Happy Birthday to us...

... well, its been a year today since we hit the road and started this travelling stuff... and I'm not sure quite where it's gone... that is until I read through some of the old blog entries and realise its been a pretty eventful year.

Its been a really strange, but amazing experience. We've missed a lot of things about home and there have been times where we have both been really pining for just being back. But of course this is balanced by the times when we just don't want what we're doing to ever end. It isn't always as easy as it sometimes sounds on the blog, and what occasionally gets a brief mention in an entry is sometimes a really stressful time. Albeit a stress not like any we have ever had in our UK lives. Travelling is a false reality and we both appreciate that- its not like selling a house, studying to pass your degree or raising a family... But obviously, everyday isn't roses and there have been times when we have felt a bit low or wondering where we will ever fit back into the UK... but the one thing that has helped us and reminded us that we do have a place is when we hear from anyone back home. We love getting the emails and catching up with what everybody is up to. Its a nice feeling to know that when we get back there is a place for us. And, its just nice to know that we are in your thoughts. Thanks all who have kept in touch you really have made us realise just how lucky we are to have the family and friends we do.

Also, another great help in the travelling has been the people we have met out here and on the road- we really have made some great friends who have helped and augmented good times and experiences. We hope you have enjoyed the shared times as much as we have. Thanks :) and we will be in touch for a long time to come yet! You will never get rid of us gypos.....

Please do not think that we are saying travelling has been bad or anything- we have loved it! But, we just thought that it should be mentioned that travelling is really different to having a holiday. And, after all, we have now been on the road for 1 year, which means travelling has become our job. We catch buses, planes, book hotels etc... for a living... weird! But awesome!

We have seen 7 countries in the last 12 months and as the blog shows we have done things ranging from walking on glaciers to visiting orphanages. I'm not trying to 'big us up', but it is an amazing feeling for us because we are so proud of everything we have done. And, we've enjoyed sharing it in the blog. We hope you have enjoyed reading it, and thanks to all those who have taken the time to comment or again keep in touch through it.

... and, finally, I (Matt) would just like to say that after 12 months of being with the same person day in and day out, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... I love you Trace, more than ever :) x