Holly Mahe Hiii!!! So I'm writing this now and my brain is jumping all over the place trying to narrow down what to write about. This is probably going to be a mix and random memories and corniness :). So you know that feeling when you first meet somebody and within minutes you know that you and this person are meant to be friends? You're immediately drawn to them and even though you may only be together for what was it, like 5 days, you just know you have to meet them? I remember walking in to the kitchen at Silverfern and as soon as I saw you I started trying to awkwardly read that red shirt of yours. Within 5 minutes I felt like we were kindred souls and within 10 minutes we were already planning our road trip together. We were instant friends and I didn't have that bond so quickly with anybody else I met on my travels. By the next morning you, me and Frans had rented Goldmember, our total grandma car, and started on our way in that crazy rain. I still have my Abba cassette! That poor little car, with it's old school cassette player and how even if we had the gas pedal to ground, the speedometer would still be going down if we were going uphill. I was a little worried for us at times, but still one of my favorite road trips ever. Do you remember that hot shirtless guy in the Mousetrap hostel?? When I missed the step out of the kitchen because I was totally staring at him and accidentally splashed my water cup all over him! Then in his sexy accent he was like "I know I'm good looking, but don't fall over me" or something ridiculous like that. Hahah so embarrassing, but totally worth it. I should've composed myself and hit on him, he was so fine. Sand dune surfing was so much fun with you guys. You were both pretty daring down those mountains. Then you took the best care of me when I messed up my thumb that day. Then the next morning you woke me up with cold pizza and coffee, nurse Alex was the best<3 Paddle boarding and kayaking with your uncle were so much fun. Even though you tried to knock me off a bunch of times! I've had people tell me that my smile in those pics is one of the most genuine smiles they've ever seen on me, and I owe that to you and Frans for making that weekend one of the best of my whole trip. I am so lucky we met in that kitchen that night. I don't think it's very common to meet someone and feel immediately so comfortable around them that you can be exactly who you are right from the beginning. I tell people that there are just some people you meet in life and there's a connection you can't even explain. I call it soulmates ;). That's right, you're probably stuck with me forever and then some! You are an amazing person. Based on all the messages, I know I wasn't the only person drawn to the positive and happy energy you always had. Anyone who crossed paths with you on their travels was incredibly lucky. I can't wait to see you when I go to Europe this Fall. I'm ready for our next adventure. Hot guys, morning swims (maybe I'll actually join you guys this time :P), road trips, and then some. I love and miss you and I hope that you got everything you wanted and more out of your travels. See you soon!<3

Erin (a.k.a. Ohio) Leeds! You are a kick-ass travel buddy -- I never would have noticed that crazy your-car-will-be-flipped-by-natives sign (which has been a big hit here in the states—I wouldn't be surprised if they started popping up in the funkier parts of Ohio) or gone out for what might have been the most expensive dessert-and-cocktail combo ever (and who even knew Asian-South American fusion was a thing? well, maybe somebody did. But I didn't.) Hopefully we'll meet for another adventure at some point. You're welcome in Ohio anytime! And no more pain shows, I promise :)

Märten Hey hey there, Alex. I loved having you around while we were couchsurfing at Allan's, what a colorful character he was. That time will definitely go into my book about my travels someday! You were really fun to talk to and hang out with. And some lighting probably does go from the earth to the skies. Do you remember that guy from Switzerland, who had his small backpack and he just wondered off to the bush? What was his name? I lost my notebook with his email so I don't know where he is on his 5+ year around the world trip. I wish we would've spent more time exploring the (night)life in Perth, but the world is a small place and one day we'll definitely catch up over a beer!

Amelia I will always remember the first night I met you because I can't really remember it. It's all a beautiful champagne blur. :) Somewhat ironic that the day started off by us singing a lot of hymns. And of course the toasts and the fun of tree climbing/bush destroying with Lynette and Bob and poor Scott. I still have a scar on my arm from falling out of said tree. Then, we couldn't get into any clubs (My country has ridiculous laws) and lost Lynette behind the fridge, but it all ended up alright because we got our dear Lynette to her graduation the next day. Even if she had to sleep through half of it. I enjoyed laughing at you and Lynette stalking license plates on the drive back up to Washington, and eating good food in Bellingham. I apologize for being a terrible beer pong partner at the grad party, though I still question the house rules there. I loved that you got to come visit me in New York for your last stop in America. There was the hit broadway musical that was not so great, but then we we managed to get free tickets for the off-broadway play that was fantastic. Exploring the city was lovely, but I think my favorite part was the fireflies in Central Park. It was wonderful to meet you and get to spend time with you on both coasts and I hope you will come back and visit. You have a completely open invitation to come stay with me any time! And someday, you, Lynette, and I will have to make that West Virginia road trip happen.

Heidi Sinclair Hoi An wouldnt have been the same without you, we wouldnt have experienced those amazing cinnamon buns you found. I remember laughing so much with you and the other guys we met..the bike rides to the beach, finding the cheapest beer in the world, that giant bug, my failing at every drinking game, the chinese lanterns along the river and you getting your suit made and being very chuffed. I am going to be in Norwich for the foreseable future, so if you are ever around then let me know!! X

Fox I do believe its Rum O'clock!! Thai Rum Slurpie best invention ever!! Cheers

Rene Landry I had so much fun meeting you in New Orleans!! Can't wait to see you again somewhere down the road. I'm bartending at Good Friends now if you decide to come back before my trip to England!

Kate Agarwala Hello sweet lovely! I just sat and thought about you and remembered us drinking weird loasian spirit in hanoi. How were the rest of your travels amazing i hope. Me, I'm happy and on a road trip around wet england with my stunning man. Lots of Love. Kx

Marko Hey, Alex! It was a real pleasure to meet you in Iceland. You were great company on the bus ride from Reykjavik to Akureyri and in Akureyri itself too, even if it was just for a few days. Fun memories! Since your bright disposition suits you well, I suggest you definitely keep it :) Oh, and if you ever come to Slovenia, do tell. I'm sure we can find some cool stuff for you to do/see here :D

Charlie New Zealand wouldn't have been the same without you! Caving, River Valley (or should I say River Island), Naked on Franz Joseph and of course our shared love of Revenge!

Nancy (just Nancy, like Cher) Dearest Alex. I MISS YOU! Can't believe I haven't seen you in over 9 months. 9 months too long! Great memories with you and many debates. Many more to come I hope :) muchos love xx