So this is home. There isn't a lot of time to unwind - there is a long list of practical things to do, which is really a defining feature of home, right? We are very fortunate to have a place to stay for the time being, but soon we will look for a new place to live that is between our two jobs as we try to implement one of the more important lifestyle changes we wanted to make upon returning; having only one car. "But it's the suburbs!" "Yes, but it can be done!" We will make it happen. Troy is returning to the teaching position he left in 2017 while Clare is starting a job at a new school, so there is a lot of new to get used to, quickly. As we slowly settle in and down our thoughts are mostly jumbled and the deep takeways aren't quite present enough yet to articulate. So for now, we leave you with the most serious and wisest words for primarily southeast Asian long-term travel we can come up with at the moment:

- You will be sweatier than you ever thought you could be in your life. Because of this, some of your clothes will never properly recover from this disgustingness. Or your bags. Or camera straps. Be considerate of your travel partner and dispose of them when necessary.

- Bathrooms typically have the shower spraying directly over the toilet. Don't try to fight this. Your room comes with a wet bathroom. But putting up the toilet seat before you shower is a very kind gesture for the next person.

- There is no such thing as bringing too many Ziploc bags. Or too many different sizes.

- Despite what your guide book says, it is not humanly possible for every activity to be experienced "at sunset". There is only one of these per day. Embrace all forms of light.

- Despite what your guide book says, it is not humanly possible for every activity to be experienced "not on the weekend". There are 5 weekdays, and only 2 weekend ones. Adjust accordingly, mingle with the crowds, and get over it.

- While not overly attractive, a long sleeved SPF 50 swim shirt may just become your best and most practical friend.

- The number of power outlets in the room may become your primary factor in how likely you are to recommend your accommodation.

- The airport will become one of your new favourite comfort zones: Air-conditioning, credit card usage opportunities, Western toilets, and guaranteed toilet paper.

- When using a squat toilet (ladies), especially on a train, you are better off just taking of all items of clothing below the waist - save yourself from the unfortunate possibilities…

- When you arrive to the airport late at night, yes you are tired and want to just get on with it all, but plug on and sort out all the annoying stuff there! This is where the ATMS that have money in them are hiding, and where people are most likely to NOT give you the incorrect SIM card/plan.

- The ubiquitous "Same same, but different" phrase becomes a legitimate and useful part of your dialogue with each other to perfectly describe ridiculous situations.

- The ubiquitous "You never try, you never know" typically offered as an intro for you to try a local food starts to take on new meaning as you begin to apply these simple words as wisdom for travel and life…

Huh, that was interesting, guess this has morphed into some of the deeper takeaways after all.

- Not every day will feel good. Not every day will feel like a vacation. There is no guilt in this. It does not mean that you have lost your gratitude for these opportunities.

- You don't have to partake in selfies with people if you don't want to. This is not your obligation as a tourist. Particularly if the requests are being made borderline aggressively, by men.

- You will meet people along the way that you feel an instant connection to, and start to wonder how they could become part of your "real" life. This is probably not realistic, and that's okay. Your meeting each other has still affected positive change in you, and that brief time was meant to be this way only.

- You will meet people along the way that you feel an instant connection to, and you might still be in touch! This is fun!

- There is an exhilarating freedom that comes from living out of one backpack. It becomes embarrassing to think of all the things you own at home.

- You learn an uncomfortable amount about some of your loved ones at home regarding how much interest and respect they show towards your unconventional life choice of choosing to travel for two years. It hurts.

- You are all of surprised, unsurprised, and thrilled at how some of your acquaintances, friends, and loved ones have cheered you on and supported you through all of it and this propels you over those other feelings.

- We missed a lot of events at home over two years - weddings, deaths, funerals, graduations, milestone birthdays, job opportunities. Sometimes it feels like five years have passed instead of two. There is a bit of a feeling of detachment from everyone and everything else right now in that we all had deep experiences over this time period that in turn others cannot quite relate to because they weren't there.

- When you can be still enough to listen to what you actually want to try and experience in your life, while you are blessed to have health and time, the decisions come easily. Your confidence and strength grows a little more each day. And when travelling you are forever meeting other people who are living their lives in such unique ways that you feel this steady stream of support beneath you along your journey which is incredibly uplifting. With a combination of hard work and opportunity, we know that we will do this again. This adventure has opened the door to so many places that we once would never have dreamed about having the chance to visit, and led to so many other ideas that it is impossible to not get giddy about them. But patience! It's time to work for a bit. And save. And save some more. And hopefully we will be back blogging again on a new journey! So for now, thank you so much to all who have been along for the ride - it's been a blast. We have loved reading the comments and questions, and know that many other people have been quietly following along, and we are just so grateful for it all. Bye for now, and hope to see you again soon!