Returning home

It's been a brilliant holiday, and ending our time in Africa with a relaxing day in a five star hotel was super.

But we needed it to prepare for the tiring and rather challenging journey home.

Nay - not challenging in terms of journeys of yesteryear, or in terms of adventures hiking through difficult terrain. But long overnight flights and airport challenges can be very wearing.

Dar es Salaam airport was charming but chaotic. Confusing, not very comfortable, but necessary. We took off just before midnight last night.

Overnight flights aren't easy. Sleep is elusive and seats are often cramped and uncomfortable. We landed in Amsterdam before dawn with three hours to wait for our connecting flight to Heathrow.

The photo was taken as we sat near the gate watching the lights of Schiphol airport blend with the lightening sky as a KLM plane arrived.

Driving home was tiring too, with chilly driving rain. But these are certainly not moans. It was totally worth it and I'll never forget this Indian Ocean adventure.