DAY 52: The Last Day

This morning as I awoke, reality dawned and I was saddened… after two months of adventures, it was all over. Two months, constantly on the go; two months out of the real world; two months - is that all?! It felt so much longer... In 51 days I visited 6 new countries, 20 different cities and met countless new friends. I've seen some of the most beautiful landscapes ever imaginable and had other worldly experiences that have blown my mind and even brought me to tears. I had so much fun with lovely people and there is very little I would change. Maybe just one, too have had more time, but time is precious and I made every minute count and feel thoroughly privileged to have had this experience. It's opened my eyes and mind to the beauty of South America, that I knew in my heart was here, but I could never have imagined what treasures awaited my discovery. It's truly been the trip of a lifetime and I'm so grateful to be able to do it. I've been very blessed...

Anyway, feeling all this gratitude I went down in the quiet of the morning to have my final breakfast in South America with the very sweet and gentle Marcelo, who fittingly played instrumental classical music for my sombre mood. Cheerily he chatted with me in Portuguese (I only got the jist of our conversation but know enough that it was pleasant and well intentioned). Although he smiled and was endearingly engaging throughout, I had a moment were I choked back some tears... this was it.

After breakfast Lynn and I packed, said farewell to our gorgeous room and met our new Argentinian friend Clemente and together we headed off to visit The Big JC on the hill.

We got a bus up to the national park, and passed through the many checks and queues and found ourselves at the foot (literally) of the enormous sculpture of Jesus with his arms outstretched looking over the city. Again, we were met by throngs of fellow idiot tourists, splayed out on the ground trying to get the money-shot or else accidentally slapping passers-by in the mouth as they outstretched their arms to mimic the man of the moment. We squeezed through the crowds, enjoyed the panoramic view for a view minutes and then conceded that the view from the Sugar Loaf was prettier. We battled our way back through the crowds and started our decent.

Back down at the sea level, we decided to get a few last caipis and a bite of lunch on Copacabana before parting ways. We shared a tipsy taxi ride back to Ipanema beach and had one last stint on the beach. Feelings were all a jumble - happy and sad as we said our final farewells to some of our travel friends before grabbing our things at the hostel and heading to the airport.

Lynn's flight was first to go, and I walked her to the gate. We hugged, and I gifted her a little pink headband. When she arrived, she'd commented that she had been on the look out for one just like it. As it happened, I had bought one from an island co-op in Peru, and new she'd love it. And I was right. In true Lynn style, she reacted, how shall we say "enthusiastically". So much so, everyone on her flight, and in the neighbouring gates, must have just assumed she had just won the lotto. It was hilarious! But totally lovely: Lynn the loveable Legend.

Parting ways was sad. I was on my own again. And at 9:45pm, I boarded my flight which would take me home.