Waking up the final day of any holiday is tough, but having to say goodbye to each other is very tough. This time has been very special, just as each other opportunity we have had to be able to spend time making memories together. The ease of which our time is when we are making decisions, meeting people, and having fun will make it all the more challenging to say goodbye.

 We really don’t make a move very quickly this morning. My flight is not till later on tonight, so although we have a big chunk of the day to fill we opt to spend time just having a lazy breakfast and get our packing out of the way so we can just focus on being with each other for these final hours. Despite a slight emotional break down already, we manage to laugh as we both attempt to close our overflowing suitcases.
Why is it so that your journey home suitcase packing is not the same conducted with the same precision as at the start? Or maybe we’ve just collected more things? Who knows, but either way, it does provide some much needed distraction from the upcoming farewell.
We eventually decide we had best grab some lunch so we head for a near pub and order a couple of bites to share. We’ve had such a lovely time together, and while it feels like we’ve been together forever, it simultaneously feels like the time has gone too fast. Its evident the mood is slowly changing as we get closer to the completion of my trip there. We look outside and the dreary day is attempting to show us a little sunshine. 

Its the backdrop of the day, and mirrors our mood. We are finding the sunshine in our situation, despite feeling a bit grey. There have been incredible moments and experiences together, not only here, but on our other breaks together. We stop for a final picture together in Clerkenwell/Farringdon before we head back to finish off the packing and jump in an Uber. 

Our pictures always are a bit of a tell. While it may at times look like we are posing, we love to capture the various moments and moods, and our final one is no exception. You can tell that through the smiles there is sadness in our eyes and faces. 
I say my final goodbye to the apartment as we have finally packed up our stuff and the house.

The Uber takes no time at all, and it is a very somber journey to the airport. We just sit in the stillness knowing what’s coming ahead of us. Eventually we arrive, I check in and we find a place to have a final bite to eat and a quiet drink together.
We watch the bar staff serve a group of men who clearly have been either there for some time, or have drunk very quickly. It’s not long before we hear that they’re considering calling security. I can’t help but wonder why they continued to serve them drinks then expect security to look after the aftermath.

While we are there we are very much entertained by twin red headed toddlers. We chuckled as they terrorized both their mum and grandma. Throwing crayons, licking ice cream, running around tables in circles. After having a red headed toddler myself once, I have nothing but empathy for the young mum.
After having some food and a couple of drinks, my stomach dropped as I knew the time was here to part ways with Matthew. What a heartbreaking thing to be torn apart and have to leave to be at opposite ends of the world. AGAIN!
There was some ugly crying going on, and that was just Matthew!! Joking of course, as we both embraced and sobbed before the time came to go out separate ways. It was brutal.
I weave my way through the corridors and security, with kind staff checking I was ok. Fortunately it didn’t take long to make my way to the lounge and I sit up at the bar.

Not really being able to speak when asked if I’d like to have something to eat or drink, the kind bartender brings me water and tells me to take my time.
I compose myself enough to put a sentence together and as the bartender circles back I order a snack and a wine. I know that I must look hideous, and I take a snap of myself. I’ve toyed with the idea to not include this picture, but as I’ve always been transparent in my blogs I feel this is a very raw and honest moment to share.

As I like to say ‘I’m hideous’ but this is the reality. I enjoyed a couple of wines and the bartender notices I’m watching the board for a boarding call. He tells me to just relax and finish my wine and he will let me know when I should go. What a sweet heart. My thanks to Peter from London heathrow T3 Qantas Business Lounge.
The journey home is quiet. No real stories to tell as I very much kept to myself. I was stoked to see that in our row of 3 there was no passenger between us. This happens both legs of the journey which, while it’s still in economy, is a much more comfortable way to travel.
I arrive back in Australia right on time and I’ve managed a decent amount of sleep. I head straight to work and so my life is back to the day to day.
At least for a couple of weeks. As I head on a holiday with my mum to the USA, which of course I’ll share along the way.
Thanks to my friends and family for coming along this adventure, for which this blog is written. For others who have stumbled across it or found it in other ways, I hope it’s given you insights into me and the kind of person I am, not only as I travel, but in life. Also a glimpse into the joys of love and adventure.
This trip has forever changed me. For the better.
Thanks Matthew for being my partner in crime.