Wednesday 10th May 2023
Well, I'm all checked in at the airport and had a supper of fish fingers while I charge my phone. It all still feels a little surreal. I'm not sure why, as I have been staying in the moment as much as I can. It always amazes me that I can cross hemispheres overnight. I'm very grateful to be living in the modern age, although I am still keen on my return trip on a cargo ship- but that needs a lot more investigation.
Tonight I'm flying back to the UK on my return leg of my trip as last year when I left SA I only had a one way ticket. Last year we were all wearing masks in the shops until we boarded the BA aircraft when we could take them off. Bizarre times indeed. Humans are very resilient.
This morning Molly sensed that I was leaving for longer than a housesit time. As soon as she heard me stir at 6 she snuggled up and looked deep into my eyes. It was rather chilly and she may have wanted some body warmth but I'm sticking to it being a bonding moment. I started doing the bedding laundry while the presence of both power and the sun was conducive to getting it dry before I left.
I managed to squeeze my backpack shut and it weighs almost 16kg, which is heavier than last year. Seeing that my travels on public transport start after a visit with my two 'English' sisters, I am confident that I will minimize it down to around 10kgs. Fingers crossed.
I had some last minute coffee meetings with some friends and then went back to load up my Smartie to drive it round to Nic's for it's 6 month parking spot. I played some ball with Molly, backwashed the pool, pulled some weeds and teased the cat with sun reflections. Molly was very glum when I said goodbye to her and Emily cat had vanished, I suspect she doesn't like goodbyes.
Now my plate has been cleared and the staff seem to be rumbling around as if they are going to close up soon. That's one disadvantage of a 11pm flight. The KLM flight here was a daytime flight and I think they use the same plane, but I'm not sure.
Tomorrow my blog will be written from Hartlepool and it may be an hour or two later for South African folk, due to family catch ups and time differences. So for tonight, it's cheerio from the southern part of Africa...
Comments