So the actual travelling part of the journey (which I always think of as "The Journey") ended today.

We still have some recreational time, but we have reached our destination.

Safely. Healthily. Happily.

I'm more thankful than I can say for having been able to do this trip.

Of course, there have been inconveniences and setbacks and annoyances. But in comparison with all the wonderful things we've able to see and taste and feel and hear and do, and the wonderful people we've met, these are nothing.

As I read recently: "Rather than ask, 'Why is there so much evil in the world?', we should ask, 'Why is there so much good in the world?'" When you're travelling (and supremely vulnerable in so many ways), you have the chance to experience that the vast majority of people do not cheat or exploit or scorn or disparage you. Rather, you are the subject of extraordinary amounts of patience and forbearance and sheer kindness.

When we get home, there will be time for more serious post mortems. What mistakes did we make? What could we have done better? How close to budget did we weigh in?

But at the moment, I'm just grateful for the opportunity to have travelled this epic route.

Purple memories from the last few weeks:


















Most of these images, be it noted, happen along as we walk...

Walk and look; walk and ponder; walk and photograph.

Having now become obsessive walkers, it was good to read this powerful affirmation of the benefits ascribed to this activity: it apparently makes us "healthier, happier and brainier".

Indeed, travel generally is good for maximizing our brain's neuroplasticity: "A change of scenery wakes up your brain and takes it off autopilot. You have to think about small things when you're in an unfamiliar place, which is entirely the point. Learn a few words of a different language, take a walking tour, or even something as simple as trying a new food can get those neurons firing."

Amen to that.