Nearing the End - So Many to Thank

As we hit Australia and New Zealand and reintegration to cultural norms we have been without for at least 6 months, it is with mixed emotions that we think of heading home and the end of our year away. It is also a time where traveling is easy and the reflection on the year abroad has started, somewhat subconsciously. The first thing and one thing I continue to think about is how many people have contributed to making our year so wonderful and successful.  What will follow is more likely a list, because I am not sure how else to thank everyone... but what you will notice is the number of people on the list - it is truly staggering. Thank you to everyone - and please, we hope we can reciprocate the hospitality one day!

Throughout the year we have family and old and new friends to thank for a whole host of things - from looking after our own mail and whatever came up at home to  maps, advice, cars, meals, opening their homes, mail packages, books, medical advice, wireless, suggestions....

so here goes -
Mom, Liz, Granny Griz - keeping everything in order at our home including our mail, taxes, storing treasures and our car......
Rick and Kimm - storing the truck and making sure the boat runs ( regularly;)  )
Ma, Margarete, Oma - hosted us, amazing brunch we still talk about
Andy - drives to the airport, meals and a few laughs
Garth, Patricia, Logan, Alexander, and Marcus - for the loan of your car while in cowtown and the wonderful Waiperous hospitality (ie white water tubing!!)
Dad, Opa Rudi and Helene - yummy dinner out
Vic and Carolyn - Iceland maps and tips that were invaluable
Dad, Brian Grandpa B, Jayne, Granny Bird - a car for 6 weeks, hosting 2 action packed days in London, hosting us in Salcombe
Bruce and Mona - mmmmmm dinner and maps
Michael, Jackie and Joshi - so much fun in Brittany, hosting us in their amazing yard
Mike and Sue - Thanks for the use of the kitchen and not cringing too much!
Chris and HW, Michael and Stephan -  tour guide Michy, Footie games, Birthday bike rides and dinner, hosting us in Trier ....
Geronimo and Marina - what can we say  (Chris’ horses for those of you who don’t know!)
Chris and HW’s friendly neighbours - lending us bikes!
Paddy, Racquel and Tiego - fun at the beach and two amazing Portuguese dinners...and a jersey!
Uncle Bertie, Tante Gelli, and Karin -for offering your home and hosting us
Uncle Mundi - special care package (yummy!)
Hofmann clan from Austria - your generosity
Uncle Willy, Tante Crystal, Willy, Astrid, Christoph and Johannes- a wonderful day of sightseeing and getting to know you again......
The Lezzards - a fun ferry ride and a new card game - Honk honk...
Nathan - above and beyond in the now advice for visas to Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam and yummy thick shakes in Dahab... - watch out Nathan, we are coming to Kauai in March (for real)
Oma and Chris ( again ) - what a great two days in Alexandria together
Andrea - fun for the kids and wireless connectivity
Deanne, Mark and Felicity - 12 great days in your fabulous Capetown flat.
Mrs Koch - helping us with key logistics
South Africa Hwy Patrol - Bernie got his first speeding ticket - thanks!
Jill - cd’s and advice for South Africa travels
Dawn, Jackie and Aaron - package of books and goodies that arrived in Capetown - yay
Sterpins and O’Cosbeys - Vietnam leads and advice
Mennau, Ben, and Denni - super travel companions on a memorable part of the journey
Francois, Dominique and Alma Materre clan (Mayelle, Mattias and Alex) - fun days of homeschooling and trips around Chiang Mai
Dharma - wisdom and help planning our self guided, non portered trek in Nepal
Dindu and family - for showing us a level of hospitality equal to the beauty of the Himalaya.
Dave, Shelly, Cal and Mitch - your home being our home - even if it was a little longer than planned.
Anna - doing all our laundry!
Blu man Chu - Showing us Shanghai and being a great host
Friends of Shaun’s - hosting us for a great BBQ
Daren, Cynthia, Molly, Marcus - another crazy year off family to bounce stories and ideas off.  Also for giving the kids real kid time and the adult a break.....See you in Vancouver sometime!
Donna - letting us take over your home and giving Emilia a day of International School life.
Wes, Elise, Thomas, Analena and Sophie  - Hosting us in Singapore after a 5 minute meeting in Laos and days before your departure for the summer. Emilia has a special thanks for her American Doll too!  Come and visit us in Rossland.
Ian and Claude - you guys are amazing - not sure how we can ever repay the favours - sooo many!  But, hope we can.
Karin - for your medical advice via email
Helen and John, Keiran, Paula, Sammie, Gaby, Freesia -playing and feasting on the sapphire coast. Giving the kids “home” friend time. Sleepover time - woo hoo says Emilia.
Cyndi and Damien - great New Zealand tips
Richard - tips on places to stay in Rarotonga
Mark and Tracey, Ben, Kevin, LiLi - for our anticipated home invasion and reintroduction to Canadian ways.
sd20 - for allowing deferred salaries with general leaves - we are so much richer for the experiences

IF I have forgotten anyone - huge Apologies and we owe you double!

So as you can see, the list is long. The thank yous have been endless and have made such a huge difference to the success of our trip.