Frankfurt and Goodbye Europe

Well, after 3 weeks or so we have reached the end of our European epic. It has been fitting to conclude our journey where it started, in Frankfurt hosted by the amazing Krebs family. The Krebs, much like Germany itself, are outstanding. We were met at the airport and provided with an apartment for the night, which was set up perfectly for us and included a present of exquisite German tea (that Nadine especially loves) to take back to NZ.

Not long after being dropped off I dashed off for a cheeky 9 holes at Frankfurter Golf Club, the oldest club in the region. It was a parkland course, very long and brutal. My first shot went deep into the woods! But I exacted my revenge and by the time I reached the clubhouse had kept the score close to my handicap, which these days is around 9. Along the way I had a close encounter with a fox, who went to check out my ball in the bunker! Unlike Mr Ed, the horse in Tresivio, he didn't respond to my whistle and made his way out of sight into the Forrest. Nadine, who stayed at the apartment, would have loved the experience. Such encounters with nature are special.

Bettina arrived around 8pm and we all went off for dinner. Enjoying a lovely meal and good intellectual debate before drawing stumps for the day. Today Bettina took us to a lovely wine growing village overlooking the Rhine river. Germany has everything. I can see why people want to come and live here.

We are now finalising our affairs, including closing off the blog, before flying out tonight to Perth via Singapore. Only two nights in Perth stand between us and our home and lovely doggies. We feel ready to return to work and our life in NZ, having enjoyed four fantastic counties but also knowing that we live in one of the best places in the World - windy Wellington!