Its a
funny feeling leaving. In the last two weeks I have left my job, my
friends, my flat, my family and my country. And although it is me
doing the leaving it does feel in a way like I am the one being left
behind. Everyone else continues as before, mooching along their own
paths whilst I have headed off on a totally new one. Saying goodbye
to everyone was hard, I am truly going to miss my little life back in
Hitchin and miss my family like crazy. But, as everyone kept telling
me – its going to be an amazing adventure and one day my path will
lead me back to everyone again.
My last
day at work was a fun one. I did my first solo hip replacement –
which was a great final challenge and learning experience. It wasn't
long after finishing surgery that it was time for the awkward goodbye
to everyone. Mr T said a few words of good luck and goodbye, saying
that he spoke for everybody when he said he hoped I didn't like NZ,
didn't get a job, and didn't get a boyfriend. Thanks Mr T!
Straight
after work it was time to hit the road – Gemma & Ray's wedding
and a uni reunion awaited. This was the last road-trip for my car
and I; and true to form, my little FixItAgainTomorrow developed a
problem with the brakes to add a bit of drama (and reassuring grating
sound effects) for the trip. The
wedding was wonderful – Gemma looked absolutely stunning and the
service was beautiful. Lunch with the uni girls was a happy affair –
I love how we can not see each other for ages and just pick up the
conversation as if no time at all has passed! We arrived at the
reception having had a tour of the local area (apparently Lane Farm
and Lane's Farm are two completely different places – oops!) and
partied the night away. The night ended with fireworks and watching
the happy couple head off to their hotel, honeymoon and beyond –
beautiful!
The
following day Punto and I rattled down to Devon to see my great aunt
& uncle and my great-grandmother. I had a wonderful time down
there, despite my nan's slightly dimmed view of the world – almost
99 and she shrugs at the thought of another year until she gets a
letter from the queen - “and what good will that do me????”.
Despite this we had a lovely morning together, looking through old
photos and her sharing her memories, including my favourite tale of
when she was at guide camp and would sneak away with her friends
across the fields to the scout camp to see the boys!
Finally
I returned to Hitchin and despite my poor packing skills the flat was
finally ready to vacate. On the morning I was due to leave I headed
to my last Regfit session and, more importantly, tea and cake
afterwards! Another lot of goodbyes and a wonderful card from everyone. Regfit has been really life-changing for me over this
past year – with the support of my friends I have achieved more
than I ever thought I would or could!
Leaving
my flat was a little sad, but saying that I will not miss my living
room water feature – three years is a long time to live somewhere
that has water pouring through the ceiling every time it rains –
and my wonderful downstairs neighbour Barry who has gone out of his
way to make me feel unwelcome during my stay! So, having stamped a
goodbye through the floor to Barry's delicate ears, I headed up to
Shropshire with my parents and a van full of belongings.
We
headed to Reading for my last 2 days, so I could see my sister, her
partner Fred and Leo the cat. These days were filled with goodbyes
but also with a last minute mad dash round the shops to find a new
pair of walking boots as I discovered my old ones didn't so much have
a sturdy heel than a gaping hole and perished rubber! Mission was
accomplished in a mere 6 hours and 4 shops! When not trying on shoes
I managed to fit in catching up with old school friends Charlotte and
Ruth – it is always great to see them and have a good old natter.
The
drive to the airport was probably the most scared and upset I felt
during all my gooodbyes – I think the finality of it got to me and
by the time we got to Heathrow I was a bag of nerves. However once
checked in the excitement took over and by the time I said farewell
to my family I was smiling once more!
My
flights were.... long! The first flight was pretty comfy – I had
extra legroom – but I did have sat next to me a baby with her dad.
Cue that sinking feeling of realising just how awful the next 11
hours could be. But my fears were unfounded – the baby was so well
behaved I barely knew she was there! A few hours in Hong Kong
airport were followed by the final leg of my journey – not as comfy
but I was sat next to a really friendly guy called David – who was
headed home to Dunedin following a few weeks holiday in the UK. We
chatted about everything from Monster Munch to the America's Cup and
the journey passed quickly.
We
landed on time in Auckland and once though customs – having
attracted the attention of the sniffer dogs for the lingering smell
of apples in my rucksack – I got the bus out to Mt Eden and checked
into my hostel for the week – Pentlands. I struggled against my
tiredness for the rest of the day before I admitted defeat and
crashed.
