I woke up at about 6am feeling ready to take on the world.  I got up and went for a shower.  I felt well this morning after a good sleep and a shower.  Last night I hadn’t noticed how nice the hostel was either.  I’d quite happily stay there again as it was very comfortable…and they offered huge breakfasts which I gobbled up!

During breakfast I got chatting to a Frenchman and a Mexican.  We didn’t discuss anything in particular but it reminded me why I enjoy hostels so much. The opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds is something I always enjoy.

I rang Megan, from OCD action, and arranged to meet her at 11am at London Euston station.  My train back to Liverpool was due at 1pm so we had a couple of hours to talk about the trip, which I was very much looking forward to.  Talking about the trip might help it sink in as it still does not seem real yet.  I have a certificate though so I must have done it!

After a few phone calls home, and to my parents, and some friends, I made my way back to my dorm to collect my baggage.  I was really fond of Earl’s Court Youth Hostel and was a little sad to be leaving, which is certainly not the first time I have experienced that feeling.

The tube ride from Earl’s Court to Euston was a lot quieter than the journey from Heathrow Airport last night for some reason.  I always thought Mondays were busy.  Still, it meant I had a much easier journey than last night which had to be a good thing!

At Euston, Megan and I recognised each other from our descriptions immediately and headed for something to eat.  We went to an Italian café right next to the station.  Over a bite to eat and a coffee, which Megan very kindly treated me to, we discussed Kilimanjaro, hostelling, Africa, OCD and life in general.  It was only whilst going over the trek with Megan that it actually started to sink in what I had achieved.

With my train’s departure time approaching we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.  I lugged my baggage onto the train bound for Liverpool Lime Street and prayed that there would be no delays like there were last night!

Fortunately, there were no delays this time and nor were there any on the train to Halewood station either.  It had started raining though.

Having dumped my bags at home I got back into the usual routine of going to the supermarket, filling the car up with fuel and even gave my beard a much needed trim.

I was still exhausted though so I made a few phone calls to let everyone know I was alright and headed up to bed at about 9pm.  I was shattered but proud. However, life keeps rolling on and I needed to catch up on my sleep – I was due in work the next day…

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