With Darrell suffering from a hangover, I went out for a brief walk myself in the morning. This was our final full day in Croatia, but I wanted a brief hour or two to myself. Wearing my Portsmouth Walking Football Club T Shirt, emblazened with its then sponsor 'Mary's Snack Wagon,' I strolled through the beautiful cemetary at the end of the road where we awere staying. Mary, just happens to be a friend from Pompey who I used to work with and she gave me the blue strip as a present, so with all my other clothes in the wash, this was my attire for the day!

Darrell and I did very little on Tuesday; we spent the day with our Cousin Vlatka, helping her tidy, do some washing for our trip to Thailand and chat about her imminent birth of twins. This is always the part of a holiday I hate, leaving somewhere I have stayed and enjoyed. We have both discussed returning to see family when we can, but with no firm plans over the next year, we just can't point a finger at when. The last time we travelled to see them was in 2014, a long time ago and both Darrell and I agree, it shouldn't be left so long next time,

Marin and Vlatka are good people who have been thoughtful and welcomming towards us both, as they have every year we have been since 2008. Their two children are an absolute delight, with the eldest Bartul, who is now 14, conversing with us in perfect English. I have always been astounded how dedicated, educated and polite European children our, compared with the UK and it really has been a delight to have been a part of the family, even if it was for the briefest time. In the future, both Darrell and I would like to see all of our Croatian family more than we have, that does of course depend very much on just where our travelling takes us. For now we are just content to have seen them all at the beginning of our lifestyle break.

With our cases packed, I was in bed by 8 pm, ready for a 2.30 am alarm call tomorrow. As my head hit the pillow I must have falled straight asleep.  Croatia is a place a love and a home in Europe we can always return to again and again. Without the connection and bonds we have formed, our lives would have been all the poorer. This was a vacation for us of course, but it was more than that, a link to Darrell's family and memories to cherish for the rest of our life. Until we all meet again, our love for Marin, Vlatka and the children will only grow stronger. The love and affection all of us share are everlasting, enduring and steadfast in this ever changing World!

Just a quick blog today as we are both packing for our onward journey to London and Thailand. We booked a car yesterday to take us from London Gatwick to London Heathrow; Darrell and I do not want to be running for a coach or changing several trains to get from one part of the capital to the other, especially after the death of The Queen, so a car seemed like the best option. To be honest the coach would have cost us £60.00, and I managed to book a car with 'Great British Cars,' for £70.00; a no-brainer really. I need to get to the hotel at Heathrow as soon as possible, so I can meet a friend in London, to pay my respects to The late Queen; time just isn't on our side.

We had a fairly relaxing day yesterday, with a spot of lunch at Ankora, our favourite restaurant in Makarska and a trip to Podgora in the evening, so Darrell could say goodbye to his Cousins Zana and Zorko. We had the perfect few hours sat in their company, at the family home, and they cooked us a lovely meal; we chatted about our plans for the next few months ahead and family at home in Australia.

Saying goodbye to Podgora is always hard, it is my favourite part of Dalmatia. I could just spend hours sat there in one of the many local tavernas, relaxing, having a drink or two and just contemplating life. We haven't made any firm plans to return, at the moment, but certainly wish to, possibly during this year off. Croatian hospitality is always a delight, I have always been welcomed with open arms and made to feel part of Darrell's family; that has been important for me. Without the love they have shown, I don't think we would have returned here so many times.

We have just a few hours left now and lots to do before our flight tomorrow. I am looking forward to the second leg of our journey, and hope our time is as memorable, as it has been here. We are of course flying into the monsoon season in Thailand, but with temperatures still at 35 degrees on average, we can be sure of an interesting stay. I hope to do another update tomorrow in London, but it will depend very much on the time I have. For now, it's time to sign out and look forward to an eventful day in London tomorrow.

After a coffee at Makarska beach in the morning, we returned home, where Marin was cooking Sea Bass. I have rarely eaten fish in the UK, mainly because whoever I have lived with doesn't like it, especially Darrell. However, Marin wanted to try out a new recipe - Sea bass with lemon and rosemary, baked in salt. I have seen something similar before on the internet, but was unsure how it actually worked in practice.

Marin bought 4 kg of salt and mixed it with egg white, laying a bed of the mixture on a baking tray, where he placed the fish, stuffed with the rosemary and lemon. Finally, he covered the fish with the rest of the blend and placed in the oven at 200 degrees, baking for 35 minutes. Once cooked, the salt was chipped away and the fish was cooked perfectly. Personally, I have never tasted fish like it, it was fantastic - a subtle taste with a glorious rosemary fragrance and so moist.

