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Tuesday 21st February

And so here we are. The final full day. In many ways I should have been making the most of the time left, yet I did not find myself in the right mood. As much as I love this place, I feel the need to come home.

Its been a great few weeks.

Monday 20th February

And back to the big city. In 48 hours I fly. Just enough time to wind down that little bit more, do a little shopping and get prepared for the long trip home.

As I check into the 7th Hotel of the trip, I am left a bit weary of the constant travelling. I need a base again, somewhere to settle, somewhere to continue the rest of the year from. I need home.

Sunday 19th February

This is Newcastle. It has a beach, in fact, it has several beaches.

It has bars and restaurants, not that many in the main area but enough for a couple of nights.

It has some nice buildings, new and old. It has a lot of miserable, dilapidated buildings. More old than new, more redevelopment needed, and that will come in time. For Newcastle is still a city in transition, It has a nice vibe but for me, it currently lacks something.

In a few years it could be really nice, but its not quite there for me yet.

Saturday 18th February

A weekend in Newcastle. A nice hotel, right on the beach. Perfect weather, what more do I need?

Its only been recently that I have felt relaxed. Maybe its time away from the busy city that has calmed me, perhaps the hypnotic sounds of the waves washing up on the golden beaches? I don't know what it is but it has worked.

As I come to the end of my trip, I find myself reflecting. Was it worth it? was it too long? too far? a bad idea to be travelling alone?

Perhaps being on my own for so long will be something I would not wish to repeat. No doubt it was a long way but if I need to come this far to get the hot summer weather my body craves in a northern hemisphere winter, then so be it.

Because it has been worth it. For the break, for the time out to reflect, and for the weather, if nothing else.

Friday 17th February

On the move again, as the delights of Byron Bay grew smaller in the distance I headed south to Coffs Harbour. Whilst the hotel was nothing to write home about, the harbour area is very nice. And even better… The weather has turned, it was a scorcher.