This week, I have finally said a fond farewell to my job at Tesco. After nearly five years, I emailed my letter of resignation on Friday, ending what was probably the most productive period of my life in Britain. This was the hardest decision I had to make, but the reality is, my lifestyle break had come to an end, when I started a full time job here in Australia. The contract dictates the steps I had to take under such circumstances and with a little bit of prompting from my now ex-boss Sammy, I handed in my notice with immediate effect. Sammy was instrumental in ensuring I was able to take such an important career break in the first place; after some deeply painful days in Britain before we left, she was there offering support when I needed it most. Without her, our success now, may well have ended very differently and for that I will always be grateful!

The truth is, I hate goodbyes, and this was one I really didn't want to say. I understand I haven't been working in Fratton for five months now, but by holding on to the possibility, I may return to my job one day, I was somewhat comforted. You may well call it a safety net, or just not wanting to let go, but for me, it was about holding on to the good times and life enhancing memories that I made, everyday I went to work, behind the customer Service Desk. There were no bad shifts, although in reality there probably were, but nothing to speak of, and I always thoroughly enjoyed my time at Tesco; luckily for me, I will always look back at my time with fondness and there aren't many jobs you can say that about.

I don't think I have every really worked somewhere quite like it; the people were the most generous, giving and open bunch I have ever met and all of them felt like the family I needed at that time. Most people spoke of the friendly atmosphere and just how well colleagues got on with one another, but it wasn't until I left in September 2022, at the beginning of my journey to Australia, that I realised just how much I was going to miss the place.

I have to be honest now, and I know some of you won't appreciate it, but there isn't much I am going to miss about Fratton. I never enjoyed living there and would never want to live there again, but the friends I made, the generosity of spirit you see in the people from Tesco and indeed Fratton as a whole, is truly heart-warming. This was a community that treated everyone with respect and dignity, no matter what their background, and the enduring memories I made will stay with me for the rest of my life.

When I look back to my departure and those last few weeks at Tesco, I don't think I have ever felt more loved in my life. These were my family in all but name, they gave me everything I needed - from a shoulder to cry on, advice and direction, or a place to crash if the worst came to the worst. My colleagues, no, my FRIENDS, were there encouraging me, every step of the way, and I will miss them all, especially now everything is so final!

My time at Tesco coincided with some momentous events, not only in my life, but also in the history of the World. I started working there after returning from Spain, while Darrell was in Australia caring for his Mother. When I needed support, the team were there for me. It was never a chore going into work, in fact if you ask anyone who worked there, I was more often than not, early, so I could chat with friends. This was just what I needed, as I tried to build a life temporarily without my husband. This sense of belonging became even more crucial when the pandemic took hold in 2020; all of us bonded in a way that would have been unthinkable before.

Working through the worst public health crisis in a hundred years was often scary, especially during the early days, when none of us knew just how bad things would get. I remember working on the desk, which looked more like a bunker, with fruit and veg crates piled in front, as a barrier between customers and us. There was no PPE or sanitizer initially, and Tesco did everything they could to ensure our safety; these were times of great anxiety and stress, but they were also days of comradeship, laughter and music.

As shops closed, theatres were boarded up, pubs, music venues and places of entertainment shut their doors, Tesco remained open. Things were very different, of course, but we hosted events on those great occasions that would normally see people celebrating in the streets. From VE day to Christmas, we all did our best to make sure customers enjoyed their time; after all, we were the only stores open in this new dystopian World. Supermarkets were crucial as key workers like me made our way to work every day, through deserted, empty streets, to serve customers and hopefully brightening their day.

Today I am lucky to include many customers as friends, born out of the pandemic and the respect we showed for one another. From the Fox Lady, Joanne and her multicoloured hair, and the dear late Mrs Fisher, who I talked with throughout the pandemic, until her death just over a year ago. Together with colleagues, Managers and all those on Front End Support, I had the best four and a half years of my life.

