With mixed emotions we packed our suitcases for the final time this holiday. After breakfast a final swim and another henna tattoo courtesy of the spa, we took a cab to the airport. At duty free we said goodbye to our remaining Dirham's and Dubai. Spending December in the southern hemisphere brought back childhood memories for Craig and I while the children loved the novelty of having a sunny Christmas. Seven hours later we were home, all looking forward to seeing family, friends and Pippa. Quite proudly we had come back with everything we left with plus the extras in the form of memories and souvenirs. After being vigilant for twenty six thousand nine hundred and sixty two miles making sure we had everything with us every step of the way we finally left Oliver's medication hanging on the trolley at Gatwick. In our defence we were tired and braving 1.5 degrees Celsius in only our jumpers and light clothing. Lost and found kindly stored it overnight for a fiver. Craig kangarooed the car home from the airport forgetting it was a manual, looks like our next cars may be automatic. Coming home my mom was waiting with a nice warm meal and warm house. Pippa was not so welcoming; cats seem to take longer to get over feelings of abandonment. She'll come round when she realises who feeds her.

Now that we've learned to live together twenty four seven for the last six weeks we'll have to learn to live independently again while we get back to the real world.

"Once you have traveled, the voyage never ends, but is played out over and over again in the quietest chambers. The mind can never break off from the journey."
― Pat Conroy