A'sha's Travel Page

Sunday, 01 November 2009

Location: Heathrow Airport, UK

Well here I am sitting in Heathrow airport after saying my teary goodbyes in Linlithgow this morning. I thought I held it together pretty well, I actually felt like bawling but I didn't want to disgrace myself completely in front of the boys, I get a hard time enough as it is for being wispy without crying. :)

Can't say I was very impressed with the goodbye hugs though, I mean who knows when I will see them again, Adams one handed pat on the back just doesn't cut it. Bless him, definitely not the cuddles type of man. Mikes one passed the hugs test though. It took a lot not to cry though I must say, I actually couldn't say much because as soon as I started to I could feel myself welling up. Exactly what happened last night.

Made it through security and onto the flight okay, had to circle London several times as there was a queue of planes waiting to land. Had to catch the train from Terminal 5 through to Terminal 3 where I waited some more. Had a coffee and a sandwich since I couldn't really stomach breakfast this morning (way too nervous) even though Dot made me a lovely bacon sandwich (going out in true scottish style). I managed half and Adam finished off the other half for me.

And so I waited and waited watching the board to announce my gate number to check in. I did start chatting to a lovely lady who had been waiting a while too she was off to Capetown to meet her mother whom she hasn't seen for 10 years. Wow you think 5 months is bad mum imagine 10 years. Now that would be a reunion.

Gosh I am really not feeling to crash hot right now, I never got to sleep until after 3am last night and I drunk far too much wine. Well far too much for me anyway I think I was close to a bottle half a red one and half a white one. I was enjoying myself so much I got a bit carried away. But now due to lack of sleep also my head feels like it weighs a ton and my eyes are so sore. Hmmmm I am going to look a treat when I get to New Zealand, overweight and seriously sleep deprived a fantastic combo.

10 minutes until I can head to my planes gate. Signing out. See you all in 24 hours! I think there might be tears at the arrivals gate. I can feel them already just thinking about seeing everyone again.

Sunday, 01 November 2009

Location: Linlithgow, Scotland

Well it is my last night in sweet little Linlithgow. It is now 2.10am on the 1st of November. I have just returned from a fantastic dinner with everyone, and I am quite sad. While I am so excited to see my family again I have met the most amazing people over here and am very upset at the thought of leaving them.

I will write about the night in more detail but I am rather tired now I have drunk far too much wine this evening which didn't help with keeping my emotions in check either and if I keep writing I will end up with a very wet keyboard.

So signing off the end of my travels now. I have had the time of my life and am ready for my next big adventure. Can't wait to see you all back home, so many stories to tell and so many hugs to give. See you all very soon!!!!

Thanks for reading, I hope you have enjoyed it. (even though there are a few more days to come got to keep up true Asha style of being behind)

Lots of love A'sha

Thursday, 22 October 2009

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Well it is 4.30am and I am awake before my alarm. Actually to be honest I didn't sleep very well at all because of that nagging voice in your brain terrified you will miss your alarm so it keeps you half awake all night.

So I just got up, showered, dressed, doubled checked my luggage and passport, then unpacked and packed the dishwasher, ate some breakfast (although I wasn't all that hungry at this ungodly hour but I can't afford stuff at the airport). So with the kitchen tidy and my bags waiting by the door, I was now eagerly watching out the window for the car lights of Mike who was kindly taking me to the airport. Hmmm several minutes late - I am so worried he hasn't got out of bed.

But how could I ever have doubted him, a few minutes later he pulled into the driveway. Out the door I went, and I was greeted with Mikes not so smiling face - not that I blame him it is rather early. All my attempts to make him see how pretty it is at this time just as the sun is coming up were a little lost I think.

Check in was fine, security was fine (did get frisked...again!). Flight was good, was feeling tired though and had one of those nodding sleeps, in between a husband and wife - who were so kind to offer to buy me a drink from the food cart. I must add that their were some rather good looking gentleman on this flight how is it that I never end up sitting by them, but in between an elderly married couple. Go figure!

About 2 hours later we landed in the middle of the airfield and once off the plane had to jump on a bus to be taken to the main terminal. Which was exciting. Waited for my luggage, which was last on the carousel, then I wandered out to try and find my ride. There she was. Brenda smiling away holding a little sign with my name on it. Another fellow Kiwi lass, and her friend Jane who's plane arrived 10 mins before mine so it was great timing for airport pickups.

In the car we chatted away, boy is it lovely to talk to another New Zealander. And I took in the beautiful day and scenery around me. On arrival at the house I met the current Au Pair Katelyn where we sat down and had a coffee and a chat while we waited for the kids to wake up.

Finn was down first, Finn is 12 years old and has Autism. He was bright as a button and very friendly he even gave me a hug before heading off to play. After more chat with Katelyn Jack popped his head around the corner. Jack is 10 and very bright and friendly. Then came Maeve who is 6, and very cute and immediately invited me to colour with her (I love colouring!). Finally it was Kita (isn't that the cutest name) who is just as cute as her name suggests with beautiful curly blond hair. She was very shy to begin with and wouldn't come near me and kept hiding behind their cleaner Carmen. But she slowly came round once Jack, Maeve and I were enjoying ourselves colouring and drawing and she wanted to join in. And from that moment on she was very hard to stop talking actually - for someone only two weeks from being 4 boy was she intelligent and could talk until the cows come home if you let her. They were all just so sweet and lovely.

