I flew out of Manchester last week with just hours left on my UK working visa, using the flight to Dublin to remind myself that although it didn’t feel like it, my arrival into England last year was actually a while ago. Looking back, there have been so many, many highs, and thankfully, just a handful of lows.

In a quiet valley in the heart of the Lake District, a little steam train puffs through the fells. La’al Ratty travels from the coast at Ravenglass to the green paddocks at Boot. And you know how I love trains…

I’ve spent the last 13 months living a dream I’ve had for a long time. But now, just like the convicts all those years ago, I’m an Aussie about to be kicked out of the UK. So where to from here? Well, just a few places.

Great train journeys, solo adventures through Chile and getting to know a family of Arctic wolves – some of the books I’ve read lately should require a passport just to turn the page. Here’s some suggestions for great books to enjoy on a lazy summer afternoon.

Ireland is globally renowned for its crap weather, but that never stops anyone from visiting. After a particularly wet and windy visit two years ago, I was excited to return – even more so when I saw the forecast. Ireland was about to experience summer.

Ireland could produce countless amazing television shows in the next decade, but not one will eclipse the popularity and legacy of Father Ted. I could try to describe it to you, but it would be impossible to do it justice. But take my word for it – it’s fecking hilarious.

For a man in charge of guiding a 202m ship out of a very tight berth, Captain Richard Davies is extremely at ease. Especially since he’s surrounded by a bunch of bloggers and their cameras. Nothing like an audience to put on the pressure.

Mention Holland and everyone thinks of Amsterdam, clogs and cannabis. But there’s so much more to discover and enjoy. My teacup and I visited three very different cities in The Netherlands: Rotterdam, Nijmegen and of course, Amsterdam.