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The final morning

Today was our final day in South Africa. Although our flight wasn’t until the evening, our hire car had to be returned by 12:00 pm, which gave us a slower start to the morning. I woke early, enjoyed a comforting cuppa, then headed down for my last cooked breakfast of the trip, accompanied by a barista-style coffee. It felt like a proper farewell to this beautiful country.

Once breakfast was finished, we returned to our room to complete our packing. There were, of course, several trips to the bathroom—never ideal on travel days, but expected for me. Eventually, it was time to load up the car and begin our journey to the airport.

The drive to the airport and a little challenge we faced.

The drive was straightforward, but we ran into an unexpected problem: none of our mobile phones had service, meaning we couldn’t access directions. Instead, we relied on motorway signs and airport symbols to guide us. Thankfully, they did the job.

As we arrived, one of the twins suddenly said, “Oh no, I forgot to take the bullets out of my bag!” A moment of worry passed through us, but Dad stayed calm and reassured everyone. Luckily, the airport had a designated bin for safe disposal, and the situation was resolved quickly.

Our driver also mentioned we had a disabled passenger in the vehicle, allowing us to be escorted directly to the entrance. This made transferring into the terminal much easier.

Check-in and airport lounge

Once inside, we headed straight to check-in. I began to feel unwell again, that familiar sensation I’d been experiencing throughout the holiday. Mum gave me some rescue drops, which eased the shakes enough for me to continue.

Security was smooth, though I was once again selected for an additional check, as often happens when I travel. Jack was briefly upset when asked to throw away his bottle of Fanta, but all was forgiven once we reached the lounge and he discovered unlimited refreshments.

Lunch and last- minute shopping

We settled into the calm environment of the airport lounge, where I enjoyed a warm couscous salad, a fresh side salad, a few Diet Cokes, and some tea. Before leaving South Africa, I treated myself to a koeksister, a traditional sweet pastry soaked in syrup. It felt like the perfect final taste of the country.

Later, Dad and I wandered through the shops for some last-minute gifts. I chose a bucket hat, a pack of rusks, and a Double Decker chocolate bar to give to my support worker back home. Back in the lounge, I organised my medication and had a lemon and poppy seed muffin before we headed to the gate.

Boarding and the long journey ahead

Just before boarding, I realised I needed the loo again, but had to wait until I was on the aircraft. Thankfully, I made it in time before take-off. This time, we were flying economy. The seats were narrow, legroom limited, and the faint scent of reheated meals hung in the cabin. Despite this, we settled into our seats, neck pillows in place, headphones ready.

What comes next

And that is where today’s chapter ends. One long flight ahead, and a very exciting surprise waiting in the next diary entry… something that will take this journey to new heights

Jouney Home-Dubbia changeover and the flight home to Newcastle

A morning in the air

I woke to the soft hum of the aircraft and the dim glow of the overhead lights. My breakfast tray sat in front of me: a mix of “picky bits” including an omelette, sausages, roasted tomato, hash brown, croissant, cereal bar, fruit, and yoghurt.

Despite the variety, nothing quite matched what my body wanted — something sweet and simple. I started with the cereal bar and then worked slowly through the hot breakfast, grounding myself bite by bite.

Not long after, the familiar chime sounded to signal our descent into Dubai. As the plane touched down, I waited for the access assistance team — the cabin gradually emptying around me, leaving only quiet footsteps and fading chatter.

 Smooth transfer in Dubbii airport  

A kind assistance staff member arrived with a wheelchair and guided us through the airport with calm confidence. He handled every step seamlessly:

   •   navigating security with ease

   •   guiding us through the busy concourse

   •   taking us to the internal train for our connection

   •   locating a nearby accessible toilet

   •   and escorting us all the way to the aircraft door

His warmth and professionalism turned a typically stressful part of travel into something smooth, even reassuring. I was truly grateful for the experience.

A surprise upgrade

At first, we headed to our usual economy seats… until Dad revealed the surprise he had been hinting at: a business class upgrade.

It felt like a dream.

A fully flat bed.

Space to breathe.

A peaceful cabin.

I only wished I’d had this on the overnight flight, but I was thrilled to enjoy it now. Although my favourite TV show wasn’t available this time, I used the iPad to watch something else instead.

Before take-off, the crew offered welcome drinks — orange juice or prosecco. I stuck with orange juice since I wasn’t feeling well, but I appreciated the choice we had in business class.

Breakfast and lunch in the sky

Shortly after take-off, I chose a cheese-and-meat platter for my second breakfast, along with fruit, yoghurt, and a muffin from the bakery basket. A hot cup of tea made the perfect finishing touch.

Later in the flight, I enjoyed a Dubai-style mezze plate with different hummus flavours and warm pita, followed by grilled fish with rice. Dessert was a rich chocolate mousse cake, paired with a beautifully steamed cappuccino and a tiny chocolate square.

Somewhere between courses, I listened to meditation tracks and continued writing this diary — determined to finish it. And I did today

Touch down and homeward bound  

As we descended toward the UK, the sound of Geordie accents from the cabin crew felt unexpectedly comforting. We arrived at the original gate and used a mobility lift to reach the terminal.

From there, we were escorted through:

   •   passport control

   •   the luggage hall

   •   and the reunion with my wheelchair and Wi-Fi device

I messaged work, friends, and family, letting them know I was home.

Outside, we expected a taxi — but instead, a whole bus arrived to collect us! Clean, cool, and comfortable, it whisked us along back roads I’d never seen before. My phone died near Tow Law, but we were almost home by then.

Home sweet home

After a full month away — the longest I’ve ever travelled — it felt incredible to step back inside my own house.

I settled into my favourite armchair with a cuppa, relaxed in my room, and enjoyed a barbecue dinner with a juicy burger. The warm evening breeze, the familiar comfort of home, and the exhaustion of a long journey all caught up with me. That night, I climbed into my own bed grateful, tired, and full of memories from the holiday of a lifetime.