Well I'm home. Unsure how I feel about that right now as it feels weird being here.

For those who dont already know, I came home earlier than planned - I flew into Heathrow on Christmas Day. The project I had intended to be working on before I went didnt come to fruition so I changed my flights very early on in my trip - I didnt tell anyone as I wanted to surprise my parents. It was lovely to see them and they definitely were surprised to see me.

I will write a full blog for Manu when I get chance and explain a bit about the projects I worked on but I had an AMAZING time there! It was an awesome place - I've already posted some photos so have a look.

I was ill the last 2 days of my time there and on return to Cusco I had to call the motorcycle riding Dr Luna again (3rd time!). Turns out I have a kidney infection, another parasite infection PLUS typhoid fever! You know me I like to be different! Suffice to say, I've been on very strong antibiotics and have had to go to my GP here in the UK for more blood tests/stool samples. Yep...MORE flippin stool samples! The good thing is that I'm actually feeling ok, albeit very tired.

My trip has been an ABSOLUTELY brilliant one, I truly have had the TIME OF MY LIFE. I've NEVER been as happy as I was there, that much I can tell you.

It broke my heart to say goodbye to the children at the orphanage - it was an amazing place and I cried loads when I left. I have some lovely photographs of the children and yes, I cry every time I look at them. I will definitely go back and see them, that much I do know. When, I dont know, but one day...

It just leaves me to say thanks to all of you who kept in touch with me via email whilst I was away, on the difficult days your emails really did lift my spirits. Thanks to Clare who rang me at the house in Cusco when I returned from Manu - you have no idea how down I was that day matey and your call was just what I needed. But my biggest thanks goes to you Paul, you were an absolute true friend, I knew I could rely on you and you proved this on numerous occasions...ok then LOADS of occasions! You were there for me in my first week when things werent working out, you called me when I was ill to check I was ok, you sorted out lots of bits and pieces for both me AND the other girls in the house and I cannot say enough times just how grateful I am for that.

Here's wishing you all a fantastic 2008 - I have to make it as exciting and rewarding as 2007; a big challenge but one I'm looking forward to.

xxx