Ireland thus far

To say my start to a new life was a like being dunked in a bath of ice water is a bit of an understatement. But I wanted this. The idea of a new start was what brought me to this moment.

Why do I feel so out of sync?

I sit down to write and nothing comes. Just the sound of crickets in the dark. I think I’ll write about that and even that stops. I think okay, I’ll write about that. Then the light comes on and I think great I’ll just write about the whole series of these non happenings and then my pen runs dry, my pencil has no nib and my pencil bag has a hole in it so the sharper fell out somewhere. My cellphone battery dies as I start writing in the memo pad and then… I go to bed because nothing bad happens when I’m asleep and then I cannot fall asleep.

This would be funny if it wasn’t so bad. It really is.

Ireland is green and beautiful and I wish I could pause for just a minute take out my camera and capture the beauty that is Ireland. If you’re keeping abreast of the G8 Summit you will see bits and pieces of this amazing country. Yes it really is that idyllic. It’s green.

Making friends at this stage seems like an impossibility and that doesn’t bother me. I’m not that into people anyway. I like being a hermit.
The economy here is absolutely falling apart.
The people aren’t as friendly as they claim to be. I’m still waiting for some eye contact.

There are churches on every street corner which is good. At this stage chatting to God keeps me so busy I know I’ll be okay.

Great!

Modern lives

During the course of An Office Affair the question is posed to you, the reader, would you rather marry into a family adored by your inlaws than marry into a family who treats you like a business?

What it
means of course is this, should Catherine choose to marry a man whose family welcomed her as one of their own? (Call me mum! Call me dad!)

Or

Marry a man who had a mother and father who insisted to speak in a languege she didnt understand and where she was requested in a stern tone to call them Mr and Mrs?

What is your opinion and what do you call your in laws? I would be happy to hear opinions from around the world.

Thank you

Welcome to the trip

Can I just say that my husband has a problem with taking my good advice, and always learns to regret it but doesn’t listen.

After an emotional good bye at Cape Town International with the family we headed off to departures and nearly got stopped at customs for an expired passport. (note: keep all travel documents updated even if you do have multiple passports) We are through but with too much hand luggage. (note: they are usually very serious with hand luggage policies. Please adhere to them.) After negotiating we get on board with everything. The last to arrive.

Emrites staff Cape Town to Dubai are wonderful! I sobbed right through take off so it was traumatising but that is all over now.
In flight everything was worth 4/5 stars. I was happy and that is really the only opnion that matters here.

Getting to Dubai however was chaotic as passengers jumped from their seats before it was ‘safe’ to do so and it was literally grab and go! Out of the plane and assulted by the heat and then taking the baffling 15 minute ride to the terminal was one thing. Realising a jacket and a bag was left behind and ground staff wouldn’t assist was another. I really wasn’t impressed with the whole Dubai experience and was relieved to leave.

Arriving in Dublin, Ireland was exciting. I remember smiling at as the plane taxied past the sign and the surprise I felt at this smile. Then walking through the airport, my arms now barely able to support the hand luggage from sheer exhaustion. Customs was my first Irish experience and it was friendly and interesting. I managed to speak to someone from Emrites with regards to my lost baggage and was advised to email the airline from the website. I’m too tired to feel dissapointed.

We finally get our baggage. Get to freshen up and get out of the airport. Seeing my in laws was an actual relief. Exhaustion and vulnerability can break you down. The car was loaded with our ton of bags and we began a three hour drive to their house.

I can’t wait to take a shower and sleep. But will I feel better because I miss home so much…

Goose cottage Stanford

Natures all about

Friday morning
Its sunny and the drive to Stanford through Hermanus is idyllic. Upon entering the town we see many homes for sale. The recession is obviously far from over. We spent some time looking for it as the board was down but after a quick call from a friendly neighbour Judy stands in the road, just a house ahead, to greet us.

View from the patio

First look.
Its exactly the way Safari Now have advertised it. I wouldn’t change a thing. The little details have made it home. I know I’m going to like it here.

Breakfast things

The little kitchen is stocked with basics as it is a self catering establishment ideally for two. I love the book collection in the book rack but when I enter the bedroom I’m completely sold on where to spend the bulk of the weekend. It is perfectly romantic! Crisp white linen on the bed and thick white towels in the shower. A little piece of heaven.

Patio view Goose cottage

I spent time writing and reading, while my husband spent time walking through the town, walking through the gardens, and having a bit of a braai on Saturday night. So many stars out, the city has long lost its appeal.

Writers nook

Time so say goodbye.
On Sunday morning after breakfast we get our first visit from the two canines. A black Labrador and a cheeky Jack Russel. Life is just perfect and we could remain like this forever.
At long last after taking the advice of our welcome card we have spent the morning chilled but it is time to get back to Cape Town to pack our suitcases.

Thank you Judy, Keith and Goose cottage for restoring our sanity in such tranquility.

Bedside arrangement

This is perfect for those seeking quiet and privacy.

Goose Cottage mini break

With only a week to go till we leave for Ireland we decided to take a much needed break.

Goose Cottage in Stanford is a picturesque little place, well hidden in the 300 year old village outside of Cape Town.

Judy the owner was so welcoming and at an astonishly low price we have a hotel standard bedroom, bathroom, fully stocked kitchenette and lounge available to us.

The 360 mountain views and the comforting call of nature in the birds, geese, dogs and bees all add to the relaxing atmosphere.
Usually we cant drag ourselves out of bed but today we enjoyed our first sunrise in ages, and looked forward to it with a cup of nesquick in hand.

On the menu today… Practising my journaling technique, reading a book, slapping on copious amounts of Elizabeth Arden spf 50 and enjoying a glass or three of the magnum bottle of champagne.

Who writers don’t know how to have a good time off?

Last week

My desk is a catastrophe!

I cannot find the beginning or the end. It looks alot like my house right now, which looks alot my mental state.
I figured out a plan though!

Make lists. Thank God for post its in every colour imaginable.

At work:
1. Sort magazines by month and pack them away.
2. Throw away all the pieces of paper I dont need anymore.
3. Clear my intray of unnessary papers never being used again.
4. Scan and save paperwork I will use again.
5. Cuppa tea.

Done and done. Here is to a productive final work week to all.

Ivory Wedding Gown

For sale or for hire? I had to make the decision whether I would ship it to Ireland or whether I was going to sell it or hire it out. If I hired it out then I could continue funding someone’s living expenses while I made up my mind completely. If I sold it, I’d be ripping the bandage off in one go. It’s not like I’ll ever wear the dress ever again … will I?

This slideshow requires JavaScript.