Home!

Despite some trepidation (maybe even as strong as dread) about leaving Europe and returning to Phnom Penh, I felt a definite sense of excitement as I rode the Tuk Tuk from the airport, remembering the endearing idiosyncrasies of life in Cambodia and thinking about the things I was looking forward to...seeing friends again, drinking a fresh coconut, coffee and pumpkin muffins at Brown, getting home to our flat. Added to which the terrifyingly scorching 37 degrees registering on the thermometer was kindly softened by the early hour and a gentle breeze, making it a rather pleasant sun-laden journey.

While I was sad not to be returning with my new husband (who is now in Indonesia for a week) I had made the most of the flight to have some quiet time and remind myself of all the ways in which I will keep myself happy in the next few months. Berry and I had finally had a few moments on our mammoth journey home to talk about how we see the immediate future and the changes/ tweaks we might make as well as the medium term future and where we want to be doing what.

The greatest excitement is the thought of spending the rest of my life with him.

It was an added bonus to not have to go straight to work which gave me time to unpack, do some washing, go grocery shopping, look for insurance and fight with the internet company...none of them fun in themselves but all felt good to tick off the to do list.

Sadly Brown had no pumpkin muffins left but I enjoyed a coffee none the less.

Getting to work greeted me with the usual commotion...a mumps epidemic, more staff needed, lessons to plan, work to mark. But I was pleased to see Lisa again.

And tonight I am catching up on bits and pieces...sad to have finished a wonderful holiday but actually perfectly contented to be home.