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 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!