UK March 2005 – The Diary

Feb 26

Long flight, but when I landed I rushed through all the corridors of arrivals, almost at a run, through security, baggage claim and customs to the doors and there they were waiting for me on the other side of the rail. I ran into their arms and burst into tears AGAIN! but so did Mum †;) Suddenly the scenes from Love Actually came flooding back to me †;). What a culture shock being back, and how cold is it! Getting home was very weird, we stopped off in a service station and I just marvelled at all the food there, and it was weird seeing all the cars on the motorway. When I got home Danny just went crazy for eveyone as usual, I felt like I could have been away for a year or a day and he would have reacted the same. While Arnie was quite different, as usual he greeted everyone else, but was completely unsure of me, it took him a good few minutes to realise it was me and then he went crazy jumping all over me and licking me, and anyone that knows Arnie will know what a big deal that is, I was so relieved, but that was only 2 months, what is he going to be like when I’m away for 6 months! Both the dogs kept sniffing my trousers as well, smelling the lions that I had been feeding only yesterday morning! My photos looked great up on the big Tv which I so pleased about and the family loved them. Fantastic but very very weird to be home.

Feb 27

Missing the park so much it hurts, had a cry a couple of times, think its because its such a shock to be back. Getting used to being home, quite strange knowing everything here, knowing my home, but leaving the park was like leaving my second home, just thinking about everyone still there, going about everything as usual, thinking what they are likely to being doing right now- it does hurt. Plus I feel guilty for missing it so much, while I am here at home with my family. They are so great though and so understanding. Looking at my pictures makes me so proud, being able to talk so easily about all I’ve experienced over the last two months, and having so much to say that others find interesting is a great feeling – just what I hoped would be the case. I took the dogs for a walk in the afternoon with Mum, both of us remembering our last walk together, which was the day before I left for Zim. I was so scared and upset to leave, find it amazing now that I was that worried about going to Antelope Park when I think of it as a home from home now  :)

Feb 28

Had a bit of a falling out with Dad last night, I think it was because both of us started to realise just how much I have to do to get ready for my next trip which I leave for a week tomorrow! Woke up this morning feeling a bit more positive though, just got to plan, and research and I will be fine. Went into Portsmouth first thing with Mum, asked her to drive as I wasn’t ready for my first drive to be at rush hour on the M27! Weird walking around Pompy, all those people, walking around, none of them smiling, none of them saying hello as they pass, thinking longingly of the park and Zimbabwe. Driving home was cool, being in a car that runs so well and so easily. Spent the afternoon planning, researching hostels in the U.S on the net.

Mar 1

Dad was working at home today, so he was able to spare a bit of time to help me with my planning. Looked more into my hostels and my Amtrak route around the U.S. Went to the hairdressers, felt good to look so brown in the mirrors, and I even got remarks made about it. Also treated myself to a manicure, got to feel all girlie again, its been a while! Got home and phoned Adam, I now know how frustrating it must have been for Mum and Dad to ring me out there, it took me ages to get through. But eventually I did and it was so nice to speak to him, he sounded so different over the phone, his accent was so strong. In the afternoon I booked all my U.S hostels, all of them YHA’s, so nice to have that sorted.

Mar 2

Mum was off today, her usual wednesday. Spent most of the day out and about, we went to snow and rock for fleeces and then to Whiteley for my walking boots. Then we dropped into M&S to get a few bits and to see the girls. Lovely to see them all again, feels like its been ages. We then popped into the Vets on the way home, great to see Kab again, Jess and Donna were also there working so hard as usual, but plan to see them again before I leave next week. Zoe is on holiday this week, but hopefully I might get to see her just before I go. Went out in the evening with Jackie and Claire for dinner and a loooonnnng chat. They looked at my photos and loved hearing about my trip, and I loved catching up on their gossip.

Mar 3

Didn’t do an awful lot today supposed to be sorting my clothes out etc.. but kind of had a lazy day instead, just enjoying my home comforts, in the lounge, with the fire on, the dogs and a film with a cuppa, my idea of heaven. In the end though I felt a bit lonely and was glad when Mum got home from work. Then around 7.30 Kab came round and we had a chinese and she looked at all my photos and asked so many questions about my trip. It was great to see her again, she is all excited about moving into a place with Curt, and I am excitied for her, still wish she would come with me on my trip though  ;)

Mar 4

Sat infront of the computer for most of the day, sorting out the info for each of my hostels, putting it all on my calender on my email so I have it when I’m out there and so Mum and Dad have a copy here at home. Collected Dad and Alan from Swanwick and Botley stations in the evening, before going out for dinner with the M&S girls. We went to Shamblehurt Barn in Hedge End and had a very giggley evening, well when I’m with Kim, Wendy and Jenny I can’t help but have fun. Lauren also came down later, as it was her local, but she was full of cold bless her. They had a look at my photos and I caught up on all the gossip thats been happening at work over the last two months. Can’t believe its going to be 6 months till I see them again!

Mar 5

London – with Dad and Alan. We went to STA and spent a couple of hours changing my tickets and tour dates, as Rebecca has invited me to stay with her in Seattle at the end of April, before I go to Fiji. We then visited Buckingham Palace and the British Museum. Great to be in London, it’s hard not to take it for granted, started to think about how many people all over the world would love to come to London and be standing outside Buckingham Palace, glacing over to see Big Ben and the Houses of Parliment. I guess it’s like anywhere when its right there at your finger tips you start to take it for granted, you just can’t help it. We then went to Bourgh market and bought a few bits, had lunch and bought some flowers for Mum for Mother’s Day tomorrow. It had a real London atmosphere, must remember that when I am away these next few months. Got back and went to Lauren’s for a night out on the town. Bit of a rush to get ready but met her and we caught a taxi into Southampton, stopping off at the Square for a few drinks before going to Jumping Jacks for more drinks and a whole lot of dancing. The music is so cheesey there which I love. We met up with Lauren’s other half and his friends which made the night a bit more interesting.  :)

Mar 6

Woke up at Lauren’s, bless her she was up coughing most of the night, was supposed to run her over to her Dad’s in Park Gate, but she said she felt too ill. So I went home around 9. After getting sorted I spent time with Mum getting my clothes ready for Tuesday. The Bishops came round in the afternoon for a cuppa and to say hi and goodbye to me, they also had a look at my photos, which they seemed to like. After they left we helped with the Sunday roast, as it is Mother’s Day after all. Made a cake and had that with tea in the evening. Love spending time as a four, my favorite people, and my favorite place x x x x

Mar 7

Mum’s is the only one not at home today, as Alan is going back to Uni tomorrow evening as he is coming to see me off at the airport tomorrow morning. While poor Dad is off work as he isn’t feeling well. Got all packed last night so at least thats all out the way, it meant that I could go in to Portsmouth and meet Mum for lunch. Got my dollars and my travellers cheques, love spending anytime I can with Mum. Then in the afternoon I chilled out with Dad and Alan, and sorted out my Ipod with more songs. I am excited about my trip but at the same time I’m still extremely aprehensive, being completely alone is just something I am not used to, but I better get used to it quick!