On our way home...we're going home.

So, this is it. Our last day, our last blog. My friend S recently commented that, as much as she loved me, she didn't want me to come home, as she has so enjoyed reading the blog. Jokingly of course, but I understand where she's coming from.I have to say it's been so much fun writing about our travels and  experiences, connecting with you whether we have known each other forever, met briefly or never even met, I have thought about you when I write. We have been very aware that whilst we've been swanning around without a care in the world, real life has been going on for you.  Sometimes too real, but I hope this blog has bought some light relief. 
I hope also that you noticed the music references in the blog title.  I  like to think you have   listened to them and enjoyed them,  as much as we did trying to find the right one. In light of S’s comments, and for ourselves,  perhaps a fitting song for this last blog would be from The Specials “You're wondering now, what to do, now you know this is the end”. However, there was always only one song that could sum up so perfectly the end of our travels; The Beatles – Two of Us. So many of the lyrics resinate with us. 
Our last day was mostly taken up with travelling. We checked out of the Ryokan, with stooped backs from the roll mat bed, and headed to the train station a 20 minute walk away. The train to the  airport was, as you would expect with Japan exactly on time & arrived precisely 40mins later. Unlike many other connecting trains & buses we have taken, it delivered us right into the departure terminal where check in with Air France was reasonably smooth save for having to pay an extra charge to sit together, which irritated me. This was our longest flight yet – more than 12 hours, but we managed to sleep a little & there were plenty of films to enjoy. We arrived in Paris with quite a tight time gap between connecting flights but we made it with 15 mins to spare – enough time for Mr L to check the football scores & send messages, before we boarded. 
We arrived at Heathrow on time & moved through quickly, although a last minute selfie by Mr L near customs nearly got us into deep water, then  through the exit. There we were greeted by a wonderful sight. Our family. H&M, A&G and of course G-R. All holding up a welcome home banner. Hugs and tears all round, it was so lovely to see them all again.  We blocked the exit and took up far too much space, but we didn't care, we were back with our family. 
We've visited some stunning places and met some great people. Huge thanks to -  B’s mum & dad, J&P in Brisbane for putting us up & showing us around, even though they had never met us; my rediscovered cousin P  for  great hospitality and to M&E for putting us up & making our visit to Sydney so special. Also thanks to D & S from Ireland who were not only great company in HCMC, but provided us with some of  the itinerary for Japan  &  to the lovely people we met along the way, from Sergi  in Russia, to the young German doctors, who we met on our last night;  many friendships made that we  hope will  continue.
Throughout our travels we have been embarrassed by how well people from other countries speak English whilst we have barely managed to learn more than a few words of their language. It's been humbling,  but also hugely helpful! 
A big thanks too,  to our family and friends for supporting us on this adventure & providing travel tips! 
We didn't find ourselves because we weren't lost and we aren't going to come back changed but we've enjoyed each other's company for the past 252 days with barely a moment apart its cross words (except when directions are involved)  &  we have had a bloody brilliant time. 
Thanks for reading. Mr & Mrs L X