Inevitably, all good things must come to an end, and so we departed Dublin Airport to Frankfurt. We overnighted there, back in the same hotel near the railway station that we stayed in on our outward journey in April, which was kind of surreal!

International flights are never fun, something to be endured but, after a short stopover in Singapore with a half day in a hotel to sleep horizontally before the next long flight, we were very grateful to land safely back in Christchurch on Thursday 24 August.

However, rather than head straight back to Blenheim, we flew to Wellington for a couple of nights to catch up with all the family first, which was wonderful for Nicola. However, sadly, Bruce contracted a really nasty cold at this late stage and didn't actually see most of the family during that period, for fear of infecting them.

A cup of tea and marmite on toast were top on the priority list after arriving at Esther's home in Wellington. Such a joy!

And so, our amazing European adventure was at an end. We were so grateful for our safe travels around the world and home again, for the incredible opportunity to live and work overseas for an extended period, and to experience so many countries, languages and cultures. But we were also very thankful that we could return to this safe haven at the bottom of the world, this amazing country of New Zealand that we call home.

When asked which country/location/experience was the best, we really struggle as they were all very special in their own unique way. But being able to walk the ancient streets, and to learn something of the complex and convoluted history of that big wide world beyond youthful Aotearoa New Zealand, are what blow our minds the most.

If only we could retain and remember all that we learnt along the way, but we have wonderful photos to jog our memories and this comprehensive Travel Diary record to pore over in the years to come.