Choose another map, showing:

• England
• Britain & Ireland
• Europe (west)
• Europe
• Eurasia
• Transatlantic
• Eurasia, Africa & Pacific
• The World

Other entries in Pudsey

Goodbye Australasia / Oceania

Well that's me off then...

I travelled for 38hours in one swoop... Home.

Yes there were delays... but it was fine. I survived with a smile on my face. Maybe it was the thought of home, a hug from my mum, a pint with my dad, seeing my friends again or maybe it was my bed... one that isn't the ground sheet of a tent, or in a sleeping bag, one that isn't shared with a room full of people, that isn't so small for me I stick out both ends (maybe that's too much to ask for), my comfy comfy bed... Erm... Yeh it was the first three... honest, it was!!!

Lots of people have been asking me why I came back after 5 months instead of a year... well. I always said that it was up to a year (I think I knew that I would be home sooner) - yes I know that I put the length of trip on the title as one year so it's a bit misleading. The truth is that I planned to work when I first got to Melb, but when Hazel came along we ended up doing more touristy things sooner and not working. I spent all my money in the first two months and then in Cairns I had to go diving... then it was a trip to NZ... then... one thing after another... when it came to time to get a job I realised I'd done pretty much all I wanted to.

In the week before the grand prix I reached that point where I knew I was doing the right thing going home as I was fed up of the travelling life... for now. I could have stayed and worked but its cheaper and easier to work at home in pounds and perhaps progress/start my career. I had a lot of fun, if I stayed longer it would only serve to dilute the enjoyment and memories I had made. I think I got all I wanted out of the trip. I know I got a lot more that I expected... sometimes I would stop and think "WOW - I can't believe I'm doing this!" or "I never dreamed I'd be doing this!" I think the people who have commented on my pictures will agree with me there.

I had a wonderful time out in the southern hemisphere, met tons of fantastic people, some it feels like I've known forever and probably will now.

Thanks to all those people who welcomed me in to their homes, Gede, Kaia and family.

And to all those people I met on my travels, keep in touch. I'm sure you have my email if not you can use al.ballofdirt@gmail.com to keep in touch.

Add to del.icio.us Add to reddit