I took this as our pod reached the highest point on the Melbourne Star. It was the very last day I spent in Melbourne. My cousin and her kids took me South Wharf for my last afternoon and in some ways was a fitting end – the last thing I did was see the whole city from above as we pointed out all the different things I’d done, seen and visited the four months I was there.

”Our house is over there! Geelong!” pointed out Raphael, the youngest.

”Well, we can’t actually see our house,” said his mother. “But yes, Geelong is that way! Good job!”

We pointed out Eureka Tower where we often parked when we drove into the city, the boys’ uncle’s office tower, the docklands, the pier and the You Yangs where I’d gone for a hike. The day was bright as usual and just as warm as the day I arrived despite the inevitable approach of autumn.

I took a minute to stare out and take a few photos on my cell phone. I sent this photo it to a friend I had lunch with earlier that day and texted, “I’m going to miss Melbourne.”

”So says everyone whom visits,” he texted back. “Melbourne will miss you too,” he said earlier.

As I sit here at Tim Horton’s back in my hometown, thinking back on the last two weeks that I’ve been home, I’ve accomplished a total of two things: sleep and Netflix. Fixing a 15 hour time difference has been strange, although my cousin says vitamin D is about all I need to fast track that. Truthfully, I haven’t made much effort. Although I’m physically here, my brain and my heart is still in Melbourne. Four months was just enough to make me feel at home there, start to have my own small, but lovely group of friends, be a regular at the local cafés and, yet, still have so much more to explore.

Travelling really does change many things about you. Living in a place for a few months at a time, however, leaves deep and lasting impressions. I knew my trip to Australia would be adventurous, but it’s become a milestone – a significant and life changing turning point. Usually I’m in withdrawal for a while when I return from a trip. This, however, leaves me fueled and excited for what’s to come, open to new things and always to move ahead with positivity.

As our ride came to an end and our pod was reaching the platform at the bottom of the wheel, I took a hold of Raphael’s hand and we walked off the platform together.

‘Welcome back,’ the attendant said with a smile.

And I await to hear those words again when my feet finds its way back to Melbourne.