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Published: April 14th 2010
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Arrival back at Heathrow
Mum's welcome card really did stand out! I am back! After successfully finding my way to the airport in Washington (taking a train, an hour long bus, and also being stopped by an American guy just for him to give me $5 as a thank you for visiting his country!)...I boarded my last flight of the 7 month trip. Seat 57H was my spot for the next 7 hours and I think I slept for most of the journey, but I can't really be sure. Either way, I saw about 30 seconds of a film and then I was out like a light. Arriving back into Heathrow was an extremely odd feeling. Exciting to see everyone again and be back at home, but knowing my travels (for this trip anyway) had come to an end was a slightly sad thought. Although post trip blues are common, I think I am more happy than sad. I remember having the same feeling after the Arctic Trip I took in 2006 and it is a nerve racking, yet overwhelmingly comforting feeling. I think I have really learnt to live in the moment and appreciate every minute of everyday and understand that no matter where you are in the world you can have fun, it all just depends on the attitude you take towards each and everything you do, and they way in which you enjoy every moment with the people around you. This all sounds incredibly deep and philosophical but I feel it is necessary as this trip has made the last 7 months some of the best of my life. I was saying to my parents on the way back form the airport today that nothing went wrong on the trip at all...we lost a few things and missed a bus or two but apart form that, there were no major issues and everything was just awesome. It was great travelling with Dan and I spoke to him today when I got back home after doing the last month and half of the trip on my own and it was good to catch up! South Africa was great for the wildlife and scenery, South East Asia for the parties and culture, Australia and New Zealand for the sun and the sport, the Cook Islands for total relaxation and America and Canada for the skiing, parties, new people, food and the overall sense of worldly exploration! In short, every places was great for totally unique reasons and I wouldn't of had the trip any other way! The whole round the world trip however would not have been made possible without the help, kindness and generosity of all of the family and friends who took us into their homes around the world. Dave, Cindy, Peter, Gary, Jill and the twins in South Africa, John, Sheren, Erin, Chris and Nick in Perth, Mr Tom DS in Sydney, Emma and the Gang in Wanaka, Marcie and her crew up in Salt Lake City in Utah, Madison and her family in Calgary, Paulene and Jane in Thunder Bay and Crystal and Chris in Toronto. Without you guys I would not have been able to see half as much of the world as I have! You all know that you are more than welcome to stay with us in Devon, anytime! I must also thank all the new friends I have made...everyone I met has influenced the trip in some way and you guys out there really have made it an experience of a lifetime...I am soon to start work on a little video/slideshow of the whole trip with some pictures and a few special mentions to certain people so watch this space! A big thank you must also go to my parents back at HQ in Budleigh! Always there to lend a hand, they were the rock beneath this whole adventure. I have had so so many great life changing experiences on this journey around the globe and I have so many memories to take away form this trip that the feeling of happiness and total freedom of roaming the big wide world will live on in me for a long time. So, as any happy traveller would, I am unpacking my bag to do some much needed washing, raiding the fridge for some much needed nourishment...and, with a big smile of my face, I am thinking back to all the awesome times I've had in the last 7 months and of course, I am already thinking about which part of this big wonderful world I will be jetting off to see next...
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