When we told people that we were packing up Moda Design, to relocate it — and the family — to the other side of the world for 8 months, the frequent response was “Jeez, you’re brave!” When we also mentioned that we would be spending much of that time living in a vehicle about the size of a small ensuite, while simultaneously working and home-schooling the kids, another adjective was typically used (and I imagine a certain Hayden Kirk is still laughing about it now).
Not to be dissuaded, we touched down in the UK with hope and confidence still intact. Until we got to the immigration officer, with his incredulous “8 months??! What will you be doing here for 8 months? For all I know you’re trying to escape something in New Zealand.” Having had about 3 hours sleep since leaving Dunedin 2 days earlier, I then responded to all his questions like I had only just adopted English as a second language. With every moment that passed, it seemed more likely that we would be on the next plane home quicker than you could say “moved to Timaru for the next year while continuing to write a fake blog using imagery from Shutterstock”. With a large queue forming behind us, he finally made a “discretionary call” and with that, we were officially allowed to enter the United Kingdom, relieved, chastened and with an adjusted life expectancy of 67.
The lack of a warm welcome at Heathrow was more than made up for by our wonderful friends Jenny, Adrian, and Fraser, who met us at Edinburgh Airport and delivered us to Acorn Cottage, our home for the next fortnight, complete with home-made bunting, a freshly-baked loaf of Adrian’s bread, and an enthusiastic celebratory dance party.
This first night rather set the tone for our first 2 weeks, which have had more ups and downs than a Scottish country road. From the beauty and peacefulness of the island of Inchcailloch on Loch Lomond, cycling around the calm waters of Loch Katrine in the Trossachs National Park, and the welcoming locals of Kippen village; to the crippling jet lag, several other health issues, and a night spent picking ticks from various parts of our bodies, and wondering how long we had before succumbing to Lyme disease…
Our European adventure has begun.
Thanks so much for including me in your blog. Photos lovely.
All OK here. Haven't seen Max over here but did see him down the road one day. Mika comes over and lies in the sun when it's out on the deck.
Continue to enjoy a marvelous experience.
Elizabeth Jack
OMG, I realise I only knew half of this, from your messages and fabulous photos. How dire in Heathrow, and also the ticks (you do realise that I’m Europe and UK bound in less than two weeks??) Nevertheless, it is an hilarious read - have you ever thought of writing a book? Or you and Fiona together, if you’ve collaborated on this effort. Maybe by the end of eight months, you’ll be an author. Love, Mum/liz
Great blog guys. I'm sure the Scottish countryside more than made up for the jetlag and ticks. Looking forward to hearing more about your adventures. Blair
Wonderful to see your faces have arrived safely and the enjoyment of your first adventures have begun. Can’t wait for the next instalment.
Love ems x
Eh!! Happy to see that you are already enjoying the experience😊 and it's just the beginning!!! Take care and enjoy. NZ will be the same when you are back but you are not😉