The end of our two year stay in South Africa was approaching and we both felt sad to be leaving this beautiful country. I was and indeed still am concerned that the UK will feel dull and depressing compared with the dynamism and sense of opportunity in Africa. So rather than simply resume that hum drum existence we shall have a European Adventure.
Purchasing the airstream became easy as an ex demonstrator model became available during our Christmas visit to the UK. Since then we have resumed our lives in South Africa, with a huge sadness that we will be leaving, but at the same time a level of excitement about our big trip.
The quick and positive response to Paul's request for a career break, was quite a surprise and I did need a sit down when Paul phoned to let me know it had been agreed. A wave of panic hit, (a bit like a positive pregnancy test) relief your plan is coming to fruition but also a whooa this is really happening now.
Planning is really not my strong point and I look at the maps and such and feel a bit overwhelmed. However for Paul research, planning and being organized are his strengths and I get the feeling he quite enjoys it.
My current main concerns are:
- How horribly expensive it will be just to get a coffee and ice creams for the boys in Europe.
- 10 weeks of togetherness, I will be the only girl with 3 strong willed and occasionally stubborn Armstrong males.
- My linguistic skills are zero, even in English my native tongue, I am not always understood.
- Driving on the other side of the road, why do they do that?
- What if the camp sites are horrible? We have been so spoilt with camping in Canada and South Africa, where they camp to appreciate and be part of nature. I am concerned European Camping may be similar to parking in a large car park, beside a swimming pool.
