Home after 12 months

Fri 21st to Sun 23rd Nov 2014

Arrived in Perth on time to be greeted by Mum, Tracy (my sister) and Roger. Got a few looks as the greeting was a bit loud!! And a few tears. It was a beautiful sunny day. When we arrived in Mindarie (my sisters house) the flags where up and Jess was in the front garden with all the dogs to meet us. We will be living here for a while as our apartment is rented out until March. Over the next few days we caught up with the rest of the family. Jess surprised us with a fantastic cake which was identical to Priscilla! 

It's hard now to believe we have been away but we have such wonderful memories of our 12 month long adventure. We have seen some amazing sights, done some incredible walks and met some lovely people including old friends and family all of whom have really looked after us which has added to the whole experience.  Everything about the trip has been positive and it is a shame to cut the trip short but my thyroid operation of course takes priority. But I am sure it won't be long until we plan our next trip as there is a big wide world out there to experience and many more people to meet in it rather than listen to the negativity that some would have you believe of the world. A big thanks to the people who have helped us along the way (you all know who you are). 

Although it has been hard at times we are so pleased we have recorded everyday! this travel blog, giving us great memories to look back on into our old age. Glad some people have followed it all the way. 

The End (for now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Homeward Bound - Thurs

Thurs 20th Nov 2014

Alarm went off at 4am! Got a taxi to Heathrow terminal 4 and had our last full English breakfast! We were slightly overweight in one suitcase and under in the other. Glad they didn't weigh our hand-baggage! Got some duty free perfume and set off on Etihad airlines to Abu Dhabi (7hrs 20mins) good flight - too much food, watched movies and music videos. The connection in Abu Dhabi was a quick one so no time to stretch our legs. Onward to Perth (11hrs 20 mins) and between screaming babies, annoying noisy kids behind and people snoring not much sleep. 

Off to Heathrow - Wed

Wed 19th Nov 2014

Set our alarm so we could say goodbye to Mike & Liz before they left for work. When Alison arrived and we had loaded the car we waved bye to Emma and Harpenden. We didn't get far as we all decided we needed a Full English Breakfast which we really enjoyed in The Old Cock Inn. Ali then drove us through Luton Hoo- what a gorgeous estate that is ! I used to have driving lessons with my Dad around there!! And Ali used to ride her horses. Drove then to The Ibis Hotel near Heathrow ready for our morning flight home to Australia. Did not enjoy saying goodbye to Alison and also cannot thank her enough. Spent the rest of the day talking,drinking, and sitting on our arses!!!! Have put on 4 kilos since being back in the UK!!!! Need to find some hiking mountains to clear our heads when we get home!!!!  That may be hard! Had a lovely meal in the hotel then an early night as the alarm is set for 4.15am!!!!!!!!!! Australia here we come!!!!

Odette and baby Jake - Tues

Tues 18th Nov 2014

What a day! Sorted all our luggage out again and had to ditch some more stuff. Alison picked us up at 2pm (we have such wonderful friends) and took us to Milton Keynes to visit my mums cousin Odette who I hadn't seen for 35 years! She hadn't changed a bit and it was wonderful to reminisce and also see her daughter Ruby. Alison then drove us to Luton to see Roger's (my brother in laws) family again to celebrate young David's birthday and meet his new baby Jake. We enjoyed a lovely home cooked Mexican meal then had to say our goodbyes again! Ali dropped us back in Harpenden - exhausted. She is picking us up again in the morning to take us to a hotel near Heathrow. It's nearly over :(

Amwell & Leighton Buzzard - Mon

Mon 17th Nov 2014

Lazy morning then David and I walked to the Elephant and Castle in Amwell. We went here a year ago when we first arrived in the UK. The walk was very colourful with all the autumnal leaves but very muddy. Will have to get these boots cleaned up before Friday! Had a couple of pints and a lovely lunch then walked back to Mikes. Only 4 miles today. In the evening our good mate Nick(I met David because of Nick) came to pick us up and took us to his daughter Lisa's house in Houghton Regis (his other daughter Sarah is in Australia at the moment) Lisa has 3 gorgeous boys and a lovely husband. Nick should be very proud of his daughters. We then drove to a Harvester for a huge meal then onto Nicks new apartment in Leighton Buzzard - right in the middle of the forest and Rushden Park. A great spot and he has hit it really nice (he calls it his man cave!). Nick then drove us all the way back to Harpenden where we said our goodbyes. I am sure we will see him in Australia sooner rather than later. A great day.