UK: Day 13 & Day 14

We spent the better part of the last two days tying up loose ends in Belfast before heading to London. Yesterday was a bit of a rest day. I was beginning to think I may be coming down with something, and wasn't the best company, so  I tried to keep a low profile. Today I didn't really have that luxury.

We spent the morning walking around a local shopping complex this morning looking for some things we were hoping to purchase in the UK, without having to cart them to/from London on a limited luggage allowance. The weather was much warmer (comparatively) today, so we were happy to walk around with Zac in this pram - and, the good child that he's been in his pram, he slept for the most of it.

In other news, Andel entered cycling heaven today when we visited Chain Reaction (well, that's what I assume - what do I know about cycling) and not too long thereafter, the GAP store. Even Zac, when he woke up in Chain Reaction, said "wow Mommy, look at all the bicycles!" - and was very happy with his new GAP jeans his daddy bought for him.

Discussing some or other bicycle related thing

Getting to do all the things he can't do at home!

Having a pit stop while waiting for Tarrin

Later this afternoon Tarrin dropped us at Belfast Airport which, from the front, can be mistaken for a small hole in the wall - until you go through the check in gates. Too bad we spent an hour waiting in the main area at the only cafe there!

Waiting for our flight - drinking like a big boy

Zac's new fascination - he wants to try every one he sees!

The flight to London was quick and uneventful, and Zac (again) after singing Jingle Bells for the entire aircraft, fell asleep half way through making it a quiet landing. After briefly having our pram misplaced, we found uncle Neil and Kirsty waiting for us, and took the train home to aunty Michelle.

Sleeping baby = happy Mommy (when it comes to flying, anyway)

Needless to say, Zac made himself at home almost immediately (despite never having met uncle Neil, aunty Michelle or Kirsty before), and was tearing down the house before the clock struck 00h00, which is when he finally fell asleep!

We are really happy to be in London again, and can't wait to show Zac the lights and sights, but mostly we are so grateful to be able to see the UK family again, and are looking forward to the next two weeks with them.

UK: Day 8

Today both Tarrin and Karl went into work, and Isla was at school, so we thought we'd venture into the city on our own.

We took the bus into town which Zac, again, was very happy about, particularly because we got a double-decker bus which allowed us to sit right up on top, in the front.

Zac was super happy he got to get out of his pram!

Zac taking a selfie on the bus

The stop in the city was right in front of the Belfast Christmas Market, outside the City Hall, so we stopped there first. Since Andel has started banting with Tarrin again, we didn't stop for any treats, but enjoyed scoping out everyone stalls. I imagine this market must be amazing at night. Hopefully we'll get to see it still.

The entrance to Belfast Christmas Market at City Hall

Some of the sweet treats on offer

Fortunately Zac was not awake to force us onto this

Chocolate heaven!

After the market, since Zac had already fallen asleep, Andel and I decided to just walk around from street to street and see what Belfast City Centre has to offer. Apart from the usual shops and things, it was pretty cool to experience the festivities of a winter Christmas. I have a feeling this may spoil me for future Christmases back home...

At Victoria Square listening to the Christmas choir

A local school choir singing carols

One of the indoor Christmas 'exhibitions'

After much exploring, once Zac had woken, we made a quick stop at the local Starbucks for something warm before heading home. I love how comfortable and fun it was for us to do some walking about on our own. I look forward to doing more of that!

Say cheese!

UK: Day 6

Today we did absolutely nothing. Because we could. Because we wanted to. And we hardly coped.

Isn't it crazy how we work ourselves to a stand-still so that we can take leave that we think we need to fill with minute-to-minute activities? Today even the children were well behaved and relaxed. In fact, they were so quiet and chilled, at one point we thought they were ill (typical, isn't it?).

So, we spent the day in pyjamas, watching series and napping with our kids. And while we were at it, discovered a few new things they can do. For example:

Zac has this new cheeky sense of humour. He smiles so sweetly when he's been caught out doing something naughty, and he has recently taken to blaming Button for the things he does (a sign of things to come, I imagine).

And today Isla started the cutest new thing: when someone asks her a question, she either says yes by nodding her head, or no by shaking her head. We spent hours laughing at and with her as we all asked her endless questions all day!

Reading stories with Daddy

So, although it was a seemingly non-eventful day by tourist standards, it was a welcome and wonderful day with each other. And now we're ready to head out tomorrow!

UK: Day 3, Day 4 & Day 5

We've just arrived home from a wonderfully relaxing weekend in the Irish countryside with Karl's parents. We left late on Saturday morning with a packed lunch and some scheduled stops along the hour-and-a-half long trip to the Glens.

Our first stop was at Antrim Lough Shore (or "Ducks Paradise" as Andel likes to refer to it) to feed the ducks and geese. Unfortunately, Zac had already fallen asleep and so missed the entire thing, but it was pretty funny for Tarrin and I to watch from the car: what with Karl and Andel trying to avoid being attacked by the birds!

