England, Scotland, Belgium and the Netherlands, September 1998
I donโt really know what time my Grandparents usually wake up, but Iโm guessing itโs pretty early, because when I awoke sometime between 8 and 9, they gave the impression theyโd been up for a while. I had my first shower and shave in a couple of days, and discovered that I donโt think I ... [More]
The plane touched down at some ungodly hour of the morning (Iโm not sure exactly when; my brain doesnโt quite grasp the concept of time before 6am). There had been a terrific view of London from the plane โ but only for the people over the other side. And trying to get a glimpse out ... [More]
The check-in chick asked me โJust going to London today, Mr Bowen?โ Ahem. JUST London? Isnโt that far enough to be going? Itโs halfway around the world for heavenโs sake. Perhaps being booked to go on to Portugal via Greenland and Luxembourg might have made her job more exciting. Leaving my family at the doors ... [More]
I must admit that now, with about 36 hours until I stagger with my backpack through the big glass doors of International Departures at Tullamarine for my big trip overseas, the excitement of travel is starting to mix with the trepidation of missing (and being missed by) my family while Iโm gone for the month. ... [More]
Well, take-off day is only 8 days away now. Iโm getting less nervous about getting everything organised, and more excited at the prospect of stepping down on foreign soil for a bit of a wander round. Iโm not really nervous of flying โ the two airlines Iโm using, Qantas and British Airways, seem to have ... [More]
The past few weeks Iโve been rushing around like a headless chook, and havenโt had much time to update my diary. So hereโs the latest, including tying up some loose ends from last month: Isaacโs hair was eventually cut by a friendly neighbourhood barber โ while Isaac was asleep The beard got shaved off a ... [More]
The beard is still intact. Still irritating, but Iโm getting more used to it, even if I do forget sometimes that itโs there. Weโve been attempting to have a major clear out of stuff at home. The spare room was getting so crowded that sometimes you could barely get in the door. At least twice ... [More]