I arrived back to a quiet and clean Perth on Monday evening.

Sadly, I will soon farewell a companion, one who has been literally very close to me for most of the past 10 years. From departing Australia for Turkey in June 2001 to arriving back to Perth Monday we have shared many experiences together including line-ups, waits, pat downs and interrogations. Frankly, without her I would have been stuck, not able to move around or see the world.

Yes, after 20+ countries, 20+ visas and 100+ stamps it is almost time to replace my second Australian passport.