Darrell, who can't stand seafood, had his own dish prepared, but if I am honest, I think he would have loved it. The taste was so delicate, it could have been anything. As Marin said to me, fish really shouldn't have a strong smell and if it does, it means it isn't fresh. There was absolutely no strong fish aroma at all, making it as fresh as the day it was caught.

After lunch, we drove to Biokovo Nature Park, which has the third-highest mountain in Dalmatia. Once again, I can't stress how difficult it is for me to do heights at all, let alone such a tall mountain. It is a measure of how relaxed I feel here, to manage to go up the narrow mountain roads in the first place. The last time I undertook such a journey, was when Darrell and I went to Sorrento in Italy, but even then the heights involved were nowhere near what they are in Croatia.

The rugged landscape was really otherworldly, quite desolate and stark at times, with heavy forested areas on occasion. The air was also particularly thin, and it was quite difficult to catch one's breath, but the stunning vista as we climbed ever higher was a treat, and I am so glad I went.

At the very top of Biokovo Mountain sits the Skywalk, a glass walk way that protrudes out from the mountain side, with a sheer anxiety inducing drop below. I have seen the photographs and a video of it, but when we got to the crest of the mountain, I decided not to walk on it. It turns my stomach just thinking about it, and I know even Darrell was nervous. Nevertheless, he did make a valiant attempt with his cousin, who took the photographs I have included below. I've only got to look at them and feel weak at the knees, so I can't even imagine how he felt.

As we made our way back down the mountain, we stopped to see the native wildlife, flora and fauna. There were a few isolated residences up there, but in the main there were wild horses, who we were warned not to go too close to, mountain goats and cows. They were all living in perfect harmony, along with a large colony of bees near the summit. There was very little greenery to speak of, but for these animals to survive up so high, there must be sufficient food.

Making our way further down the pass, we entered a wooded area, with equally spectacular views. The evergreen/pine trees were a sight to behold, framing the blue sea beyond perfectly. The trees were a welcome break from the heat of the day, as we walked for an hour in the early evening sun. By the time we had descended to the relative seclusion of the forest, my anxiety had all but disappeared and despite still being up higher than I have ever been before, I felt comfortable in an environment I would have found alien only a few short weeks ago. If I am feeling relaxed and chilled, then I am clearly in the right place for me at the moment.

It was a lovely afternoon spent with Darrell and his Cousin, just walking and chatting, but as we reached the very bottom, I was mindful of the short time we have left here, which, if I am honest, makes me sad. Our Croatian family are always so welcoming and sincere, it has always been a wrench leaving, but leave we must, and we need to spend as much quality time with them as we can, before we fly to our next destination, Thailand, continuing our Lifestyle break

Heights are not my favourite thing, in fact I will always go out of my way to avoid them, so travelling to The Blue Lake in Imotski was a real challenge. Standing at the top of one of the largest craters I have even seen, looking out at the view in front of me, was pretty scary. Just looking down at the valley below gave me vertigo, so you can imagine my horror, when Cousin Marin suggested we walk down to the bottom to view the lake and then come up again.

The heat was extreme as I made my way down the precarious limestone terraces, towards the partially dried up lake. I had the wrong type of shoes on and slipped most of the way, one wrong footing and I would have flown over the narrow edge and into the abyss below. Still, I persevered enough to make my way down, unable to reach the very bottom, due to the lack of a suitable pathway. The rocky incline was just too much, but I was happy to have made it down ninety percent of the way.

Sat there, looking back at the distance I had just walked, I panicked as I saw the treacherous climb to come. Going back up towards the summit was an even worse challenge, as I left Marin and Darrell and clumsily made my way to the top, trying not to look back. To be honest, it must have been a bit of a sight, as I clung on for dear life, at times grabbing hold of whatever I could to steady my footing. Trying to find something to grip isn't as easy as you think. Most of the rock was loose, and as soon as I thought I had a tight hold, it would give way and the rock would come tumbling down.

By the time I reached the peak I was exhausted, hot and sweating profusely. I sat for just a moment at the summit, trying to catch my breath, looking down at the half a kilometre drop I had just climbed. That was a hell of a walk, unlike anything I had done before, and I was proud of myself for even attempting to do it. Nevertheless, I was glad to be back at the top, sat in an air-conditioned car, heading for lunch.

