Penultimate Weekend
A weekend to celebrate my newly acquired freedom, catch up with family and old friends and eat copiously.
Work
My last day of work was as predicted. I felt very honored to be sent-off the way I was. Taken to the pub for a two-hour liquid lunch by a surprisingly large number of colleagues. An awkward speech and some bizarre jokes from my manager made considerably easier by the 2 pints of strong cider in my system. Presented with a bottle of Jack Daniels to drink in about a week. Shouldn't be too much of a problem. My Swedes gave me a lovely digital photo-frame full of pictures from hazy nights out. They also gave me a mask & snorkel which I wasted no time in wearing whilst at my desk. The cider was still speaking. A handfull of people had obviously gone to a considerable effort to ensure that I felt appreciated. And I certainly did. All the goodbyes were done and dusted by the time I was leaving. A cursory glance over my shoulder on the way out. Nobody was looking anymore. That moment was just for me. Done with that place forever.
Family
My Parents & Sister arrived the following afternoon. Pints of 'proper beer' and a walk to the beach started the day and it finished with what has to be one of the hottest Thai meals I've ever eaten. They all love Mari and she's really starting to relax and be herself around them. My family are always supportive and encouraging of all my decisions and our trip to New Zealand is no exception. Loading up the car and saying our final farewells the following day, I couldn't help welling up a little when I saw my mum was getting tearful. What is it about Mums that bring it out of you like that? A manly hung with a firm pat on the back and a "see you later" from my Dad realigned things somewhat.
They drove off with the car bursting at the seems with things I could neither take with me nor leave behind. It looked like a lot of stuff, but it could have been so much worse. All the windows were wound down. Partly so they could wave until the last possible second. Partly because last night's Thai food was causing some toxic gas issues.
Another walk on the beach and an epic burger at the postcards, washed down with a couple of cheeky Sunday mojitos. The time went so quickly that before I knew it I was saying goodbye and trying to fill up another car with as much of my stuff as possible.
Saying goodbye to them wasn't bad at all. I think you instinctively know if it's 'goodbye' or 'see you in a while'. With this particular collection of people, it's definitely the latter, so no worries there at all. They wont get rid of me that easy.
They drove off with the car bursting at the seems with things I could neither take with me nor leave behind. It looked like a lot of stuff, but it could have been so much worse. All the windows were wound down. Partly so they could wave until the last possible second. Partly because last night's Thai food was causing some toxic gas issues.
Friends
Less than an hour had passed and my parking space was back in use again. My best friends and a 7(ish) month old Theo had arrived for their day at the seaside. They looked hungry and thirsty and in some cases a little soiled. Theo is a lovely little chap and perhaps reassured me that not all babies are screaming, horrible little shit-bags. I liked this one very much and hope my eventual offspring will be as calm.Another walk on the beach and an epic burger at the postcards, washed down with a couple of cheeky Sunday mojitos. The time went so quickly that before I knew it I was saying goodbye and trying to fill up another car with as much of my stuff as possible.
Saying goodbye to them wasn't bad at all. I think you instinctively know if it's 'goodbye' or 'see you in a while'. With this particular collection of people, it's definitely the latter, so no worries there at all. They wont get rid of me that easy.
So, most of the goodbyes are done now and the flat is beginning to look a little bare. Just another little step into making this little travelling idea of ours a reality.
