I'm baaackk!!! Been sunny in the UK so far...

Last one guys....

Thursday 19th July
ABout mid-morning we had packed up and were ready to go to the posh hotel for our last night, we got a taxi there. It pulled up right by the entrance and the doormen opened the doors and took our bags! We were a little concerned about our bags at first as we're not use to leaving them!

We checked in... despite it being a nice hotel the Beijing hospitality was still present... miserable as since and not very helpful. Although the guy we sorted out transportations with to the airport was very friendly and nice.

The room was gorgeous, two massive single beds, TV, air con, (carpet-not use to that!!), seating area, lights for everything, mini bar, mini water cooler, wardrobe, bathroom with bath!! Also we got all the little fun free bits.. shower gel, cap, toothbrush, the best free thing were the slippers (so cool!!) Also had about 5 towels each! Loved it!!!

So we walked about teh area and got lunch, then headed back to chill out, watched a film and listened to music. Also sorted out the luggage, got rid of many trampy clothes!

That night we went to the restaurant downstairs, there was a choice of three! We had our last authentic Chinese dishes, mine was nice, but Jem was a little disappointed with hers. After we went back to the room, we cracked open the wine, stuck some tunes on, got the facemasks out and had our own party! So much fun!

Friday 20th July
Up very early to get the taxi at 7am to the airport! Went to breakfast buffet and then got everything together and checked out. oh my god we were going home. So surreal!!

Got to the airport fine and checked in. Not too much to do there, but had a little wonder about. Can' t say I was sad in anyway to leave Beijing, but very sad it was the end of the trip.

The flight was long! BA's entertainment was pretty poor to be honest, the films were pants, I watched a good one called the Lookout, but that was it. Had a sleep and read my book the rest of the way. When we finally landed in Heathrow, we were weren't allowed to get off the plane for about 2 hours due to a backlog of planes from the rain earlier. It was so hot and boring then, we just wanted to get off.

Eventually we made it off and got the baggage. Had a quick freshen up and as we were coming out my mum and dad were waiting. So good to see them.

We dropped Jem at MK train station, so sad!! Then went home. By this point I was tired, my brain wasn't functioning really but I was so excited to see Taylor (puppy) (actually not so much a puppy now) and catch up with my parents.

So thats it guys... I'm home and the world wide adventures are over! I have no idea how I feel at the moment about anything, I think I'm just so numb through tiredness!! Heavily jet lagged though, been up since 5am!! Not fair!!

All I can say is I have had 6 of the BEST months of my life, I can't even get to grasp with half the things I have done, let alone remember what we were doing last week as we've done so much.

I think from my experiences and what I have seen I have learnt so much, about the world, other people, but most of all myself. I hope that I can put what I have learnt to good use and be a better person. Mum and dad commented last night that I seemed 'older and wiser', I think thats a good thing, nearly 25 now so got to grow up! Although saying that I still plan to have a lot of fun along the way.

One thing I have learnt is that you do only live once, and the world is an amazing place, go and see it and if you do don't stay in a 4/5 star hotel.. yolu don't see the 'real' country, stay somewhere a little more in the action. Posh hotels are a bubble from what is outside (not saying don't stay there at all, but spend some days away from it), you don't know a country until you see what is not on the tourist list and meet the locals.

This trip would not have been possible if it wasn't for sheer determination, working all hours under the sun for 9 months before, incredible support from mum and dad and Jem giving me encouragement all the way ("it'll be worth it when we're sat on that beach!")

Considering Jem and I spent 6 months together, 24/7 mostly, we didn't have one arguement, yeah there was the old grumps but thats to be expected. I think we did so well, but that also shows just how well jem and me do get on. She's the best friend a girl could have and an amazing travel buddy... Thanks Jem!! What am I gonna do without you... "together we are a whole brain!"

Thanks to everyone who kept in regular contact with me over the 6 months, it meant so much to hear from you, especially on days when i was missing home, it always made me smile. You know me... love a bit of gossip!

So thats it, end of the travel journal! So what's next?? Who knows!! I have got a Design job back at Abbey for 3 months which I am looking forward to now.

Hope to see you all soon, can't wait. Will speak to everyone over the course of the week.

Thanks everyone, love to all xxxxxxxxx

Byeeeeee