We had lunch at The Hotel Venesia in Imotski; the views from the restaurant were amazing, just like a framed picture in the background as we ate. I could have sat there hours, just looking at the rolling countryside, which despite the heat here in Croatia was extremely green and lush, unlike the UK, where everything died during the recent drought.

The food at this three-star Hotel was actually fantastic value for money. I paid about £90.00 for the four of us to eat and drink. It included T Bone Steaks and chicken, Pork in a paprika sauce, salad, chips, desert and drinks. This would of course been more expensive along the coast in Makarska, and I am still shocked at how much the prices have increased here in general, but this was still a great price, compared to Britain, and would be a place I would like to visit again.

In the evening Darrell and I took another long walk into Makarska, so I could try and lose some of that weight I had just put on, after the meal in Imotski. We went to the Bolero Cocktail bar along the beach and spent a lovely few hours relaxing. Both of us had a cocktail or two, although at a cost of £40.00 it wasn't cheap. Things have really shot up in price since the pandemic, that is noticeable at every level, but it was well worth it, just being able to unwind and do something we wouldn't otherwise do.

We have a few days, yet, before we leave for London and then Thailand, but this stopover in Croatia has been a welcome break for the both of us. Thailand is going to be far more hectic than here, so these twelve days in Hrvatska have been a Godsend. A few drinks in Bolero was the perfect end to a wonderful, but tiring day. As I put my feet up back at the apartment, I felt my eyes almost immediately close; that's when you know you've had a good day!

On Monday, we went into Makarska; it has been a long time since we were last here, so we wanted to reacquaint ourselves with this large town on the Dalmatian Coast. It has changed little over the years, but it does seem far more quiet than I remember. Of course, after the pandemic, I would expect nothing less. It feels like there is only a trickle of tourists at the moment, but we have arrived at the tail end of the season, when most people are heading home, if they haven't done so already. However, it was no loss for me, the fewer holidaymakers the better.

It was an extremely hot day, as we sat drinking coffee in Romana Café along the promenade. This was the first time I've been here, and it was nice, sat chatting with family, watching the World pass by. Our Croatian Cousin, Marin, pointed out a famous football player, Alen Boksic, who was sat in the corner of the café under the television, apparently he played for Middlesborough and was particularly well known in his time. I had absolutely no idea who he was talking about; I suppose it's a man thing, just not on my radar!

Vlatka is heavily pregnant with twins, so after Romana, we left her in another local air-conditioned café, where she could relax while Darrell and I went for a walk, around the market stalls near the beach. From there we walked the short distance to the harbour, which was teeming with boats and small yachts. Makarska is predominantly a tourist destination and a port where ferries leave to take visitors to the many islands that make up Croatia, but it is also a working harbour, where local people strive to make a living. Architecturally and spiritually, Makarska always reminds me of Italy and a style of building I am comfortable with. This would be my ideal place to live, but as Darrell and I know all too well, it will never happen; Brexit has put pay to that!

Meandering around the small marina, I was struck by how beautiful Makarska is. Surrounded by limestone mountains, the scenery is simply breathtaking. It feels very much like the Swiss and Austrian Alps; navigating the coastline, taking in the sights and sounds, is an unforgettable experience. Croatia, as a country, never ceases to amaze me, just when you think you have seen everything, there is something even more wondrous around the next corner. This is the same for Makarska, it never disappoints and never lets you down, that is what keeps me coming back, time and time again!

As the afternoon became hotter, Darrell and I walked back to where Vlatka was sitting and made our way home for lunch and a rest. The heat does take its toll on you, but I am getting used to it once again and to be honest I am coping far better than Darrell. The older I get, the more I appreciate the sun; even after a few days, my usual aches and pains have disappeared, and I am once again feeling top of the World. The climate suits me far better now at my time of life; I need to feel the sun on my skin.

In the evening we drove to Podgora where Darrell went swimming, and I sat leisurely in a local restaurant. Eating a mushroom omelette and drinking a pint of Croatian beer, overlooking the fishing harbour, I felt at peace once again, something I haven't been feeling in the UK for a long time. Podgora is my second home, and the calming nature of the village is great for my sense of wellbeing. If I am completely honest mind you, I have been drinking a little too much beer over these last few days and need to reign myself back in. I can feel the pounds beginning to pile on, and that isn't what I need right now.