I have shed a tear or two, as I moved across the World, which is only natural. Things will never really be the same again. I am, however, aware of where my future lies, but I am also mindful of where my journey began. The World was just a little bit sweeter at Tesco and I laughed just a little bit more; I hugged so much better (even throughout the pandemic, naughty I know) and I was just a little bit, yes just a little bit happier, in a job I loved more than any other that had gone before.

I leave behind people I love and always will, the memories of a special time in my life, friends like you wouldn't believe and of course my biggest, bestest, loveliest friend of all - Jules, my big Brother, forever, and someone I wish I'd got to know better. Nevertheless, we will always be there for each other, as much as we can, and when the time is right I'll be back in Fratton, sharing the love; picking up from where I left off, the day I closed my locker door, rekindling the nostalgia I will always feel!

Dedicated to Jules, my Brother from another Mother!

Yesterday, before the death of Queen Elizabeth broke, Darrell and I went for a long two-hour amble around Poluotok Osejava, the Osejava Peninsular. We followed a well trodden path on the opposite side of St Peter's Peninsular, where we rambled the day before. It has been my aim to keep my weight in check, not over eat or drink and continue to keep fit. When I weighed myself this morning, I had lost another kilo, making it nearly two and a half kilo's in total. The walking here is truly amazing, it is the perfect place to take in the scenery and stay healthy, enjoying the Makarska Riviera in its full glory.

This expedition around the World has begun to take on new meaning for me after the death of The Queen. I am sad not to be in the United Kingdom at the moment, as my nation mourns, but it makes it even more poignant to remember our late sovereign as I explore different parts of the globe. Now, more than ever, her legacy is on my mind. Being away from Britain, has made me realise just how important she was to me.

As I strolled along the sea front yesterday, stopping briefly for a beer or two, admiring the view, the World seemed perfect, my life had purpose and I felt happy and content to be enjoying my time away. Within a few short hours, everything changed, and The Queen was dead.

It does seem wrong to be enjoying myself under these circumstances, but what else can I do? Life does go on, and we all have to make the best of what happens next. This was the last day before the world stopped spinning, the last day living under Queen Elizabeth II and this was the last time I would feel a sense of calm, before Her Majesty died.

I will of course mourn her death in my own way and will continue on my journey. However, my travels will take on new significance as I remember my Monarch and cherish the memories of her reign. I am glad I was in Croatia yesterday as I heard the news, surrounded by family and loved ones; the consideration they gave me was beyond measure. Today I remember a long life served, and respect the memory of the most enigmatic, hard-working, dutiful public servant, the World has ever known!

Well Thursday really was an emotional day, as I said farewell to friends and colleagues from Tesco, The Newcome Arms and Cancer Research - all places I have worked since my return to Portsmouth from Spain in 2018. To say leaving Portsmouth, even for a year, will be an enormous wrench is somewhat of an understatement. Emotions really have been running high for me, as I have said my goodbyes to some fantastic friends. I am not a person who cries easily, so Thursday just showed me how lucky I am, having made some wonderful memories with some truly amazing characters; the tears did flow briefly, as I said one last au revoir to everyone who has played an important role in my life over the last four years. In the main, however, they were tears of happiness, as bonds were cemented, and I realised these were friends for life, wherever I am in the World.

In many respects, this week has been a Godsend. Realising I was finally about to leave the UK on the trip of a lifetime, I started to relax and enjoy the final few days here in Portsmouth. With only two days left, I am content with the choice I have made and look forward to the future. It has also been a hard seven days, having to wear a mask at work and keep my distance as much as possible, as I prepare for the long flight to Australia. Having been planning this journey for about six weeks, I have become drained and run down from all the preparation. It has been hard getting to this point, but the days of Darrell and I, spontaneously getting up and going, are well and truly over; this is the adventure of a lifetime, and it has to be done right.

