In retrospect

The time has come to pack. It seems so long since we flew out , but we have seen so much, and had so many experiences. Spending time in the Arctic circle to experience the midnight sun, gliding down fjords in the misty light of morning, a train ride in Flamm through the most wonderful country, managing to stay reasonably tidy in a force nine gale in the North Sea, wandering through little Norwegian towns, being quite overcome at the beauty of Coventry Cathedral, and the perennial excitement that is London. The highlights of the trip would be the fjords, they changed their unique beauty every minute, as the light and clouds changed. You wondered at who had their tiny cottage perched on the edge of these fjords, and when and how they came to be there. You imagined how they watched the enemy in the war hide their ships. Here we were, sailing down those same fjords in a huge cruise ship, towering over the harbor, and all we surveyed. I think they might have smiled quietly with relief when we departed, and left them with their silent , stunning beauty.
Hearing the bells of Big Ben as you lay in bed has been very special, as has been travelling through the gorgeous English countryside. It is so very green after a wet, and for so many, a very sad summer. As we leave, the foot and mouth outbreak seems to be on the wane, but still a worry.
But now it is time to pack the bags and come home. Hopefully the luggage will come with us; Heathrow is another story altogether. And even after all we have seen, you still realise how special Australia is. We have the droughts and floods and fires, but it is wonderful place to call home. See you soon.