Europe 2019 - Day 52

27 June 2019, Thursday

Today we go home! 

As fun as it is visiting all these beautiful countries around the world, learning new cultures and history and trying new food and beers and making new friends and having a blast really, I really miss home, my dogs and the food, of course. Nothing like Malaysian food. After 40 countries, Malaysian food is still the best.

Travelling with someone is never easy. There are only 3, maybe 4 people that I would travel again with and if they’re not available, I’d rather go alone. Along this journey many people we met told us that there is nothing like travelling together to really test a friendship. And after 52 days of travelling together, I’m happy to report that my friend and I are still friends, so I guess we’ll really be friends for a long time to come.

Of course there were ups and downs along the way, disagreements, resentments, frictions, etc which I think is normal in any relationship. She is one of my oldest friends and I would be devastated to lose her as a friend. I may disagree with a lot of the things she does, or get irritated with her, but she is good people and I love her as only a childhood friend can. Would I travel with this friend again? All things considered, I would actually. I just have to continue being quiet and patient 😁.

I’m once again thankful that in this journey as well, nothing really untoward happened except that my friend lost her handphone. Apart from that, we were safe all the time and happy most of the time. Which is more than what many others in the world have and for that, I am grateful.

Of the 16 countries that we visited, my favourite country is Poland. The history of Europe as a whole is a sad one - mainly due to the two World Wars, but Poland to me is the underrated hero. The infrastructure, the people and their dogged determination and suitable politeness (although they could use some colour!), the landscape, the castles - it’s difficult not to appreciate this country. I will always have a soft spot for Poland, as I do for Ecuador and Peru. The friendliest people I find are the Croatians. 

And so I come to the end of my Europe trip. Back to reality, but right now, a happier reality because I have gained that much more experience that no one can take away from me. 

And already I look forward to my next big adventure on this journey we all call life.