So many people have wanted to say goodbye, that we have been living an emotional tight rope for a while now. Ever since I announced I was taking a lifestyle break from work, I have had so many colleagues asking to spend time with us, that I have been taken aback. A year really is a long time, and Darrell and I realise how important it is to connect with those close before we go. I hope to be back in twelve months, but who knows what will happen.

Apart from going to see my Father, that really is it, the end of our time in the UK for a while. Our life will now consist of traversing the World, experiencing new cultures and living out of a suitcase. This isn't everyone's cup of tea; travelling isn't always glamorous, it does have its downsides. We will be away from family and friends for an extended period and unable to enjoy that one to one interaction, that I so adore. I am a social animal first and want that close contact, on a one to one basis, but I am also someone who needs to explore, looking for answers and reaching out for new and inspiring experiences. It is a choice to travel for most, but for us, it is a way of life, that we haven't experienced for a very long time, since 2019. This is a time of great excitement, but also of trepidation and nervousness.

As I sat on the checkouts completing my last shift on Wednesday, ironically training a new member of staff, on the very till I was first trained on nearly four and a half years previously, a colleague approached and tapped me on the shoulder. Whispering in my ear, she told me a customer, who had become close over the years, had died that very morning. Her sister wanted to come over and see me before I left. This dear lady spoke so eloquently of her sister's last moments, ending by saying, she had hoped 'I had already left on my travels,' because of how difficult it was to tell me of her sister Pats passing. An emotional day, had just become even more emotional, and I was left feeling rather empty after the news. As someone who believes in fate, I truly believe this was meant to be and gave me the green light to leave Fratton, embarking on a new but thought-provoking journey.

So many friends and colleagues have signed cards and given me small gifts and tokens of friendship to take with me. I have been overwhelmed by their generosity and care, and moved by the words they have said. One of my closest colleagues gave me a compass, reminding me, that wherever I was in the World, she would 'find me.' She, like so many others, will always be a part of my life, and I am so happy to have met her and everyone else. My closest friend Jules gave me a beautiful card, (below) and 'Tree of Life' pendant, signifying, according to him, my independence, uniqueness and family bonds. In all but name he is the Brother I never had, and this gift will always link us together, as both of us go our separate ways for now.

From my job at Tesco, I went to The Newcome Arms and Cancer Research, where I made my final farewells to people who have been so important to me during my years here. Walking back into The Newcome felt like coming home; as I sat chatting over a pint of Stella and packet of crisps, I was reminded of where it all started in 2018. I haven't been back here for a while due to work commitments, but I spent many years working here and needed to say goodbye. Yes I know this is a lifestyle break and not forever, but with the world the way it is, I worry when I come back, nothing will be the same again; saying cheerio means closure, so I can happily go off on my mission to find myself....again!

From The Newcome it was on to Cancer Research in Commercial Road for a glass or two of Prosecco and some typically uplifting banter. This is the reason I started volunteering and why I kept coming back. The volunteers and Zerina, especially, are amazing individuals; when Darrell got a job with the shop, I knew how happy he would also be, and I wasn't wrong. I know it is so hard for him leaving everybody, but like me, he has made some memorable friendships. These are people who will always remain in both our hearts, they are quite simply the best of British and the most hard-working, down to earth bunch I have ever known.

Today, a friend from work who I missed yesterday, popped a card and a bottle of wine round. She wanted to come and see me before I left. Once again, I can not stress enough how deeply moved I have been by everyone's good wishes, it really means a lot. As a friend from Spain told me recently, rightly or wrongly, I have touched many lives; I just hope I have done so in a positive way. Angela has always been a beautiful soul, sharing mine and Darrell's love of cats, and has been a great friend during my tenure at Tesco. I will of course see her and everyone else again, but for now I am just happy for the love they have shown.

After Angela's impromptu visit, my Aunty Trisha, Darrell and I went to Titchfield to see my Father. This will be the last time I see him for a while, and I wanted to make sure he was OK. It is true to say I am worried about Dad. He is seventy-five years old and looking a little frail these days, but he repeated how well he was, and I should go off on my travels and not look back.