We jumped about outside on the tramp for a bit, playing all sorts of fun bouncy games. Jack saved us from a scary spider too. Yep I wasn't all that helpful. Katelyn then decided we should all go for a walk to the local CoOp (supermarket) another au pair friend of hers Nikki had come over to visit and was going to walk with us. Off we set, 3 adults and four kids, 2 scooters, 1 pram. THe kids were all quite well behaved and we made it to the CoOp unscathed.

Once in the supermarket I was checking out the crazy prices and trying to make sure that Maeve and Jack weren't riding their scooters around in the store. Boy four kids are a lot to keep a track off I must say. We whizzed round with the kids being promised a play in the park on the way home things were done in a hurry. And to the park it was, this was a very cool park with a flying fox and all. The kids were let loose and went wild on the flying fox before we had to tear them away and head back up home.

Now we had a lovely big hill to get back up, the kids loved going down it on the scooters, but it was proving to be not so much fun going up. Somehow I ended up carrying Maeve's scooter most of the way up the hill. But we made it - I do think i am going to have to get a lot fitter to keep up with this lot. More play was in store for me, tramping and colouring while Katelyn cooked dinner for the kids.

Dinner was served it was a mix of beans, chickpeas and bacon in a soft tortilla. Mmmmm. Well Jack and Maeve enjoyed it and were down from the table within about 20 minutes, but young Kita and Finn were not having a bar of it.

To be continued...I will get round to it promise I am going to write some on the plane I do have 24 hours to fill up with something...

Right I am back it is now nearly a month later but I will continue my story from my notes. So Kita and Finn were not enjoying their dinner, Kita was whining rather well which in turn irritated poor Finn and Kita ended up getting quite a decent whack on the head. Which set of tears and and even more agitated Finn. None of the threats or bribes Katelyn tried out on little Kita seemed to be working so it was no dessert (the Lemon Cake we made earlier) for her and straight into the bath.

I settled in with an already bathed and dressed Maeve and Jack to watch a little TV, while Kita and Finn sorted themselves out. Katelyn had a little bit of ironing to get completed before we made the kids beds (and put Kita in hers), and gave Jack and Maeve their Lemon Cake dessert. Story time! I read Maeve a Hairy Macleary book while Katelyn read with Jack. Maeve was very sneaky in trying to get me to read "just one more story, pleeeeeaaase" so I did. But enough was enough she had to get to sleep it was getting late (and I was getting tired).

So up we went where she climbed to her top bunk and settled herself in with several teddies, and funniest of all an eye patch thing (like they have on the planes to stop the light). So cute. She told me I had to wait there while she fell asleep, and about 5mins later thinking she had gone to sleep I tried to sneak out and head up to my room to go to the toilet and just sort myself out and next thing I hear little footsteps coming up the stairs and Maeve popping her head in telling me I never waited. So back down I went and this time I made sure I waited more than 5 mins.

Once sure I headed back upstairs to wait for Katelyn and Jack to finish. On returning down the stairs I found Katelyn already in the kitchen with her friend Nikki from earlier. Katelyn was cooking us a delicious dinner Tortelleni with motzerella, tomatoes and eggplant and a salad. So we trundled downstairs with our bottle of wine and plates of food and watched Doctor Who while we ate. Dessert was...Lemon Cake! By this time I was feeling rather pooped and my poor arm was hurting a bit I could feel the bruises coming. With a quick tidy of the kitchen I was straight up those stairs didn't bother with a shower even, straight in the pj's and into bed 12pm. Been up for 20 hours and phew what a day! Bring on sweet blissful sleep.

Thursday, 22 October 2009

Location: Geneva, Switzerland

Holy Crap is all I have time to say at the moment. I have bruises. I don't think I can do this. Will elaborate later I need sleep...

Wednesday, 21 October 2009

Location: LInlithgow, Scotland

Up at 9.30 am after another shite sleep.

Breakfast and Smallville.

Shower and dressed and Tidied.

Then off down town to change some money over into Swiss Franc's.

Milk and Bread from Tescos, then off back home to pack.

Lunch = Soup and bread

Packed. Sat down to computer and TV and books.

Lyndsey home.

Put out the Rubbish.

The boys arrived (lucky us to be graced with their presence).

The usual great banter with the boys and TV, before Mike cooked fajitas.

I cleaned up, made the two boys lemon honey drinks (Adam is sick and Mike thinks he is).

Watching the Football - Exciting.

More thrilling banter, then shower.

More football.

Getting rather nervous about tomorrow. I hope the family like me.

More Football and great boy conversation, I can't quite decide if I am going to miss this or not. As much as it pains me to admit it but I probably will.

