My original plan was always to return to England by early May as I have 3 weddings and a few other fun things planned for summer in the UK. Whilst I was in Montenegro I mapped out a route back with a few nice stops, but I knew I didn’t have time to explore anywhere properly and the feeling of the trip coming to an end meant that I couldn’t relax or enjoy things in the same way. With this in mind I decided that rather than dragging out the ending, I would drive straight back and surprise my family by turning up for all the Easter celebrations. This gave me something to look forward to and made the journey home an exciting one.
I drove 3/4 hours a day to cover the miles but still managed to squeeze in a bit of exploring along the way.
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Krka National Park, Croatia
Ljubljana, Slovenia
I stumbled across a very moving gathering showing support for Ukraine. Many of them were Ukrainians living in Slovenia and hearing them sing the Ukrainian national anthem brought a tear to many eyes
Lake Bled, Slovenia
I drove straight through Austria but will definitely have to come back to see it properly another time. The views from the road were amazing
Berchtesgaden, Germany
Ausburg, Germany
Luxembourg
After Luxembourg I drove straight through Belgium and France to Calais where I stocked up on high quality but cheap wine and beer for those who had requested it
It still amazes me that you can drive onto a train and whizz under the sea to cross the channel
I arrived at my Uncle Nick and Aunty Sarah’s house near York on Saturday evening. My mum, dad, Erin, Richard, Kaya, Nick, Sarah and Chloe were all in the garden having a BBQ. I drove up the drive beeping my horn and got the best reaction. Lots of hugs, cheering and happy tears
We had a spontaneous party
And a lovely relaxing Easter Sunday testing out their new sauna, eating delicious food and playing games
Then the big family party on Monday where I got to see my Nana and Grandad and many more aunts, uncles and cousins
It was the best way to arrive back.
Now to get the van cleaned, apply for jobs and plan the next adventure!