Between homes

Just spent the morning collecting together the things I plan to pack and the things that I'm hoping to cram into my mum's loft for my next visit. I catch the bus to Norwich tomorrow ready for my last session with Richard of the Green Room. He is a brilliant cutter of hair and, having found no-one of his equal in Al Ain, have to say he's world class. Then it's last minute cups of tea with friends and I will stay overnight with Moira, who has very kindly offered to take me to the bus station for the journey to Heathrow on Thursday. The travel nerves have started already. I didn't sleep well last night and now that I've been through all my various credit cards, frequent flyer cards, tickets, passport, keys for Ol Squit Towers etc, I can't find my UAE driving licence. I shall be worrying all the way now, wondering whether or not I left it in my Al Ain handbag. I must remember to write notes to myself about important things like where I've left driving licences. It will be such nuisance to try to have it replaced, involving much form filling, arguments with officials and spending of dirhams.

It's been perfect weather for packing as there's been torrential rain and darkened skies. Even now there is still a rumbling growl of thunder. It's a great send off for me as it's likely to be the last glimpse of substantial rain that I shall have until my next visit in January. Friday morning I will wake to bright sunshine and temperatures of 45 C again. Unfortunately it will also mean a return to sleeping with the air conditioning running and no cooling breeze from the North Sea. I've thoroughly enjoyed Norfolk as a visitor. The good news is that I'm looking forward to returning to Al Ain, to finishing the unpacking at Ol Squit Towers and catching up with my cats. I'm also looking forward to returning to work - first time in a very long time.