That is easier said than done. Although I don't see Dad as often as I would like, I enjoy being close by. When my Mother suddenly died in 2019, I was grateful to be near to my Father and glad to be able to do something to ease his pain. If anything happens to him while I am away, it will be harder to return quickly. Nevertheless, he assured me he was fine once again, and I have to take his word for it, after all I have no reason not to. I will naturally worry about him, but will check in as often as I can.

Dad gave me a deeply personal parting gift and a bunch of letters he had found, that I had sent Mum back in 1995. One of them was the very letter I wrote to her, coming out as gay, and my God did that bring back some emotions. My life may well be different to what Dad ever expected or even desired, but it is mine to own, and I have tried to live it as best I can. The unconventional nature of our relationship, separated at times by thousands of miles, has kept us strong as a couple. Our home will always be here in the United Kingdom, after all it's where we live, but torn between two diverging worlds it is our fate to travel, often for long periods of time. We will both know when the time is right to settle down, but for now we will keep following our heart on this endless journey that seems to never ends.

Bye bye UK, I'll see you soon!

This time next week we will be on our way to Croatia, the first stop on my 'lifestyle break.' My nerves have well and truly kicked in now and despite past reservations, today I am finally looking forward to leaving the UK. My apprehension has always been about leaving friends behind, but this last week has shown that no matter where we are, those friendships will always be there.

Looking back over the years we have travelled, both Darrell and I have made many friends and a few of the good ones have remained, steadfast in our life. It is true to say, we haven't seen many of them in a long time, but lives are busy, and it can be difficult making time to see one another. Whether I return to the UK in a year or just keep on travelling is anyone's guess, but the important thing is, we do what makes us happy. I am genuinely trying to spend as much time as I can with those closest at the moment, giving as many people as I can a big hug when I see them (Yes I understand there is COVID, but hugging is no longer illegal.) When the time comes to leave, it will be a wrench, but I have spent some wonderful times with comrades and colleagues alike, and have some amazing memories to share.

Yesterday was my final shift on the Customer Service Desk, which, if I am honest, made me sad. Next week I will be working on the front end for a few days before I officially start my career break on Thursday. Colleagues and customers have been brilliant and have really shown me just how lucky I am. People have wanted to show their appreciation, which is rather difficult when you are leaving the country, but they have gone out of their way to show me how much they care. I suggested that a friendship bracelet or token, to take with me on my journey, would be an ideal gift, since we are limited with space. Well, I have been given some great items and will wear them throughout my time away. Every time I look at these gestures of friendship, I will be reminded of the people who did much, to enhance the life I have here in Portsmouth. These are the only things I need to remember my time, and their significance will cement the bonds I have formed.

The emotional rollercoaster I am on presently has a while to run yet, as I have a few more people to see before I go. On Wednesday, I will make a point of popping in to The Newcome to see my old boss. I have left seeing him and others to the last minute, preferring to stay out of crowded areas before I travel. With our departure on Saturday, I am hoping nothing will happen to jeopardise the flight before we go. I am also trying to keep my distance as much as possible from other people, although I am certainly not turning down those hugs before I go. Someone said to me just yesterday how 'huggy' I had become, and I suppose I have, I really am going to miss so many people; I just want to keep them as close as I can right now.

On Thursday, I will see my Father one last time. Naturally, I worry about Dad, and the prospect of being away from him for so long isn't helping my anxiety. He hasn't been too well lately, and it will be difficult leaving him behind. My Father is delighted we are travelling and following our dreams, but I do detect the apprehension in his voice. I have only been back in the UK for a little over four years, and I know he would rather I was staying, but he understands our need to go on this journey. Dad has always been quite stoical, showing little emotion, but since the death of Mum he has become far more emotionally in touch with his feelings. On the plus side, he does have a full life now, doing the things he has always wanted to do, so I am happy that he is content and won't miss me too much.

