Day 18 – Farewell Japan: A Long Journey Home, a Little Retail Therapy and Time to Reflect!

 Well, the time had finally come to say goodbye to Japan and begin our long journey home.

After 18 days of travelling, exploring, making memories and dealing with a few unexpected challenges along the way, I have to admit that I was feeling a mixture of emotions.

I was sad that our adventure was coming to an end, but I was also looking forward to getting Joe home, where he could properly rest and recover without the strain of travelling.

We started our morning with Gaby and me heading out for one final little walk around the block.

And, of course, we couldn't leave Japan without one last visit to 7-Eleven!

Gaby had a few final bits she wanted to pick up, so we popped in for one last browse. I have to say, the convenience stores in Japan really are something else, and they have certainly become a regular feature of our trip!

Afterwards, we headed back to the hotel and grabbed a quick breakfast from the grab-and-go counter.

Then came the part of travelling that I enjoy the least.

Getting everyone and everything organised for the journey!

One of the downsides of the hotel we had stayed in was that it didn't offer a full concierge service, which meant we had to tackle getting all our luggage downstairs ourselves, as well as making sure Joe was ready and comfortable.

And believe me, after 18 days away, we certainly weren't travelling light!

Between the suitcases, hand luggage, shopping and making sure Mr C was managing, it was quite a logistical exercise.

Thankfully, we eventually got everything downstairs, loaded into our car and set off for the airport.

Once we arrived, things became much easier.

Check-in was lovely and smooth, and before long we were heading to the American Express Lounge, where we could relax before our flight.

We got Joe comfortably settled, and then Gaby and I decided to take advantage of the time we had to do a little last-minute shopping.

After all, we had missed out on much of our planned sightseeing and shopping the previous day because of Joe's hospital visit, and there were still a few things we had wanted to buy.

And I may just have decided that I deserved a little treat!

I ended up buying myself some lovely new Shiseido skincare creams.

Well, a girl has to look after herself, doesn't she? 😂

I have always believed that self-care is important, and after the worry and stress of the last couple of weeks, a little retail therapy felt rather appropriate.

Before long, it was time to head to our gate and board our flight to London.

And what a lovely surprise awaited us!

The aircraft was fitted with the newer British Airways Club World suites, much to everyone's delight.

What a difference!

We were soon comfortably settled into our seats, ready for the long flight ahead.



And I have to say, compared with the journey we had taken 18 days earlier, this flight was an absolute joy.

Everything felt so much more comfortable and relaxing, and it was lovely to be able to settle in and enjoy the journey rather than simply endure it.

With around 15 hours in the air, there was certainly plenty of time to relax, watch something, have a little rest and catch up on some reading.



In fact, I even managed to finish my book!

There is something so satisfying about reaching the final page of a good book, particularly when you have been enjoying it throughout your travels.

It felt rather fitting to finish it on our journey home, as another chapter of our own adventure was also coming to an end.

The flight passed pleasantly, and eventually we touched down in London.

After such a long journey, we were all relieved to have arrived safely.

Thankfully, assistance was waiting to help Joe through the airport, which made such a difference.

After everything he has been through, the last thing he needed was a long walk through the terminal, so I was very grateful that we had arranged some help.

We then headed straight to our hotel, ready for a quiet evening and some much-needed rest.

There was certainly no sightseeing or evening entertainment on the agenda tonight!

After a 15-hour flight, all we wanted was to get settled, relax and enjoy a good night's sleep.

Tomorrow will be another emotional day, as we will be saying goodbye to Gaby.

It has been so lovely having her with us on this adventure, and I know I am going to miss her company.

We have shared so many wonderful moments together, from exploring the fascinating cities of Japan and South Korea to enjoying the entertainment aboard the Seabourn Encore, discovering little cafés and shops, and, of course, watching her determination to complete that communal jigsaw puzzle!

She has certainly embraced every opportunity that came her way, and I have loved seeing her enjoy herself so much.

But as much as I will miss her, I know she is looking forward to getting back to her own life.

Her cats will be waiting for her, along with work, friends and all the familiar comforts of home.

And for Joe and me, it is time to head back to Gibraltar.

I think we are both ready.

This trip has certainly been memorable, although not always for the reasons we had hoped.

Joe's accident at the beginning of our journey changed the experience for all of us, and there have been moments of worry and uncertainty along the way.

But there have also been so many beautiful experiences, wonderful people and acts of kindness that I will always remember.

I have loved being back at sea, discovering more of Japan, experiencing the culture and, most importantly, sharing this time with two of the people I love most.

And now, I am looking forward to getting back into my own routines, my work, my daily walks, meditation and EFT tapping, and all the things that help me feel grounded and inspired.

As for Joe, I am looking forward to him being back in Gibraltar, where he can focus on feeling better and enjoying life without the added strain of travelling.

We have always loved exploring the world together, but sometimes the greatest gift is simply being home, surrounded by everything familiar and comfortable.

As I settled down for the night, I felt grateful that we had made it safely back to London and that we were now so much closer to home.

Japan, you have been wonderful. Seabourn Encore, you have been fabulous. And Gaby, thank you for sharing another unforgettable adventure with us. ❤️

One more journey tomorrow, and then it will be time to unpack the suitcases, settle back into our routines and start reflecting on all the wonderful memories we have made.

And who knows what adventures the future may bring?

For now, though, I think we are all ready for a little rest!

🌿 Daily Reflection

Travel fills our lives with wonderful experiences, but it also reminds us how precious the comforts of home, good health and time with loved ones really are.

✨ Highlight of the Day

A wonderfully comfortable flight in the new Club World suites, a little Shiseido retail therapy and the relief of arriving safely in London after our long journey from Japan!

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