As the day drew to a close, Darrell and I walked slowly to his Cousin's house, just off the main thoroughfare, and had yet another beer with family before heading the short distance home. Chatting well past midnight, it was lovely just being in the company of loved ones, sharing ideas, talking about the future and enjoying some well deserved quality time. This is the reason we came to Croatia, and it does feel good to be a part of such a loving family unit. It is perfect spending time in such a special place, with those 'to die for' scenic views, but it is more than that, it is also a connection to Darrell's heritage and the positive influence it has on both our lives. As the sun set over the mountains, leaving a faint red glow, I felt content being home again and happy to be at one with myself, still trying to find that person I am inside.

Our first full day began with a trip to Podgora, Darrell's family's village along the Dalmatian Coast. This beautiful fishing village is about 8 km from Makarska, where we are staying, but is worlds apart in terms of size. Makarska is the larger of the two, the size of a medium size town, whereas the sleepy, laid back feel of Podgora, still prevails, as you walk around its streets.

Darrell and I have been to Podgora many times before, first going there to stay with family in 2008. It hasn't changed much in the intervening years, but the number of tourists have certainly increased, making this a popular destination. There is one aspect of the village that has changed, however, and that is the original settlement at the top of the mountain that surrounds it. This ancient town was destroyed by an earthquake in the 1960s, and was rebuilt by the then communist government at the base of the mountain shortly afterwards. Although some buildings are perfectly preserved, the majority of the village that you see today was mainly constructed after the quake. The original village at the top of the incline, is, however, being rebuilt and bares no resemblance to what we first saw back in 2008. The renovation and reconstruction is truly amazing to see; expensive real estate litters the mountain side and is a far cry from the ruins we saw 14 years ago!

Darrell's family own hotels and guest houses in Podgora and as one walks around the pretty streets, you could be forgiven for thinking everyone in the village is related to him. The feel is distinctly warm and welcoming, a sign of local village life at its finest. I have always felt very much at home when I am here in Dalmatia, embracing his family, enjoying my time exploring this little piece of heaven and learning to wind down, finally taking a step back from the stress of life.

Yesterday we visited his Cousins Zorko and Zana and attended his great Aunts grave at the top of the mountain, overlooking the sea. It really is a perfect spot, situated in a magnificent setting surrounded by native flora and fauna. Darrell looks happy to be home, and who can blame him. As much as I love the UK, it really can't compare to Dalmatia and the stunning Adriatic coastline. As I quietly walked around the cemetery, the thought of war in Ukraine, not too far from here, popped into my head. Cousin Marin mentioned how he hoped conflict would never again reach these shores, but judging on past Croatian history, it is likely it could happen again.

From the cemetery, we walked along the mountainside picking figs and admiring the view, which just seemed to get more breathtaking around each corner. Near to the old village church, we stumbled upon an old communist era memorial from 1949. It commemorated World War II and the bravery of those who fought the fascists. It was great having Cousin Marin with us, translating the text. (See video above) I suppose I was a little surprised to see these communist monuments still in situ, but the sentiment, communist or otherwise, is still the same. As someone who loves history, I enjoyed seeing this small tribute to the fallen. All war is wrong, and we could do well to remember that, as the war in Europe continues.

We walked along Kralja Petra Krešimira in Podgora, towards the beach bar at the end of the strip, where we sat and drunk coffee and a beer. This was the first time I could truly kick off my heels and relax, looking out along the peninsula towards Tučepi. This is the aspect of Croatian life I miss, it really is a far more relaxing way of life. With the World at our feet now, I hope very much we both return here during my lifestyle break, if only to see family again.

After a typical Croatian meal of Punjena Paprika in the afternoon, we were invited to a small neighbourhood gathering, where I ate more meat than I ever have done in my life. They really love their protein here, and it's easy to see why. Most meat is fresh and organically raised and tastes out of this world. This certainly isn't a place to be Vegan or vegetarian, which luckily suits me down to the ground.

I have once again been amazed by Croatian hospitality, as we have quickly settled into local life. It has always been a joy to be back in this part of the World, and I am thankful we chose to come back before we head to Thailand. It may well be a while before we can return here again, but here's hoping it's sooner rather than later, as we head into the second day of our stay!