My cases are packed, and I am ready to fly. I am right up to the limit with my baggage allowance; Thai Airways are particularly tight with their allocation, with only one 20 kg suitcase allowed per person and only a single 7 kg cabin case permitted. Surprisingly I am able to take far more luggage to Croatia, than I am to Thailand and Australia, which really makes no sense at all, but with some innovative juggling and brutal selecting I have managed to do what I can to fit everything in. Living out of a suitcase for the next year isn't going to be easy, but we have done it before, and I doubt very much it will be the last time we do it again.

I've got another busy, tiring week ahead, but the long haul is nearly over and finally Darrell and I can relax together, away from the stress of life. It has been a long time coming, but God willing, we will depart without a hitch and fly away towards new adventures. Our life together is about to change for the better, and I am thankful we finally have something to look forward to. My love for Portsmouth will always be there, this is after all my home, but my yearning for new horizons will inevitably overtake my need to settle down, as the World once again becomes my reason to live and an oasis to explore!

Yesterday was quite an emotional day for me for many reasons. It was my final Sunday shift on my department and the last day I would see people who were being redeployed to different parts of the business. I suppose Sunday brought home just how close we are to leaving. For the first time, I didn't feel attached to my job in the way I was before. Becoming emotionally detached is an important process when you are going away. I suppose it has happened in our life so many times, that it is just part of the course now. Nevertheless, it doesn't get any easier and I just want to get on that plane and fly away; everything feels different, and it's time to move forwards!

Last night was the final 'last supper' before we depart on the 3rd September. We are mindful of COVID-19 and want to avoid large crowds as much as possible until our departure. Fifteen of my closest friends and colleagues from Tesco joined Darrell and me for drinks and a buffet dinner, once again at Spoon in Portsmouth. To be honest, I was very touched by the number of people who wanted to come. To say the night was impassioned is a bit of an understatement. I will not be seeing these gorgeous people for a very long time. Many of them may well have moved on when I return, and I am aware of how different my position in the company could be.

It was good to relax and chat with friends in a way we don't usually have time to do. I haven't seen many of those who came last night In a long while. Usually it is a short hello, wave of the hand and brief exchange of pleasantries. Sitting down to eat and drink just allows for a more pleasurable experience, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Sunday was the last of the formal goodbyes, with just my Father to see on the 1st of September. These past few weeks have been extremely draining, but it really has shown us just how much people care. I may well have only been in Portsmouth for four years, but the friends I have made, have been extremely important for my personal growth and wellbeing. A year away isn't a long time on the scale of things, but it is when you consider just how much can change during that time. The hope is, these fantastic individuals will remain a part of my life for many years to come, but of course circumstances, dreams and aspirations change. Whatever happens over the next twelve months, I am glad I have all these memories to take with me and of course share with you. As I say a final farewell to all my colleagues for now, I am blown away by their generosity of spirit and send all of them my love. Never change, keep being the people you are!

With just a couple of weeks to go before our departure, I received some of the currency for our trip this morning. I think the penny has finally dropped and everything is finally coming together.

It really has been a testing few months getting to where we are today; I haven't stopped planning the itinerary for our first three months away. The next few weeks will be equally testing as we finalise the arrangements, finish packing our cases and get ready to leave on the 3rd September. This part of the process has always been my Achilles hill; I have never enjoyed all the planning and preparation involved, preferring to just get up and spontaneously leave, as I have done in the past. However, this time it is crucial we are well-organised, since we will be away from the United Kingdom for an extended period of time.

I am of course looking forward to the adventure we are now firmly embarked upon and communicating with readers of Roaming Brit updated every step of the way. I will be keeping a journal throughout the year and will write extensively about our journey. This will be the longest fourteen days of my life as anxiety turns to anticipation, but this is an important juncture in both mine and Darrell's life, and we look forward to the memories it will bring!