With the boys gone, I lock up and get a phone call from Faith about meeting them it is all very exciting. Faith is in Germany in what sounds like a less than desirable motel and having to resort to eating McDonalds. So everything is all go there the kids are as excited to meet me as I am them. Ekkkkkkkk!

Then I start having a delightfully funny conversation with Lyndsey about a piece of carrot that got stuck up her nose tonight, while she cleans her teeth for our entire conversation.

Brushed teeth, said good night and now I am here up to the date by the minute, this is so good from me. But I had better fly as I am up at 5am to get ready to go to airport, which Mike is begrudgingly taking me - guaranteed there will be maximum complaining from him in the morning. Something to look forward to.

Right it is offically zzzzzzzzzzzzz time. Till next time where I will be coming live from Geneva Switzerland! Yeeehaaaaa!

Tuesday, 20 October 2009

Location: Linlithgow, Scotland

Holy Crap! Can you believe that I am up to date. Wow what a feeling.

Right well I ended up sleeping till about 9.30, for some reason my alarm never went off at 8.30. But not to worry,

Breakfast..(and Smallville)
Shower and dressed
Washing
Tidy Kitchen
then a cuppa and blogging!!!!

Ooh how could I forget the hot courier that visited, wow. Gosh I think I am a little lonely everyone seems rather appealing. He was nice though.

Lyndsey home, Mike arrived as his usual pleasant undemanding self, hmmmm sure.
Coffee for Mike, then dinner. Now I am just watching TV while I finish this writing and ponder how I am going to convince Mike to let me paint him black for my photograph I want to take. I don't think he is up for it. We will see.

Just had one of the Flemings Cousins visit, Kirsten. She was lovely, we sat and had a cup of tea well she had a cup of tea I had a glass of red wine and Lyndsey had an OJ. It was great, she is expecting and we talked of baby names and baby stuff it was great. I loved it.

Now Lyndsey is attempting to study but I think she has given up, now I am watching ugly betty. And having another glass of wine. Yep drinking by myself it makes me feel better. Oh so lonely....

Monday, 19 October 2009

Location: Linlithgow, Scotland

Time to get up and get decent enough to be seen on the streets.

Breakfast first while I watched Smallville. That was after I quickly made up some takeaway tea for Chris to take to Laura whom he was taking to the doctors. After eating I got up to put my plate away only to drop it. I have no idea how it happened I didn't even trip or anything it just fell out of my hands and smashed all over the floor. Bloody hell Asha, cleaned that up then jumped in the shower.

Dressed and ready to go I head out the door to Inverleith Gallery to pick up a poster I want to take back to NZ. Met Linsey and Paul again (who gave me another hug - he is so great) found my poster and then I was on my way again. It was a bit of a dreary day, I had to make sure I had my umbrella at the ready.

And so I wandered up and up the hill towards princes street and back up Cockburn street to Beyond words (my favourite photographic book store), where I wandered around in pure bliss and purchased three books to add to my library.

Then it was on to the art store to walk around in more bliss and purchase a few more goodies for my intended photography competition I wanted to enter. Down the road wandered through the clothes store and then to the station Lyndsey was in. Picked her up and we started walking down to Leith with all our bags we trundled along. Hadn't had lunch yet so we decided to pop into a restaurant /pub for a spot of lunch.

We walked into a lovely pub like place with open fires roaring and we ordered, me a chicken and bacon on chibatta and lyndsey a chicken and cheese burger. We chatted away about her trip before settling the bill and heading back down the road. And we walked and walked and walked some more. Did pop into a florist to get some flowers for Laura and Chris to say thanks for having me stay.

We made it to Leith, I packed my bags and then we jumped in the car to try and beat the traffic. It was off to Linny, back home. Thanks to TOMTOM (Lyndsey's sat nav) we made it back in one piece avoiding all the road works.

Phew chucked the gear down and had a wee sit on the couch and browsed my new books while Lyndsey played on her computer and did her washing. Then it was time to head to Tesco's to pick up some supplies, cook dinner and settle down with a nice glass of red wine. A bit of America's Next Top Model then off to bed for more reading and some sleep hopefully.

Sunday, 18 October 2009

Location: Edinburgh, Scotland

Well I can keep today nice and short, once I did drag myself out of bed I had one of those headaches from A not sleeping properly and B not waking up in the right way. So I quickly chucked the kettle on to pump my brain with several cups of delicious coffee.

Laura and Chris were still not feeling good if anything they were worse but they popped out to run a few errands while I showered and dressed and set about making myself comfortable on the couch in front of my laptop for some serious blog catching up. It was creeping up to nearly two weeks of catch up. If I didn't do it now I never would. So that was it for the whole day..

Blog, Blog, Blog, I had never typed this much since my uni days and writing my research project.

Watched X-factor and Come Dine with Me (it had Dots friend in it) then it was bedtime where I watched yet another DVD before once again trying to get sleep. I felt so tired but I couldn't sleep again this was getting annoying, stupid brain honestly who needs to think. Obviously I do. Grrrrrrrrr. Only a few little zzz's tonight.