Days 47, 48 & 49 - Rome, Abu Dhabi & Sydney

I am writing this early as I will not have wifi for the next couple of days. We start the epic 62 hour door-to-door journey home. First stop is Rome then a six hour layover. Then to Abu Dhabi for an 18 hour layover. Finally then off to Sydney. Then K's brother Kevin will pick us up from the airport and drive us to Hornsby before hopping into our car to drive to Lochinvar.

So our final journey as a family comes to an end. It's back to reality for the next few years at least although we are already planning our next trip. 

It's been an amazing journey and along the way we have met some wonderful and beautiful people. I have taken thousands of photos, passed hundreds of beggars, caught 12 different flights, explored eight countries, been away for seven weeks, walked on four continents, been ill three times and have zero money left. We have caught up with family and friends, been part of a tour group and have been on our own and I wouldn't change a thing. What a magic experience and what an education. 

K was hesitant in travelling within a year of our last trip and was particularly reluctant to travel to Morocco and she got me thinking the same but now she thinks it was the best thing we could have done and I agree. You just never know what lies around the corner and I must admit with every trip I do find climbing a little more difficult. As I quoted before - "The most dangerous risk of all is the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later." I truly believe this.

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Day 46 - Malaga, Spain

A rest day for the kids but K and I walked to Los Boliiches and had lunch before walking along the beach. It poured most of the night and has been raining a moment ago so we have the very long beach to ourselves. 

I didn't bring my camera and wish I did so we walked back to the apartment, grabbed the camera and went back again. After a spot of shopping it's back to the apartment to enjoy a wine on the balcony one last time. 

We all need to pack for tomorrow we head home.

Gibraltar

The Rock ofGibraltar 

St Michael's cave

Very British

Some Gibraltar apes

Crossing the border from Gibraltar to Spain

Day 45 - Gibraltar

Up early to catch the train to Fuengirola then the bus to Gibraltar. Gibraltar is governed by Queen Elizabeth II therefore another change of currency (Pounds Sterling or Gibraltor Pounds) although they do accept the Euro. The entire country is 6.5 square kilometers and the main road crosses the runway strip. 

The native language is English and the city architecture makes you feel you are in Britain however they still drive on the opposite side to us and the UK. 

We had a great time in this tiny country. We visited St Michael's caves where concerts are held within. Just wonderful. We then got close up and personal with a number of Gibraltor apes - some with a couple of babies. It was quite cool so we were fortunate as in hot weather they hide in the coolness of the bush. They roam wild on the road and lounge about on top of walls and a quite tame.

It was good old fish and chips for lunch before doing some shopping. We hadn't returned long to the apartment and we were off again to catch the train to have a farewell dinner at Ed's mums as Ed and his lot fly out tomorrow for six days in Paris before returning to Australia. We said our goodbyes and rocked up home at 11.30pm.

Day 44 - Malaga, Spain

We ventured by train to Malaga Central and caught the topless double decker bus to explore the city further. First stop was the town square for a wonderful tapas lunch. We then visited the birthplace and home of Pablo Picasso. It is now a museum in his honour with many of his personal items and artwork - amazing.

We then visited the Musco Interactivo de la Musica (The Museum of Interactive Music). On display was every instrument from all over the world including musical machines such as gramophones and troubadores. In other rooms, you could play an array of instruments including items from native origins.

We then walked some of the old town before returning to catch the topless bus and train home. Finn, in particular, did really well today given he is unwell with the flu. 

Tomorrow we spend the day in Gibraltar.  

Day 43 - Malaga, Spain

We are going to Gibraltar on Friday so I went for a long walk to Fuengirola to buy the tickets. It doesn't take long to work out an area.

In the evening we caught the train to Ed's family's house for a dinner party. Had a great time it's always good to meet other people. Some were from Ireland and others from Spain. The drinks flowed until 11.30 when we left to catch the last train home. We always try to go to bed by 11pm but seem not to until after midnight. A great night.

Day 42 - Malaga, Spain

Another sleep in before catching the train from Los Boliches to Fuengirola. We met up with Ed, his kids Kalvin and Ashleigh and his partner Jenny, Ed's mum Vera and brother Ron. It was great to catch up as I hadn't seen Ed for nearly two months and his family for more than a year. 

We spent the day in Mijas which is a donkey town high on the hill surrounded by traditional white buildings. It was great to sit and have lunch all together but strange to do it on the other side of the world. Mijas is full of souvenir shops catering for the hoards of British that flock here particularly during summer.

Tomorrow evening there is a party happening at Ed's family's place - should be good and give me an excuse to crack open that 1985 bottle of wine Karinne's uncle Petrie from Korcula gave me.

Day 41 - Malaga, Spain

A day to recouperate. I went for a an hours walk to explore before buying some groceries. Back in bed and awoke at 3pm. Mind you I do have a cold so not feeling the best.

We are staying on the Costa del Sol. I'm always reminded of what George Cole, famous for his role as Arthur Daily in Minder would call this area - Cost a Packet. The kids went swimming whilst K and I grabbed a coffee. It is so much civilized here where the lawlessness of road use we are used to does not exist. As I said yesterday a bit of a shame in a way.

Out for dinner then to find wifi. Hopefully catch up with my mate Ed and his family tomorrow.