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 7

After yesterday, Tarrin was determined that we leave the house today, despite the storm weather warnings. Karl was on leave as well so we left, sak en pak, for a day of indoor activities.

Wrapped up and ready for the storm (which never came)

We started off by visiting Ulster Museum. It's quite an extensive museum, in terms of topics covered etc. but as Tarrin pointed out, it is a little clinical. So we explored as much as we could before the kids were too hungry to continue and we had to go back down to the canteen for them to eat.

Zac and Isla at the Ulster Museum

Tarrin's babies

Listening in on an Irish and Scottish Gaelic conversation

At the Nature Centre learning about the animals

After that, we went to a local nursery that sets up a Christmas exhibition of sorts. It was awesome - all Christmas lights and music, and stalls of little decorations and gifts. The kids went mad and we had to pull them away so that we could grab something to eat.

One of the little exhibition windows

Thankful that we brought the pram!

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

The Santa Christmas Band

As it was still relatively early in the afternoon when we were done at Hillside, we decided to make a final stop, at one of my favourite UK places - IKEA! Here, Tarrin and I went mad, and poor Karl and Andel were on childcare supervision duty, reluctantly following us around the massive warehouse.

Zac and Isla camping out on the top bunk

Hitching a ride in the trolley with uncle Karl

Now we're ready for dinner, and then off to bed. Tarrin and Karl are both at work tomorrow, so we may well be exploring the city on our own. Watch this space!

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!