The Journey: Cape Town to London

Four years ago, when we last made a trip over the ocean, I worked a full day before heading – rather rushed, if I’m honest – to the airport to catch the flight. I swore I would never do it again. But, much like with childbirth, the mind remembers only the sweet introductions and burst of love; it forgets the pains it took to get there. And so, Andel and I still had work, and Zac still had an orientation day, before we left.

Lately, Cape Town’s weather has been welomingly cooler than usual. Of course yesterday, when we were leaving for the UK, and hoping to wear our warm and heavy clothing, it was hot. The fact that we went sak en pak with additional things in hand may or may not have contributed to one very overweight suitcase. Thankfully respect and kindness goes a long way – at least far enough to turn a gracefully blind eye to an extra 1kg in each bag (after we had repacked everything). Too bad it didn’t extend to the two jars of Caliente Chili Bombs that we had to leave behind.

At this point it seems fitting to mention that we managed to successfully put all our luggage (for 5 people) in two large suitcases and a small on-board backpack! Thank the Lord; because once touching down at Heathrow our movements included taking the Picadilly Tube to Holborn, then changing to the Central Line (where there are no lifts or escalators, just saying), and then taking a train from Liverpool Street to Norwich. I’m sure you can picture it: Andel with Bayley in a carry-pack on his back, me with a backpack on mine, and each of us dragging one suitcase and one boy by the hand.

To be fair though: the boys travelled wonderfully. I don’t think we had even takeoff from Cape Town when I already concluded that even if we had just flown into London and back out again thereafter, it would have been worth it to see the unbridled excitement and sheer joy they could not contain. Between being about to see all the starts (and planets, apparently) out the window, having an individual tv of all their favourite shows, and being able to order things from the stewards, they may have thought that they died and went to heaven.

We are now in Norfolk with the Webers. We are tired, and the kids are a little over-stimulated, but we are so happy to be here. Let the holidays begin!