We arrived in Sydney and booked up a nights accommodation in a hostel before heading out for one last night in Australia. It was good to catch up with our friends Allie, Junior and Claire whom we had met at the beginning of the trip. It seemed like our time in Oz had gone full circle.

After a good catch up over a few beers it was time to say goodnight and get some sleep ready to depart the next day. We woke up and grabbed some breakfast in the city, killing a couple of hours before the airport shuttle picked us up. We killed a good half an hour watching a Chinese couple arguing in the street. I don't know what this guy had done but he was getting his ass kicked by his chick (who could have throw down with Ali in his prime). With morning entertainment over we travelled to the airport and checked in, saying our last goodbyes to Aussieland before heading through to the departure lounge.

My time in Australia was unforgettable. From watching the boys wallop Australia in the Ashes on home soil to near death experiences in natural disasters. From making new cherished friends to renewing ties with family that have long suffered the hardship of distance. From exciting life on the road in our car to life off the road in our broken car.

The plethora of experiences we have had in Australia have made it a place that will forever be special to me and a place I look forward to exploring in depth over the years. More so than anything, meeting my family has been the most incredible experience of my time in Australia. I will never forget the time I spent with Helen and Barry who are undoubtedly some of the kindest souls you could wish to meet. To meet Stuart and his family was equally as wonderful. Cementing those ties of family and friendship will hopefully continue for generations to come. I look forward to returning to meet the rest of the Brandon clan and see some more of beautiful Australia...

... "Dear New Zealand,

Will you kindly not try to kill me or at least carry out any necessary natural disasters off our travel path as I have been a good boy this year.

If you could maybe throw in a bit of sunshine too I would be very grateful.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Yours
Daniel Bull"