Day 19 – Home Sweet Home! Gibraltar, Jet Lag and the End of Another Adventure!

Well, here we are. Day 19, and the final chapter of our Japanese adventure!

After an eventful journey through Japan and South Korea, a wonderful cruise aboard the Seabourn Encore, and a few unexpected medical adventures along the way, today was finally the day we would be heading home to Gibraltar.

Of course, the jet lag had already started to make its presence felt.

Despite being absolutely exhausted after yesterday's 15-hour flight from Tokyo, I found myself wide awake ridiculously early this morning.

And I wasn't the only one!

Joe was awake early too, which made me laugh because he had been absolutely adamant that he didn't want to take an early flight home.

Well, judging by the time we were both awake, we could quite easily have made that early flight after all!

Isn't that always the way?

Still, we had a leisurely morning ahead of us, and the first thing on the agenda was saying goodbye to Gaby.

After sharing the last 18 days together, it felt rather strange knowing that we would now be going our separate ways.

Gaby was heading back to Scotland, where her cats, work, friends and everyday life were waiting for her, whilst Joe and I would be continuing home to Gibraltar.

She said her farewells to her dad, and I walked with her back into Terminal 5 to get her checked in for her flight.

Then came our own goodbyes.

It has been such a pleasure having Gaby with us on this adventure. We have shared so many experiences, explored some fascinating places and enjoyed plenty of laughter along the way.

I have loved watching her throw herself into everything, from the onboard games and entertainment to exploring the anime shops in Tokyo and making so many new friends aboard the ship.

And, of course, I don't think either of us will ever forget her determination to complete that communal jigsaw puzzle!

It was sad saying goodbye, but thankfully I know it won't be too long before we see each other again.

I need to make a trip to Scotland before the end of the year, so now I just have to work out when I can fit that into the diary.

After saying goodbye to Gaby, I headed back to collect Joe, check out of the hotel and organise our transfer to Terminal 3.

And once again, I was incredibly grateful for the help we received.

The hotel concierge, taxi driver and airport porter were all on hand to assist with Joe and our luggage, which made everything so much easier.

After nearly three weeks away, we certainly had enough luggage to contend with, and with Joe still recovering, every little bit of assistance was very welcome.

Once we had checked in, airport assistance was arranged for Joe.

Naturally, Mr C insisted that he didn't really need it!

But I think he was secretly rather pleased when he realised just how much walking it saved him.

Sometimes it is difficult to persuade him to accept help, but after everything he has been through on this trip, I was determined that we would make the journey as comfortable as possible.

With check-in completed, we headed off to find somewhere to have breakfast.

Our first choice was the American Express Centurion Lounge, but unfortunately it was full.

So, we made our way to the British Airways Galleries Lounge instead, where we were able to settle down and enjoy breakfast before our flight.

It was lovely to have a little time to relax after all the organising and moving around.

And, of course, I had brought a book with me!

Having finished my previous book on the flight from Tokyo, I was ready to start something new.

So today I began book number 16 of the year — Right Kind of Wrong by Amy Edmondson.

I am always looking for opportunities to learn and grow, and I am particularly interested in the lessons we can take from mistakes, challenges and unexpected experiences.

After the journey we have just had, it seemed rather appropriate!

Before long, it was time to board our flight to Gibraltar.

And what a lovely feeling it was knowing that this was the final leg of our journey.

No more hotel check-ins, no more unpacking and repacking, no more airport transfers.

Just one more flight, and we would finally be home.

The flight passed, and soon enough we were descending towards our beautiful Rock of Gibraltar.

There really is something special about coming home.

As much as I love travelling, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures, there is always a wonderful sense of comfort when Gibraltar comes into view.

Home sweet home! ❤️

Of course, we still had to make our way through the airport.

Joe had assistance arranged for our arrival, and once again, he wasn't particularly impressed that he needed it.

That was until he saw the new airport layout and realised just how much walking would have been involved!

Suddenly, he was rather grateful for the help after all.

I think he may finally be starting to appreciate that accepting a little assistance isn't such a bad thing!

