Baltic Sea to Dover

The White Cliffs stand majestically ahead of us, vertiginously beckoning us to the Garden of England, Dover Castle coming into view on this cooler morning. It is impossible to describe the scale of these chalk downs, for generations symbolising the indomitable British pride against invaders.

We are no longer in stiffling heat so we must indeed be home. Is home not a subjective phenomenon when you are travelling?

The Disney Baltic Cruise has been a spectacular experience and given us a unique opportunity to sample again the delights of Scandinavia. My major was in geography; I did years of travel photography with a lifelong dream of reaching the National Geographic and explored more than 50 countries in all continents to pursue it, and yet with the challenges and tangents which life throws at you, travel firmly sat in the back seat whilst my beautiful model boys took the leading roles up front.

My head is full of so many great memories: the wonderful sights, breathtaking scenery, the salty wind in my hair, a few brief moments of slipping aware to swim by myself, the nightly stage shows with jaw dropping set design and costumes, the gastronomic pleasures, meeting Nina in Helsinki, the boys happy for nothing more than splashing in the toddler pool.

Upon our return, Mum had arranged for us to visit a garden on show for charity. Come to think of it: it was the taxi driver Chris' spectacular garden in Upminster. Both Mum and Dad work tirelessly for the church and community and whilst I can proudly say Dad was awarded the British Empire Medal from the Queen many years ago for his service to the community, they really expect nothing in return for their work.

At the end of the trip, there has been no time to download the photos from the computer onto my disks and so the weeks will remain before I am to see them again.