Packing in a panic -- the house might be a bit dirty when we leave. Packed away my socks in my enthusiasm to be ready. Amzingly, this time everything fits in -- including the spread of pills and potions stretching out of reach around Helen. Carried on cleaning whilst the inspection woman was wandering around. She seemed generally happy, especially recounting how she had joined her daughter in Vietnam for three weeks of her daughter's RTW trip. I'm beginning to feel like we're the last people to get on the bus. Then, turfed out of Appletree Cottage, I face the world with what I carry on my back. So far the lack of keys hasn't made an impression -- unlike the huge bulge made by the thousands of dollars, rand, flight tickets etc. around my waist.
The entire Fuller clan joined us for a teary departure at Heathrow (the first text message was received by Helen in Dubai) before a pleasant first six hours aboard with Emirates. Perhaps I should drink less red wine on these flights...
Definately drink less, the next eight hour flight was quite drawn out...
We were looking forward to watching "Spidey" but the schedules changed overnight! Saw some fine thunderheads over Lake Malawi. South Africa seems to like circular fields (probably and irrigation thing) though they do appear to plough in a curve in rectangular fields.
Met by a woman at the arrivals gate who took us a whole ten yards before we bumped into the man from Drifters. I felt a bit sorry for her. transferred to the bowels of Jo'burg with Rich and Deb, just qualified family practicioners from Canada who'd had to collect their mislaid baggage. At the Drifters in it transpired that another group member had lost her luggage. Oh dear. Shuffled off to the room after Ostrict kebab (a bit tough) absolutely knackered. Due to be woken at 5.15am!
Copyright 2002 Ian Fitchet. All rights reserved.