So it?s been a year to the day since I started my trip, and I have returned home. Yes I am back in the little village of Edlesborough with my parents. My god a whole year has passed, and my god was it amazing! 355 days of travelling the world, 355 days since I set foot in Shanghai. 355 days from China to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Thailand, Thailand to Vietnam, Vietnam to Singapore, Singapore to Australia, Australia to New Zealand, New Zealand to Fiji, Fiji to America, America to Canada, Canada to America, America to the UK, The UK to Ireland and Ireland to Edlesborough.

Sounds quite a small trip when written so plainly, but my god was it the best year of my life? Hell yes, not a doubt.

What were the highlights? Everyone keeps asking me that question, from family to friends, potential employers, and generally anyone I meet. How? How can I possibly sum the highlights up?

Asia

Climbing the Great Wall of China, Sleeper training it through a completely foreign country where no one spoke English, Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam, Discovering what my History teachers were referring to all those years ago, Seeing cultures thrive on the completely different levels to what we as Westerners consider normal, tasting their cuisine that is completely different to our rendition of their cuisine, Meeting so many amazing, fun, like minded travellers who I am still in contact with, and made the experience even better. (Holly, Gemma, Amal, Julie, Vimo, Sarah, Penny, Kim, Dave and Flick, Katie and Marcus, Claire and Matt, Brett, Marie and Siobhan).

Australia

The moment I saw the Opera House I was in love with Sydney, the Bridge, the Harbour, the Botanical Gardens, The Beaches, the people, 43 Pitt Street where I made some of my closest friends (Claire, Lally, Nat, Matt and Becky, Kayley, Katie, Michelle Jen, Dell, Barry and Christine, Jen and Jess, Lorna, Lauren, Dan and Sharon, Mel), The Wine tour with Flick and Dave, watching Italy cheat their way to World Cup glory. The Oz Bus and everyone on it, including the drivers. Cruising the Whitsunday Islands with Niamh, Brian, Amy and Jess, everyone being ill whilst we travelled to the most disappointing beach in history. 4 x4ing Fraser Island with Nick, Pat, the Danes, and Luke. Surf School, Bryon Bay and Night Kayaking, with Luke, Shawn, Kelly and Amanda. Going to Ramsey Street and seeing Karl Kennedy?s Band, Dating a lovely girl and having her to share it with, a night cruise, having a job I enjoyed. Being hailed on in the summer on a beach near Melbourne. Ayres Rock at daybreak, waiting for a train for hours into the night that never came, seeing a twister, sleeping underground in Coober Pedy. Exploring Kakadu National Park, swimming in Croc holes and viewing the natural wonder. Cable Beach sunsets with beer, nearly dying after seeing the most gorgeous beach ever in Broome. Exploring the South West in hired car, Sleeping in the car due to lack of funds, Christmas on the Beach, New Year in Sydney and the best fireworks I have ever seen. And most of all finding out more about myself than I ever thought possible

Australia was and will always be the place where all my dreams came true.

And the people Liza and Fin, my first two friends, my family! Steph, Eoin, CB, Donna, Agnas, Steph Julian, Vicki, Mike, Princess Israel, Lior, Mary and Steve, Tanja and Marie, MJ, Adam and Lucy, Rachel, Bruce and Andre the Italian, Shannon, Kate, Renee, Randy, Brennon and Emma.

Just some of the names I will remember and keep in touch with for the rest of my days.

New Zealand.

The Dance Festival, the hangover, Franz Joseph, Dressing up as a woman. The beautiful mountains, the spectacular views, Wanaka and the Glacier lake, Bungee Jumping, Lord of the Rings settings and tour, The Indian meal, The beauty of Mt Cook and Milford Sound. Sleeping on the streets and being stalked by a mad woman. But most of all New Zealand was about the TEAM ? There will always be an Alma and Cat in Team, and they should feel the love right now!

People ? Emily, Steve, Ben (Team Leader), Hightower, Cloie, Alma, Cat, Danielle, Claire, Helen, Mark x 3, Zoe, Kim, Kimberley, Rachel, Princess Paintball, Marita and Kristin, Eomon, Katie (Hemel), Christina (Berko), Declan and Jen, Cat and Seamas.

 

Then it was onto Fiji, and the most romantic Islands I have ever visited. What a great culture, friendly, hospitable and fun. From swimming in a gorgeous reef, singing Westlife drunk on the beach, Caving, nearly dying underwater, curry for every meal, Nandos on the last day, partying on a beach with the crystal blue sea metres away, seeing the local village and schools to drinking Cava, learning traditions partying with the locals, beach fires, glorious sunsets, hammocks and tranquillity, a feeling of being completely at peace not a worry in the world.

Fiji time was one of the best times, a truly inspirational place.

People. Tom, James, Lindsey, Lindzy, Jen and Katie, Cat (the return), Megan, and of course Shannon

BULA BULA

 

Then the final leg, America and Canada. Seeing Nils in Newport (OC country), Driving from LA to Seattle, Seeing Kayley and Loran again, getting 20 questions coming into Canada, getting a new Tattoo, The Tenacious D concert, Meeting the mad Norwegians, walking Manhattan, Ice Skating in New York, Seeing Niagara snow covered, walking the cemetery, watching the All-stars game, seeing Kurt?s house, and driving the Golden Gate.

The last people: Gardiner and friends, Rachel, Kayley and Friends, Nate and Vicky, Nils, Jen and Alex

 

Its now back home, to start a new life, I?ll update you as soon as I settle.

So if anyone ever feels like they need to travel, for what ever reason. I would say GO! Go now, see it all and life that life you?ve always dreamed of.  A year on I would do it all again!