A few thoughts on Christmas Eve while I'm sat by the bar - this is for my benefit so don't feel you need to read on It's a list of people that I've met who helped the last two months be special...

- Monica, David, Chrissy and Josie at Nuarro for making me feel so at ease being on my own

- Angelo for always being there for me in Tana and looking after me and Dad impeccably,

- Matheur for being gorgeous, taking me to Nosy Hara (a very special place) but importantly for getting my phone back.

- The girl who helped me book my trips in Diego. With the aid of an English/French dictionary we worked out a plan. She also saw me in the street and ran to catch me up, to explain a slight change in plan!

- Etienne (the driver guide) in Diego who bought bits to eat along the road, aswell as sharing a 5 hour road trip to Ankify with me but inportantly getting me safely on the boat.

- my quad bike guide - although going very fast - he did get me on a great boat to the emerald sea despite my worries and at a very good price

- the girl at reception of Hotel Jardin Exotique who although I was supposed to be there two nights, when I ended staying jut one - she personally bought my washing to me in my new hotel.

- the English girl living in France who I met on the boat to the Emerald sea - my fisrt proper English conversation for a couple of weeks.

- all my dive instructors - Chrissy, Pascal, Jacque and Jean for all helping me stay alive and enjoy diving!

- the French girl I divided with and then her and her friend invited me to have dinner with them

- my Mauritiun hosts for making me feel so at home and sharing their family life with me - such a great insight I would never have had as a tourist

But of course there is my Dad for coming all the way out to Madagascar and being willing to take some quite big risks and travel to some pretty uncomfortable, remote but amazing places.

And finally Kath for grounding me back to luxury - and giving up a week to come out and spend Christmas with me. Would have been special anyway but especially with what she has got on at the moment.

And finally as its xmas eve and i'm going to get as sentimental as i ever di - everyone who gave up time to email me, drip me a text, Skype or leave messages on my blog - ALL of them meant a great deal to me.