I suppose I've had mixed feelings about leaving Portsmouth for a long time. Yes, I will miss friends and family, but the truth is, I won't miss the place. Darrell and I have outgrown the city and need to fly away for a while; If I am honest, we have felt trapped for a long time. However, the last twenty-four hours was as emotional as the last six weeks. Pat, a family friend, came down from Whiteparish to say goodbye, and I was so glad she did. She put a lot of the issues we had been dealing with into perspective, and I was left feeling a hundred times better, than I had before she arrived.

The morning we left, quite aptly, poured down with rain; at times it was torrential, but was a rather poignant way for us to leave. The rain and poor weather has always been a reason for us to travel and the deluge that accompanied us as we left in the taxi, really reinforced our reasons for travelling for an extended period.

To my surprise, Zerina turned up to say goodbye; she really is someone I will miss with all my heart. She has been nothing but supportive and has left a lasting impression on both of us. Without her in our life, it would have been all the poorer; she is definitely a friend for life.

When the taxi arrived at 9.15 am, I was truly glad to say goodbye. There have been too many tears over the last few weeks, so many, that I think Darrell and I have just been feeling drained and in need of solace. I have never been good at showing emotion anyway, so driving off in the taxi, we both gave a loud sigh of relief. Of course, we are sad to say goodbye, but this extended farewell party had gone on far too long, and we were both happy to just finally let go!

Sat at Fratton railway station, we talked about our life with family in Portsmouth. It was a deep and meaningful conversation, one that we both needed to have. Thoughts and feeling finally laid to rest, we could now move forwards onto the next stage of our adventures. As we sat there lost in the moment, my Cousin Joe turned up, followed by an old friend Paul, from The Newcome, who both made their final farewells, and we all gave each other a well deserved hug. As the 10.19 am train to Barnham pulled into the station, late, I took one last look at the place and quietly said my goodbyes. I'm not going to see this city for a very long time, leaving content and happy with my decision, was an absolute must. Many ghosts were laid to rest and as the train doors closed behind me, I was satisfied we had made the right choice, to follow our hearts, and leave past difficulties behind.

The journey to Gatwick Airport was a nightmare. Not only was the train late, but we were given the wrong information by the guard at Fratton. Expecting to change at Barnham, we were told to actually remain on board, where another train would link up, and we would continue on our way. It was all rather confusing, especially with rail works ongoing and the train having to terminate at Three Bridges, one stop away from Gatwick. Suitably annoyed, I got off, along with hundreds of others, jumping on the next one to Bedford. Both Darrell and I looked at each other shaking our head in disbelief, just glad to be finally leaving the UK, never wanting to set foot on public transport again.

I could certainly tell I was at Gatwick Airport when In arrived, the disorganisation and lack of information was noticeable as we walked around. With a few hours to kill, we ended up in Jamie's Coffee Shop, drinking beer and consuming what I can only describe as the most expensive sandwiches known to man. Forty pounds poorer, we checked into our flight.

I had paid for an all 'bangs and whistles' ticket, which included speedy boarding. We walked past a long line of disgruntled looking people and headed to the self check in desks. Having not done it before, we both made a mess of the whole thing and had to call a member of staff over for help, who equally didn't know what they were doing. With only one bag checked in, she reluctantly came up with a compromise that allowed us to finally go through security and into the airport.

The process of going through the security checks was easy enough, although far more intense than it was in the past. I was held back for fifteen minutes, where they swabbed my bags, asked me some questions and after a brief talk with a colleague, ushered me on my way. Once on the other side, we made a beeline for a very packed Wetherspoons, but soon thought better of it, and made our way to another restaurant on the other side of the terminal. By now I was as grumpy as hell, Darrell more so, so we just ordered a very average burger each and a pint of beer.... and what did we pay for the gastronomical delight?... A hefty seventy pounds! I was fuming to say the last.

By the time the plane took off, I was subtly intoxicated; relaxed, in astonishment, I had a very pleasant flight, a far cry from flights of the past. It was smooth, enjoyable, especially not having to wait in line with the great unwashed, and almost put my faith back into Easy Jet as an airline. On landing, my bags were even there on time which was equally surprising, comparing the experiences of other passengers, using this popular airline after the pandemic. Of course, I'm not counting my chickens yet, until we fly to London on the 14th September, but fingers crossed for an uneventful return.

Despite leaving the UK half an hour late, the flight landed in Split on time. Both of us could finally breathe a sigh of relief and start our journey around the world. Last night I slept like a baby, for the first time in months; this is a trip to reconnect with the World first and foremost, but this first leg is about having time together, with our Croatian family and above all relaxing, after the most difficult few years of our life!

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!