Thankfully, everything went smoothly, and before long we were through the airport.

And there was Sam waiting to collect us!

What a lovely sight.

It was such a relief to see a familiar face, get into the car and know that we were finally on our way home.

And then, just like that, our holiday was over and normal life resumed.

No sooner had we walked through the front door than I was back into my usual routine.

Suitcases to unpack.

Washing to sort.

Laundry to get started.

And, of course, something comforting to prepare for Joe.

So, what was the first thing I made?

His favourite vegetable soup! 🥣

After weeks of restaurant meals, sushi, ramen and all sorts of wonderful food, there was something rather lovely about being back in my own kitchen preparing a simple homemade meal.

Sometimes it really is the little things that make home feel so special.

With the unpacking underway, the washing machine working and Joe settled, I finally decided that it was time to listen to my body.

The jet lag was definitely catching up with me, and after all the travelling, early mornings and disrupted sleep, I was more than ready for an early night.

My body clock has a little catching up to do, and I know it will take a few days to get back into my normal routine.

But that can wait.

Tonight, I am simply grateful to be home.

As I reflect on these past 19 days, I realise that this has certainly been one of our more eventful holidays.

It wasn't quite the trip we had imagined when we set off from Gibraltar.

Joe's accident at the very beginning changed so much of what we had planned, and there were some genuinely worrying moments along the way.

From doctors and medical centres to hospital visits in Japan, it has certainly been a journey filled with unexpected challenges.

But despite all of that, there have been so many wonderful experiences.

We have visited beautiful Japanese cities, explored fascinating cultural sites, enjoyed delicious food, met some lovely people and been entertained by incredibly talented performers.

We have experienced the warmth and hospitality of the Japanese people and the exceptional kindness of the crew aboard the Seabourn Encore.

And I have been reminded once again just how much I love being at sea.

There is something about the ocean that makes me feel peaceful, grateful and connected to the world around me.

Most importantly, I have been able to share another adventure with Joe and Gaby.

And although there were moments when things didn't go according to plan, we adapted, supported each other and made the best of every day.

I think that is one of the greatest lessons travelling teaches us.

Life doesn't always unfold the way we expect, but there is still so much beauty, kindness and joy to be found along the way.

Now it is time for Joe to concentrate on his recovery, enjoy the comforts of home and get back to living his best life without the strain of travelling.

And for me, it is time to return to my work, my daily routines, my walking, meditation, EFT tapping and all the things that bring me purpose and joy.

I am looking forward to being back in Gibraltar and catching up with everyone.

And although I don't yet know when our next big adventure will be, I know that my love of travelling and discovering the world hasn't diminished one little bit.

There are still so many places I would love to visit and experiences I would love to have.

But for now, I am more than happy to put the suitcases away, enjoy a few home-cooked meals and sleep in my own bed!

And Finally, Thank You! ❤️

To everyone who has followed our journey over the past 19 days, thank you for coming along with us.

Thank you for reading my daily ramblings, sharing our adventures, laughing at some of our experiences and sending your good wishes, particularly during the times when Joe wasn't feeling well.

It has been lovely being able to share our travels with you.

I started writing these daily blogs as a way of recording our memories, but they have become so much more than that. They are an opportunity to reflect, appreciate the experiences we have had and remember all those little moments that might otherwise be forgotten.

And one day, I know I will enjoy looking back and reliving this wonderful, if slightly eventful, Japanese adventure.

So, until the next time we pack our suitcases and head off to explore somewhere new...

Thank you, Japan. Thank you, Seabourn Encore. Thank you, Gaby and Joe. And thank you to everyone who has shared this journey with us.

With love from Gibraltar — home sweet home!❤️

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🌿 Daily Reflection

Life's greatest adventures don't always go to plan, but every experience brings lessons, memories and reasons to be grateful. And sometimes, the greatest joy is simply coming home.

✨ Highlight of the Day

Arriving safely back in Gibraltar, seeing Sam waiting for us and being home at last, with the suitcases unpacked, the washing on and Joe enjoying his favourite homemade vegetable soup! ❤️