On the Move!
Created | Updated Jun 21, 2003
'A cold coming we had of it! Just the wrong time of year for a journey'
Early April really shouldn't be that cold! But a few days before I was to wave goodbye to England as my home, it snowed! I had been packing for what felt like weeks now. All seemed to be falling into place, although changes of plans made the arrangments rather stressful.
Do you know just how complex it can become trying to relocate without spending an exhorbitant sum of money! You find a van which does not charge by the mile (essential when travelling across the North Sea!) Then you find out that you need a green card... which entails a copy of your driving licence plus those of your co-drivers.Allow about three days for this little matter to be completed. Then the Ferry Company want to know the number plate of the vehicle, so back to the firm for that piece of information. You hold your breath waiting for the tickets to arrive, and the relief is great when you finally have them safely packed away ready!
The day was approaching fast! So much to do, so little time! First there was the mad dash to the airport to pick up Towelmaster and Kheldar. The week had been quite emotional as I was saying goodbye to all my pupils, some of whom I had taught for 12 years. So, Friday dawned and with it another day of fond farewells. I received so many boxes of chocolates and other gifts that I could hardly carry them home. No time to dwell on that though, as I had an appointment
at the 'King Billie' pub that evening. The company was fairly select, but very enjoyable. Some of my bowling colleagues arrived, and Zedley dropped over on his mean machine! My ISP, an old friend of 18 years standing, even managed to con me out of my last months fees!
A happy/sad drunken night... I think that we walked home, but my mind is a blank on that! I can see that TM will tease me over THAT night for years to come!
Saturday dawned... my last real opportunity to shop before leaving. My daughter Melissa, her fiance Pete and, later, my daughter Charlotte decided that an early morning visit was in order! Boy, did I feel rough! I think that I just got away with acting sober though... or did I? We arranged to meet yet more friends and spent the best part of the day sitting chatting in a pub... what is it about us h2g2ers?! Then off to the 'Happy Gathering'
for the best Chinese meal in Northampton.
On Sunday I had to take Kheldar back to the airport. Unfortunately, he had to be back in Holland for work the next day. More packing ensued, and I was relieved of my Post duties by the
valiant efforts of my dear friend Monsy.
Monday... my last ever day at school! More presents, more tears and then home!
Tuesday my uncle was due to arrive. He is not renowned for promptness and, sure enough, he was only about three hours late! This was the day I sold my beautiful yellow Fiat Punto. I still
think that I was ripped off... but that is another story! I guess that the next car I drive will have the steering wheel on the wrong side! Then off to collect the van... a very nice shade of red... easy to spot on the ferry! We spent the next few hours loading it up.
Surprisingly, there WAS enough room for all my junk! Then a careful drive to my old village for a meal at the pub I used to work at! Ahhh... Boozy Beef Pie... my favourite... and hang Mad Cow
Disease (I am mad enough already!)
Up almost before the birds on Wednesday! A final check around the house, read the meters, and argue with my landlord about the return of my deposit! Why are ALL landlords such pains in the....?! This, of course, made us slightly late leaving, but we seemed to be making very good time until the Ministry of Transport decided that they would change all the road numbers! We had already missed one turning... but now we were lost! I still don't know where that
particular road went! Slight panic ensued, but we finally found ourselves on the road to the Ferry Port. But wait! What on h2g2 is going on here? The good old MOT were at it again! I have never seen roadworks in England which insisted on a guided tour! We sat for 15 minutes, at least, in a huge queue, and the clock was ticking! To hell with the goods onboard! Once we were through, I put my foot down and broke just about every law in the land! We made it to the Ferry
check in with two minutes to spare, with an irate Dutchman on a motorbike in the next line! I have a feeling that a lot more passengers were still stuck in that huge mess we had just escaped from!
Onboard at last! Tune in next week for the next gripping tale... Force 6 to Holland.
