The end of my journey

I waved goodbye to Sydney on Friday with huge sadness. I've such an amazing time there and I really didn't want it to end. But end it must. I arrived back at Heathrow airport in the early hours of Easter Saturday morning, seven months after I left.

What a journey it's been - emotionally, physically and mentally. I have learnt and experienced so much. It has been life-changing.

I've been reading Elizabeth Gilbert's novel 'Eat, Pray, Love'. It seemed pretty pertinent and got me wondering how I'd sum up my journey. I think it may be 'Teach, Learn, Live'. I've gone from teaching in Cambodia, to learning about myself and my limits and then rediscovering the joy in relaxing and enjoying life.

Friends who have known me for years have commented on my happy, relaxed demeanour. Others have said that I look ten years younger than I did a year ago. I certainly feel it. It's fantastic.

Whilst I'm incredibly sad to end this trip, I end it feeling happy and positive. I head back to family and friends in the UK with a renewed outlook on life.

This really isn't the end of my journey. It's just the end of this chapter. A whole new chapter of my life lies ahead and I plan to grab it with both hands!

With a little help from my friends

I've not only visited amazing places and seen stunning sights on this trip, I've made some fantastic friendships. The people I've met along the way have made my journey all the more special.

My fellow volunteers in Cambodia really helped me through. I was so far out of my comfort zone! The proper belly laughs, hugs and confidence boosts that we gave each other made the experience so much sweeter. Special thanks go to Suzanne and Sarah. I can't wait to share another fit of the giggles with you.

Vietnam was quite a lonely experience for me. It's a beautiful country with wonderful people and delicious food, but I spent a lot of time alone there. That all changed when I hit Halong Bay. The few days that I spent on that boat with a fabulous group of people (well most of them!) were just great. Monkey Island really was nuts!

And then I reached Australia. I joined my good pal Emma and everything changed. We had so much fun and a good dose of self-discovery. Our shared experience was a delight to us both and changed our perceptions of travelling. I miss you Em - thank you for sharing Aus with me.

I wasn't looking forward to New Zealand but I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Magic Bus made it all too easy. It also helped that I found a fellow caffeine-addict in Kat who also found it extremely funny to mock the Kiwis' vowels (fush n chups indeed!).

I couldn't have lasted in Australia as long as I did without the generosity of some very special people. Massive thanks in particular to Michelle, Monica, Sarah, Mike, Brooke and Julian. You're total stars and I owe you big time. You made Sydney feel like home. It's down to you that I stopped travelling and started living. And I absolutely love this new lease of life that I've discovered.

Thank you.