It’s safe to say this trip has been incredible. Waking up to know later that day I’d have to part ways with Matthew was already heartbreaking to think about, so I had to put it to the back of my mind so I could take in this final day. Also I had to prepare for my journey home too, but as I wake up, Matthew is off to grab me a coffee, so I can start my day with a kick start. 

I enjoy my coffee in bed hearing about how the queue at the coffee shop was so long, we’d lost track of the days and didn’t realise that it was Saturday. Being that Siesta Key is a popular holiday destination, the place was going to be busy. Our conversations can go on forever, and we’re never short of a topic to talk about, so before we get too caught up we decide to head out for some breakfast. 
The lines at ‘Another Broken Egg Cafe’ are so long and the wait is about 15-20mins. We opt to head to another cafe rather than sit around waiting, so we decide to return to the Village Cafe and while it’s much busier than the other days we’d been, there was room for us straight away, and we once again, share an omlette. We’ve become accustomed to sharing meals, and have often taken turns at choosing, or just simply felt like the same foods. So easy!
We took a slow stroll back to the house, knowing it’s our last. It’s finally time to pack up and farewell the place that has housed a fairytale holiday. I am sure the house will be very quiet without our conversations and laughter. Matthew shakes his head at my packing technique, which is basically to just throw everything in. I didn’t want to waste precious time folding clothes. 
My suitcase feels very heavy, and as a result of my packing skills, it would be far too challenging to locate my travel scales now, so I just cross my fingers and hope for the best. I get into trouble from Matthew, who hadn’t realised I’d carried it down the stairs ’cause that’s not what princesses do’. Forever the gentleman.
It’s time to take off to the airport which was a few hours before my flight, and we’ve decided to have lunch and a quick drink at Sarasota airport before we part. We sidle up to the bar, order some quesadillas and a drink. It’s not long before we are joined by Jeremy. The owner of a automated car wash company, and as far as we can tell a cool relaxed kind of guy. Our conversation is short, but friendly and Matthew and him exchange contact details for ‘next time’. I am pretty sure we’ll be back.  
While we are chatting the waitress gives me a bar top charger for my phone.

The time is drawing closer so after taking a quick final picture together we head to the security to make my way off to the flight. As many may not know about me, I am an ugly crier. Our farewell was very emotional as we sobbed and embraced all the way till we parted. I pretty much kept to myself till I landed in Dallas, really not feeling up to my usual bubbly self. 

The flight isn’t long and at Dallas I make my way to the American Airlines lounge to pass the few hours I had as a layover. I head to the bar and order a champagne. Seems my bartender was not aware of the right glass and poured a red wine glass to the rim. I couldn’t believe my luck. 
I take the chance to touch base with Matthew, seeing how he went after leaving the airport. We rationalise that it will be only a couple of short months before Christmas was here and he would be in Australia to visit. 

The time passes quickly, and before long I am boarding for Sydney. This will be the longest flight I have ever experienced. The Dallas to Sydney flight should take between 16-17 hours. I am fortunate to sit next to an empty seat and on the window is Justin, who I find out is the owner of a Hunter Valley winery. We will be very comfortable on our flight as the passengers file in. I am happy to be able to stretch out a little bit. Basically the time was passed with movies, sleeping tablets and snacks. Justin had collected treats from the back of the plane for the both of us, so after one nap I wake to see them sitting on the tray table that we’d opened to use between us. I tell him Matthew and I would love to come to his winery at Christmas time, so he gives me his business card. That is one I will definitely keep. 
When we are almost ready to land, the captain announces that we were running very late, and our flight had been the longest ever experienced from Dallas to Sydney, clocking in at just over 18 hours. I grab my bag from the overhead locker, and John, a crew member I had spoken to very briefly throughout the flight, slid a bottle of red wine into my backpack. He explains is a beautiful wine from first class. Wow, what a treat.

When we land it’s a very strange feeling, happy and sad, such mixed emotions. But no time to waste time as I need to head straight to work. Yes, after 18 hours in the air, I had a full’s day of work ahead of me. I was hoping it would cure my jet lag, and also allowed me to maximise my time in Florida with Matthew too. 
There’s not much more to tell, except a quick stop at duty free, a train ride home and fun day showing off my tan, and sharing stories of what had shaped up to be a crazy and incredible holiday with my unicorn………and they lived happily ever after!