There have been many hours of reflection time for me on this trip - just what I have needed.  I have managed to capture some of those thoughts which I'd like to share with you.  Thank you so much for all your support over the past 6(ish) months, you've been amazing and I feel that a few of you have travelled this with me.  Never underestimate how much you're in my thoughts.

I've learned...

 That sun burned shoulders and a 20 kilo pack are not a viable
 combination.
 To be alone and happy.
 That sun burned ears look really unattractive when they peel.
 That actually, I really do love my life, just as it is.
 A hangover is a hangover where ever you are on the globe.
 That boys will be boys regardless of culture.

I've learned...

 Where my heart is...at home, with my friends and family.
 That I have stronger thighs than I thought.
 That one day anti-bacterial soap, 100% deet and tiger balm will save
 the world.
 That the universal language of smiling is under rated and under
 used.
 Sand chafes, end of.
 One or two things about who my friends are.
 That women burping aloud in my ear and men 'spitting lumpy ones' in
 the street is never ever going to be agreeable for me.
 

I've learned...

 That I'm mentally and emotionally stronger than I ever thought I
 could be.
 That material and physical perceived boundaries need and should be
 pushed.
 To have faith in the kindness of humantiy - there really are
 genuine, kind people out there, though there are some thieving
 bas&ards to.
 That we can happily live on much, much less than we think.
 That limitation is something we do to ourselves.

I've learned...

 That it really is OK to lean on someone from time to time.
 That essentially, 'commodities' are useless if a satisfactory
 emotional foundation is not solid and stable.
 That confusion or heartache lies within and sadly, wont leave at the
 boarding gate or the bus stop.
 That after about 4 days without washing, even you wont be able to
 cope with the stench.
 To go without touch.
 That I miss my mountain bike!
 That I wouldn't change a single thing about my trip and the choices
 I've made pre, during and post.
 

I've learned...

 To love flying and long bus trips as it means that for that period
 of time, someone else is looking after me and that feels good.
 That If you can't see the tiolet chain, walk away quickly.
 That we can manage with much less sleep than we think.
 That the whole world loves the Eagles and Top Gear.
 That I can deal with vile insects...well kind of....
 That to receive a text or mail that says 'I'm thinking of you' is
 enough to renew my spirit wholeheartidly.
 

I've learned...

 That being hissed at can be a positive thing.
 That we're all the same, with the same basic needs, wants and
 desires.
 That I LOVE having baths and clean fluffy towls.
 That kangaroos make an awful mess when they're hit by buses but are
 very tasty when cooked properly.
 That Flip flops rule and sand fly bites fu**ing hurt!
 That you should ALWAYS wash fruit.
 That life is for sharing, it has to be.

I've learned...

 That some rabbits are bread for shearing.
 To trust others more and to ALWAYS trust your intuition, it's never
 wrong.
 Assume nothing.
 That the importance of coverstick will never waign.
 That if you pack a damp towl it will stink forever.
 That a sports bra's are useful for bus journeys in South Amercia.
 Cab drivers WILL rip you off.
 A lot about my strength of character when I can trust the locks on
 my pack more than the locks on my bedroom door.
 That everyone loves Rooney and Becks.
 

I've learned...

 That if you're feeling low, don't drink alcohol, don't play sad
 music and don't even think about texting anyone!
 That a serong is the single most valuable thing you'll ever pack.
 That Octapus is tasty and roast pumkin is lush.
 That there is only one 'Capt Jack Sparrow'.
 That the personal alarm should be kept anywhere other than inside a
 rucksack.
 Never, ever leave your drink unattended.

When I think back on my journey I wonder if i could possibly pick a favourite place, activity or memory.....

Jogging through the Moi on Easter Island as the sun comes up and an ocean backdrop (even though I did trip over and smash my knee) - South America.

Long Island Ice Teas in Queenstown (and helping Bex on the big white telephone) - NZ.

Horse back riding in Argentina (do you remember 'poor b******?') - Mendoza South America.

Eating MEAT in Buenos Aries (with Mel in the restaurant in her PJ's) - Argentina South Amercia.

Snowboarding in Phakapapa ski villiage (when the lift woman was shouting about me being 'a single' - b****) - NZ.

Trekking the Inca ruins in Peru (ohh the smell of sweat, pi*s and sh*t) - South Amercia.

Snorkelling with Penguins in the Galapagos Islands (and seal sh*t stinks) - South America.

Diving with Sharks in the Great Barrier Reef (oh and the sea sickness) - East Australia.

White Water Rafting in Tauranga (yeah and being trapped in the water in a raft that was folder in half) - NZ.

Sky diving over Lake Taupo (what a job!) - NZ.

Sun bathing on Magnetic Island (even with a sunburned back because I couldn't reach it to put lotion on) - East Australia.

Dolphin Feeding at Monkey Mia (Smirnoff blacks with Jo as the sun went down) - West Australia.

Feeding the Orangutans in Borneo (The wonderful sounds and sights of the Borneo Jungle) - Malaysia.

Singapore Slings in Raffles (my mum and dad with big smiles) - Malaysia.

Discovering the Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon (and not being able to get across the road for mopeds) - Vietnam.

Finding Fanny in Causeway bay (lucky me) (even though it was almost time for me to come home) - Hong Kong.

Having a wonderful tour of Northern India and an even more magical time with Naomi - India.

... The answer is that I couldn't possibly choose a favourite.  All I can do is try to hold my memories close and learn from them and above all....Smile.

South America = Stark rich and poor, love football and the family unit.  Essentially good, kind people.
New Zealand = Like good clean living, love their heritage and Moari culture, very helpful and can do attitude.
Australia = Smoke and drink lots, happy to make a fast buck, laid back people who love 'Barbies'.
Asia = The poor love, laugh and smile and as a single white female, I will ALWAYS be a second class citisen and....a bit wierd.

And so to conclude.....

When I left home, Gnarls Berkley had just reached number one, the Da Vinci Code was coming out later that month and world cup fever was beginning to kick in.  This could quite possibly be the fastest 6 months of my life.

There are some truely magical and idylic places on this wonderful planet but I have learned that peace, serentiy and beauty lies within and we can all reach it if we choose to.

Daring to dream, choosing to imagine and taking baby steps towards your goal (whatever that may be) will eventually take you there - without question.  With the correct attitude, balance of priorities and a little planning, anything is possible.  Remember who you are and who's in control, 'You don't need eyes to see, you need vision' remember.  First though we need to know what our hopes and dreams are.  I know mine.  Do you know yours?

'Be rare, be eccentric and be original'...

Peace, love and smiles :-)

Travellingjones
x

ps - the India update will be posted during w/c 29/10

NB:
To Mr Alan Jones whom said that I was 'stupid, rediculous and a silly girl' for wanting to travel the world.  With the help of my dad and mum I was able to shake off the nurtured shackles that you gave me and consequently was able to spread my wings and fly.  You however, clipped your own wings a very long time ago and will therefore, forever be grounded.  'Choice' is the word of the day.  I chose, and so did you.

Amy Caple