Samantha's final thoughts

Well, where do I start? Summing up this year is a difficult task.

Firstly, I never thought we would actually do this. We have spent years discussing taking a gap year and travelling the world. But in 2006 when we finally starting reading the lonely planet and formulating a route, I started to believe it was going to happen.

I have had a truely amazing year and I'm still not a great fan of flying. I have visited the most fabulous places, done incredible things and met awesome people who I am fortunate enough to call friends.

To tell you where the best place is or even my favourite place is, is impossible for me. However, the places that surprised me the most are China, Guatemala and to some extent New Zealand - but that's only because they are 2 very different islands which are known as one country.

I have challenged myself climbing glaciers, snorkelling the great barrier reef and climbing the great wall. These are the few that will always stick out in my mind although I know there are plenty more examples.

I have probably tasted more local beers and wines in this year than I ever will again.

I am grateful to our families and friends for their support and emails. Keeping in touch helped me immensely when I was homesick.

I have thoroughly enjoyed keeping this travel blog and look forward to reading through it again when I get home.

And finally to Alan, well what a companion you've been. Generally you've been awesome but at times you did my head in, but to be honest the world tour 2007 wouldn't have been the same without you x