33 days. 12 flights. 1 bus trip. Thousands of air miles.

It's been a crazy trip, this, and in so many ways I'm pleased that someone else had to do the organising. On the other hand, control freak that I am, if I'd been doing it I'd have done it differently. For a start, I'd probably have spent a bit more to get better airlines and seats, but that's just a small quibble. The agony of air travel fades after a couple of days. Still, business class seems nice when you're trying to contort yourself into something resembling comfort back in cattle class. I met an elderly couple on the flight from LAX to Sydney who had asked to be upgraded to business class for the extra legroom, on account of the elderly gent's bad legs. They said sure, $10,000USD extra per person! I'm not sure my comfort is worth $10K!

Dozens of sights seen and places visited, a hundred meals (including one or two good ones), hundreds of smiles and handshakes (and one or two scowls).

The experience has been amazing. Being an international guest, rather than just a tourist, put me somewhere below "foreign dignitary" in some circles, and especially in Dubuque that means access not usually afforded to mere mortals. I had great experiences everywhere I went, and saw a lot of things that I wouldn't have seen as a tourist. That makes it a pretty special trip. For me, it's a pretty unique journey - mixing business with touring, travelling with strangers that become friends, and getting off the beaten path rather than hanging out in tourist traps. When it's your own money you tend to play it safe, but this trip has been different. To that end, it's a once in a lifetime experience.

And now the experience is coming to an end. The hundreds of foot miles are logged, the lines of experience etching into my face - how do I sum up the past month? Overwhelming. It's an interesting word. For me, it generally has a negative connotation, implying that something is too much, and beyond the ability to cope. But I think there's also a hint of positivity in the word, suggesting that the flow of information, knowledge or experience is filling you up. That's what I've focussed on. I'm filled up to the brim with these experiences, kind of like sipping from a fire hose. It'll take me a while to digest everything, and sift out the fun but frivolous from the deep and transforming. Both are good, and I'll treasure the fun experiences, and have great memories; but I hope I'll also be able to take the deeper lessons and apply them both professionally and personally. For someone like me, who isn't especially worldly, experienced, or well-travelled, those lessons are invaluable.