Passports returned

Since last Friday we now have passports so feel nothing can now get in the way of our going! After queuing at S Africa House we were advised that the waiver we sought would have to be arranged in Pretoria and so our visa application sent in early July was withdrawn and our papers returned. What a relief!

We were in London anyway for a last visit to look after Billy in Hackney while Laura worked and to deliver two wardrobes and other bulky things in a hired van. Plants from our garden have gone to her and to Joe as well as to many others, and the charity shops here and in Newbury will miss our regular boxes and bags.

Removals and storage are booked for November 4/5th after which we will spend a long weekend with the family, mostly in Teddington which is handy for Heathrow from where we fly off on Nov 9th.

But there is still plenty to think of and to clean and pack ready to store or to take in two large suitcases each. We trust the churchwardens in De Aar will have found some basic furniture for the Rectory there, which we think has been empty but let till recently. We have had fun finding the red roofed house on Google Earth and spotting the two swimming pools in the town - public ones we hope.

One month to go

We have one month to go beforeleaving for RSA. Before that we have to get through all the emotional farewells from this parish and the down-sizing of our accumulated chattels. Today my large desk, acquired in 1977 in Walworth for something like £25, was taken away by a nice young couple after Emma advertised it on freecycle. Yesterday Emma's wardrobe went the same way. Wonderful to have the space that such removals give to our house.

Gradually our garden is being raided by family and friends and plants taken away - much like the end of the Chelsea Flower Show! It feels good that these treasured plants will find new homes.

So we have another week of "lasts" to look forward to as we say a prolonged goodbye to Thatcham.

Our future home

We've been sent an image of our house in De Aar which apparantly has 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms!

Preparing to go

It is surprising how complicted it is to do this kind of adventure. There is so much to think about and plan. It all seemed perfectly simple at the start...... but we are getting there.

Waiting....

Still no work permit from the embassy so that means no passports!