Every story must come to an end.

Tim and I are home now, enjoying some creature comforts and reflecting on the last 9 months. Here's what went down in our last week in the Big Apple;

First stop, Statue Of Liberty. Not quite as big as I imagined from the movies but still well worth a visit. Learnt that one of America's most famous attractions represents freedom, peace, truth and independence. Some valuable ideals in todays world.

The rest of the day revolved around of my personal pleasures. Food. We'd been recommended a great Pizzaria in Little Italy, so off we trotted uptown to chow down like the Pizza Connoisseurs we are...And we were not let down. Lombardi's is by far the tastiest pizza I have ever had the pleasure of eating; pepperoni, mushrooms, chirizo, bacon, parma ham and sausage. Meat extravaganza!

The following day we went to the 'Bodies Exhibition', currently showing in the city that never sleeps. Here we saw some of the most vivid and almost disturbing images surrounding childbirth and the complications that can occur. A must do for anyone interested in the works of humanity's most complex creation.

Next stop, Ground Zero. I was almost brought to tears whilst touring the memorial gallery of 9/11. It gives a truely real depiction of what happened that tragic day and pays homage to the heroism that took place. It was great to see the progress of the new World Trade Center being built and the positivity that surrounded its neighbours.

That evening we strolled through Maddison Square Garden, the Rockafellar Centre and Times Square to bask at the bright lights and mayhem of people going about their day.

Now no visit to New York is complete without a spot of shopping, so we dedicated a whole day to retail therapy and let our budget become a thing of the past. Fifth Avenue and Broadway got hit hard (not to mention the credit card!).

Three pairs of trainers and two flip-flops later we were at the top of the Empire State Building enjoying an aerial view of the city. There were a few complications entering the building at security, involving a mystery carrot and a padlock, however the view was amazing and photo opportunities unsurpassable.

The view from Brooklyn Bridge, once the largest suspension bridge in the world, was also spectacular and offered a nice stroll into Brooklyn to explore. We were lucky enough to be around for a special waterfall display under the bridge as part of New Yorks Big Summer.

With only a few days to go and our last taste of sunshine we headed to Central Park to watch Afrika Bambataa DJ at 'Summerstage 2008'. We also witnessed some talented yet slightly moody breakdancers and had a good ol' stroll around the vicinity. Just accross the road from the park is the Natural History Museum so after a hefty $1 entrance fee we entered. I could have spent a week exploring this huge museum packed full of interesting exhibits and life size dinosaur fossils.

To celebrate the last day of our journey around the world we completed our last workout in Golds Gym, Manhattan, (I celebrated a personal victory of consuming over 2000 calories in 1 monster protein shake!) before lunch at the NY Burger Company. That evening we headed out with our hostess, Jesse, to get a taste of NYC after dark. We met the 'Steve Miller Band' (famous for the classic hit 'The Joker') in a swanky bar high up in the skyscrapers, munched on some midnight taco's, danced to some infamous 'Wu-Tang' tracks in BOB, drank far too much @ 'Employees Only' and tasted some famous New York Bagels. A fine end to a fab stay.

So what now? I'm back in the PO13, back up to old tricks. Enjoying some quality time with my family and my lady. Eager to make my big come back at LA Fitness, fareham and replace some of the weight I lost around the globe. So if anyone of you guys are keen for beasting, heres my number 07870406466 (great opportunity for marketing I felt!).

If anyone has ever thought or is thinking of going travelling, I thoroughly recommend it. Don't let anything get in the way of such an adventure- you're never too old, it's never too late. Take hold of life by the kahunas! You're in control.

I wanna leave you guys with my final thought. A quote that summarises what I have learnt this far in my existence;

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." Harold Whitman.