!
Welcome back Alexis & Steph!!!!
What an incredible adventure you two have embarked on. The amount of courage, will, and strength needed to do what you both did is unquestionable. The things you've learnt and the memories you've made in those six months will travel with you forever.
Someone once said: Travelling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, ''I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.''
Chadi
What a lovely way to wrap up your blog. The ending actually brought tears to my eyes! And thank you for the photo with the telephone booth! It makes up for the lack of kilt wearing in Scotland ;) Love you guys tons - can't wait to see you for Thanksgiving! xoxoxox
You will remember this for the rest of your lives. I don't know that most people can do this. You should be proud. Welcome back.
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