Just before the geese started to attack!

Tarrin and Karl took us on a guided tour of the Glens as we drove through en route to his parents, and when we got there we were welcomed with a warm fire and some tea - which, apart from a short walk to the river, is where we stayed until we went to friends of the Grahams for dinner.

The beautiful Glens

Sheep grazing across the way from Karl's parents' place

Taking a walk to the river

Zac loved being able to splash in the puddles in his wellies

The next morning, despite warnings of cold weather, we bravely set out for the Giants' Causeway. It was a beautiful drive along the coast where in better weather you can see all the way to Scotland. By the time we got there it was pouring with rain and very windy, so Karl and Tarrin stayed indoors with the kids while Andel and I did the tourist thing and took the guided tour.

Walking down to the Giants' Causeway

Tarrin on babysitting duty

Weathering the freezing wind

Zac and Isla running riot in the Visitors' Centre

After a long day in the cold, we decided against going out for dinner, and instead ordered in some pizza from Karl's uncle's restaurant before having an early night. And this morning, we were rewarded with beautiful snow!

Playtime with Karl's Mom in front of the fire

Tarrin roasting again

We took a slow ride home today, stopping at Glenariff Forest Park to see the waterfalls, and trying to take in as much of the snowy white surroundings as possible.

Zac wanting to take a dip?

Andel and Zac at the waterfalls

The village of Cargan covered in snow

Now, with bellies full of roti and curry, and children already dozing off, I reckon we're heading for another early night in. Not that I'm complaining, at all!

UK: Day 2

Today, after a slow start (we were anticipating some jet lag that hasn't really arrived), we were taken into Town. Tarrin had gone completely mental after hearing about our missing suitcase (containing all Zac's clothing and all our toiletries) and bought bags full of things we may need. As it turns out, some of the things were a little too big for Zac, and so while we waited for word on when our luggage would be delivered, we went to re-size some of the garments.

Easy like a Friday morning

We took the bus into Town, much to Zac's delight! He gazed out the window with huge eyes as Andel took him through The Wheels (and everything else) on the Bus. We bundled up nice and warm, and walked through the streets of Belfast, running through our errands, and then stopping for a bite as we waited for Tarrin to finish work.

We catch the bus right across the road from the house

Zac bundled up against the cold

Exploring the streets of Belfast

Lunch at Castle Court with Tarrin's Mom

On the way home, we got the great news that our suitcase would be delivered - and so we have been reunited with all our luggage! We're now all enjoying a chilled evening before heading down to the Glens tomorrow to Karl's parents for the weekend.

Andel has a new little tail: Isla Grace

Doing what we do best: chilling together

UK: Day 1

We are finally here! I say finally not because the flight was long - in fact, it felt relatively quick - but rather because it feels like we have been waiting a lifetime to make this trip!

We left Cape Town last night in a bit of a rush, to be honest. I had spent the entire day at work (not a good idea, and I will not do it again), and when I got home had only an hour before we needed to be on the road to the airport. Add to this that I still had to finish packing, get myself washed and dressed, get Zac washed and dressed, and still pop by my parents to say goodbye - and you can imagine the chaos!

Papu's Airport Transfer Service

After a trip to the airport in the trusty green bus with Papu and the duPs, an ice cream and a good half hour play session at Jimmy Jungles, we left for Johannesburg. Having been shifted to an earlier flight, we knew we were going to have a good three hour layover before leaving for Amsterdam, but we figured that would be enough time to get Zac ready for bed, recharge our phones and relax in the Slow Lounge. Too bad for us, the Slow Lounge closed an hour before we arrived.

Zac wheeling his suitcase into OR Tambo Airport

Enjoying the first of three flights for the day

Dressed for bed and off to dreamland

Zac fell asleep while we were waiting to board, so we were able to settle into our flight without drama. And not long after take off, Andel and Zac were both fast asleep. I was pre-warned about the 'inconveniences' of taking long-haul flights while pregnant, still I was not prepared for my inability to find a decent sleeping position, or the number of times I would get up to use the loo!

We had a South African touring choir sing for us on the plane

We landed in Amsterdam the next morning with a bit of a meltdown from Zac. He had been amazing the entire time until then, and we couldn't blame him for wanting a little more space to run around in. As we waited in Schiphol airport, Zac happily pushed his wheelie suitcase around, greeting the other passengers as we passed by.

Techno junkies - addicted to the free wifi

Our final flight was to Dublin Airport, and was quick and uneventful. We even all managed a good nap. We were welcomed warmly and not given any hassles at customs. And then we realised our one suitcase was missing. Bummer! Still, we were given great service and assistance, and were happy enough when we met Tarrin's mom who was there to pick us up and take us home.

Eating the packed lunch from aunty Tarrin on the drive home

So we are settling in for the evening (I can't believe that it's already pitch black darkness outside before 17h00!), enjoying being reacquainted with treasured friends, and looking forward to a good holiday!