There’s nothing like waking up with a warm feeling of gratitude. My room may cover only my basic needs – a bed, and that’s it, but for me that is more than enough. Never have I loved a bed more than I did last night. Coming into the room I did let out one final sob as I stopped and realized how much I stank from days of walking. It’s something I hadn’t been aware of at all while we were up in the mountains but that became so clear when I was finally standing in an enclosed space and the waft of stale sweat with a hint of urine hit me. It turns out washing with shower sheets, baby wipes or cleaning foam is simply no substitute for an actual shower. As I stepped out of my dirty clothes and headed straight into the cubicle I let out a happy hum as the piping hot water washed over me.

Likewise this morning at breakfast, the sight of the continental bread and jam filled me with joy – and that’s after being fed really well by Chef Jonny over the last few days. On reflection, maybe it was the wooden table and chairs that really set me off, that and the fact they weren’t foldable and easy to carry. It feels like I’ve returned after months in the wilderness, and even though I’m not in my own home, surrounded by my own things, I have an appreciation for it.

I might’ve replaced my trekking gear with a cerise pink maxi dress but the boots have stayed on for now – partly because of their comfort but also because with blisters like mine a switch to gladiator sandals might make them worse. The last thing I need is more hotspots to appear. Plus, I have so many Compeed plasters on it’s quite the sight to behold. I have promised my tootsies I’ll give them a good airing and some treatments when we get home – although my top priority will be getting them into some decent shoes for Liam’s brother’s wedding. I’ll have to do what I can to sort them out on the flight. That’ll give me something to do.

The thought of home makes butterflies dance inside me.

Before we head out and get on a bus, I grab my phone out of my rucksack. I had texted on the way to the hotel saying I’d call when I got there, but then the shower beckoned me in … and then the bed summoned me to close my eyes for a few minutes, and that was the last I knew of yesterday.

‘You’re alive!’ he says, picking up the phone in super speed, almost like he’s been sitting looking at it, waiting for my call.