To my beautiful daughter and her special fiancé. For once in my life I get the last word, and indeed it is, because I have the pleasure and honour of scripting the epilogue. The pair of you have kept us all enthralled during the past 6 months with your words and photographs logging, or is it 'blogging' your fantastic adventure. You both write in a humorous, descriptive and articulate way that do immense credit to your journal and make it a truly engaging read. The photographs are brilliant and I know that it will make a fantastic keepsake when it is printed and will provide you with some everlasting memories. I think all the added comments have only added to the memento. You have been to some far and away places during your travels, places that Lin and I dream about going to. Some day, maybe! Your dreams were fulfilled and you still have so many more. Good luck to you both, for you are a beautiful couple with boundless energy, adventure and spirit. Both Roger and I have kept our thoughts to ourselves, until the end, whilst Selina and Lin have enthusiastically added their respective anecdotes to the 'blog'. This only made Lin and I more curious as to the new characters that will be inextricably part of our family. Now, we have had the pleasure of being welcomed into their home and family, and it is obvious how Chris inherits his wit, narrative skills, (see below), charm and personality. Selina and Roger, both Lin and I look forward to many years of shared joy with you, Jenna and all your family. Chris, you have made, and continue to make, my girl the happiest woman in the world. Since you have become the 'man in her life' she has not stopped smiling and I can sense that you are the one for her. I know she will make you extremely happy as well. You are perfect for each other and I look forward to performing my duties in 2012. XXXX
Was that ok Darling?
The other Dad....... THE END
Roger
They threw a line around the globe and strode boldly out. Nere a glance astern. Comfort of belonging slipped.... now freed. Encounters and sights of strangeness filled their waking hours.
Whilst we stayed on the steps far abaft.
I wonder is it true; have they gained a day by closing that loop around the sphere?
Now that much more knowing of our world. The view they snapped was an underside, no frills no high level expenses trips. None of the: in at the airport, stay 2 days, do the business and hit the airport. No. I wonder will it be harder to stay seated for the life ahead?
Dad
Selina
It's over - you're both home, safe, sound, tanned, still smiling and with all your luggage - not a small achievement considering your last blog entry! If I had known....... Thank you both so much for sharing your world tour with us, back home. It meant so much to us to be able to follow your route, read your words, see your photos and talk to you on Skype. The latter closed the gap of the thousands of miles distance so much so that, the 6 months passed more quickly than I would have thought possible. Now you have yet another exciting chapter in your lives together about to unfold....keep us posted!! xxxxxx
Lin (Mum)
Oh my word, what 'interesting' experiences you both have had. I'm glad I didn't know about some of the more scary ones !! You have both been so brilliant to go on this adventure and to work through all these 'events' however difficult and testing at times. I must say, that I am really relieved and happy that you are now, both on your way home, to boring but civilised UK !! You have that one more mamoth journey home - was it 24 hours from leaving hotel to arriving in UK !!! You certainly don't do things by half do you?? What wonderful memories for you both and hasn't that last 6 months just flown past? Thanks again for another very interesting and entertaining blog. We've lived this journey with you every step of the way. Hope youhave a good journey home and can then put your feet up and relax for some time. Loads and loads of love XOXOXOXOXOXXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Tom
Ha ha - Great stories guys. Looking forward to you both coming home
Debi Hall
What an end to a truly fantastic adventure. The summing up at the end makes for hairy reading as your near misses column is the longest but then it wouldnt have been such an adventure without them. The blogs and photos have been excellent and it will be so good to look back and remember your travels i often read my note books of New Zealand and Route 66. not quite up there with your experiences but alway bring a smile and a memory. Have a safe journey HOME and hope you get some rest before having to face reality. lots of love take care of each other Debski
Lin (Mum)
Another brilliantly descriptive blog to help us enjoy and live every moment with you and boy we have !!! It sounds so interesting and different, and now as seasoned travellers you can compare each country!! It's been a wonderful journey for us, and a fantastic one for you two. Get ready for the question of 'what was your favourite place ????' That's a hard one to answer. Have really enjoyed reading your blogs and seeing your photo's - but am really really looking forward to you coming home (sorry - but I had to say it !!!). Take care both of you and enjoy the rest of your stay. Love to you both, XOXOXOXOX
Selina
Hi Emma - well done - yet another wonderful blog - am going to check out the photos now and with your words, I feel that I will have been to Malaysia, & Thailand, so no need to get a plane ticket!!
Debi Hall
always good to read your blogs i have just looked at all your front pics on your album board and it is amazing the contrast with each place you have stayed and this is so evident in just the first pic of each. Amazing time and such good memories and it aint over yet enjoy the boat and scuba diving. love Debski
Lin (Mum)
Happy New Year both !! What a wonderful start to 2011 for you both - on the balcony watching the spectacular fireworks in Singapore!!! Then off to the party again - how are you going to top that next year ??? The flat in Greenwich just couldn't compete - good job it's gone !!! Your birthday celebrations sound fantastic Chris and what a wonderful surprise for you when your sister turned up. How fantastic. I loved the photos, but found some of the high ones a bit scary and there were plenty of them !! What's that standing on the glass hundreds of feet up all about ?? How can that be fun??? Not for scary old me I'm afraid, but soooo glad that you've experienced it all and enjoyed it. Can't believe we're now in January - the month you return home !!! How fantastic. Can't wait to see you both. Loads of love XOXOX XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXOOXOXOXXOOXXO
Debi Hall
first glad you had a happy and glamorous birthday Chris. HK we have never been but singapore we loved it so friendly clean and cheap and lots of open space and trees and when we were there nearly every car was a ford. take care and Happy New Year to you both. love Debski
Selina
Hey - thought i'd be the first to check out your most recent entry - but I see that Jenna was on the ball, more than me! It all sounds wonderful and to link up with friends must have made you both very happy. Off no to visit Singapore - if Sandy will stop walking on the keys! xxxxx