My last few days in England had a lot to do with spending time with friends.

The older I get, the more precious friends become.  I’ve walked through decades of life with some friends, whilst others I’ve known for a much shorter time.

There’s a deep richness that comes with longtime friendships, particularly when you’ve supported and celebrated with each other throughout the ups and downs that life brings.  You know each other so well, have many shared memories and usually love each other’s families too.  It’s fabulous having people who stick by you through the good, the bad and the ugly.

The newer friends bring a different kind of richness.  They offer new insight and fresh experiences, which for me often result in a renewed sense of inspiration (underpinned with the underlying thought that they might not actually stick around when they work out how weird I really am!).

Anyway, that’s all a rambly way of saying that I think friends are a very good thing indeed.

My UK Tour Guide is one of my precious longtime friends, and it was with much girl-giggly-giddiness that we drove from Hanwell to Hove to meet up with another darling longtime New Zealand friend of ours, whose trip to the UK to meet her two English grandchildren happened to coincide with our time there.  A bit bonkers really.

The three of us spent a lovely day in Brighton together, walking around the pretty shops and having lunch at a café beside the ocean.

On the drive back up to her family in Hove, we managed to video call the other precious member of our Kiwi friend group who happened to be in Portugal as part of her time walking the Camino.  We have had many experiences together over the years, but this was one for the books.  To have all four of us Kiwi girls in Europe at the same time – a big bit bonkers really!

Another special part of my last few days in England was getting to meet many of my Tour Guide’s own friends, some of whom she’d known from childhood.  I’d seen photos of these friends, many of which decorated her fridge back in New Zealand.  A few times I managed to stop myself before saying out loud “Ah yes, I recognise you from the fridge!”. But the other times… yep I said it.  Oh well.

I also met some of her newer friends.  These people have brought new inspiration and encouragement to her, and she to them.  It was wonderful to see how cherished she is on both sides of the world.

Our last British day was spent visiting Kew Gardens which were created in 1759. What a beautiful place.  The gardens are home to huge botanic collections and have contributed significantly to the study of all things planty.

(By the way… Foxes are Real!)

The oldest building within Kew Gardens is Kew Palace.  It was built in 1631 and later became a summer house to King George (1761 – 1820), who seemed to have suffered terribly with poor mental health.  Kew became a place of seclusion for the King and his family in the 1800s.  King Gorge was a highly intelligent man who researched a wide range of topics so as to be the best king he could be.  Total respect.

Lunch was another Tesco’s meal deal, which we ate perched up on Kew’s Tree Tops Walkway. 

And my evening?  It was spent packing my suitcase and filling out my online New Zealand re-entry form. 

One more big day of travel to go and then I would be home.  Almost three months ago I had put on my big girl panties (please know these are figurative – I actually wear boyleg boxers ‘cause they are just so comfy!) and faced my solo-travel fear. 

It has been such an enriching time.  I have seen incredible things, heard fascinating stories, eaten delicious food and (my most favourite part) I’ve met wonderful people.

Julia Child of Quimper, Phil and Nerida (and Mary M) from Courcôme, Sophie from Saint-Aignan and My Tour Guide from Hanwell, London, thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  You have housed, fed and cared for me, introduced me to your wonderful friends and generously spent time showing me your amazing countries.  Getting to know you has been the richest part of it all and I am forever grateful.

To my faithful family and friends who have cheered me along, encouraging me and praying for me – thanks so much guys.  Your support has meant bucketloads.

And to my Clivey, whose idea this was in the first place, thank you Honey for loving me so generously and for always believing in me.  I would never have done this and could never have done this without you.  I love you to infinity and beyond and back again.

P.S. Honey, can you keep an eye out for cheap flights back to France?

Bonne nuit. xx