Thursday; Day 10. I pack my bags and say goodbye to Josh and Gloria, thanking them for having me, for taking me out, and for being such awesome company! I head for Euston Station and await my train eating galaxy chocolate and an iced soy latte lol...

Once boarded, I sit next to a lovely girl my age who I get chatting with. She is just on her way home from an interview in London. She designs and makes Wedding dresses that are absolutely incredible (she showed me some photos) as well as various other pieces. Her name is Hannah and she apparently has a cousin named Chloe Smith (such a rare name lol!)...

An hour and a half later I arrive at Burton-on-Trent where I am greeted by my Dads best friend who I'll be staying with for the next couple of nights in a little town next to Burton called Winshill. His name is Ian and his lovely wife is Diane. I have known them all my life and they have come to see us in Australia a couple of times. I couldn't remember their house too well but when I arrived, it was stunning! This 2 story oversized cottage style house with a beautiful green garden and a strawberry patch, lots of trees and a pond with a mini waterfall going into it. This was such a nice change to London where most people do not have gardens and I felt very appreciative and blessed to be here. As a bonus, Ian and Di have fostered a p**** cat whose house is apparently across the road but would much rather live here with the whole house to himself and no dogs to annoy him! He's the fattest, cutest puddy I've ever seen and his name is Dudley haha! He's all curled up in the garden with the sunshine warming his belly when I arrive and I immediately want to take him home with me lol! It's nice to have a cat again for a couple of days, especially as I'm used to so many back home. But, I like to call him Dudley the door-stopper because all he does is lie flat all sprawled out on the carpet right in front of your feet or by the living room door or at the top of the stairs :p ...

We make some lunch and sit outside in the sunshine catching up and getting the opportunity to really relax after such a busy time in London! I call Mum and Dad to let them know I'm all good and find myself chilling out for the rest of the day.

In the evening, Ian and I head to an Indian restaurant that is apparently very popular with people traveling from far and wide to come and enjoy the restaurants dishes. The food was indeed sensational and every table was occupied (lucky we booked!). The service was great, good company and I was really enjoying being back in my home-town. Tomorrow Ian's wife Diane will be returning from London and I will be going to a special Birthday for my God-mother.

Feeling very blessed and happy to be here...SOLO TRAVELERS TIP NO.3: Count your blessings! Remember just how lucky you are to be traveling, how blessed you are and try to appreciate all the little things because these are what can make you the happiest and make the journey even more memorable. ...Never miss an opportunity to be thankful and grateful for everything that's happened up until this point :)