The Final Countdown

Two weeks today I leave Belfast not to return until mid January. All a bit daunting. As usual I am a bit of a Last minute Lil. Haven't sorted out my international driving licence - but made a phone call today about it... etc etc. The To Do list stands at 5 sides of A5 paper at the moment.

Still to sort out the best way to access MY OWN money while I am in South Africa. Bit peeved off with the whole banking system. My own bank will charge me 3.5% for small withdrawals using an ATM. The percentage increases the more money I withdraw at any one time. Call me stupid but how does a transaction for £10 or £50 cost the bank any more? Humph, rip off I think. I was actually advised by my Bank that it might be cheaper for me to use my Credit Card.

The picture? Me nearly at the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town. I was seriously puffed out by this stage. Taken in October 2005.

The Beginning

We are at the start of Claire's blogging journey.

I know it says that I am based in Knysna, Western Cape, South Africa but I am not actually there yet. I fly to Knysna on 1st October to begin a volunteer placement at the Percy Mdala school. I am going through the agency Travellers which is based in England.

No, at the moment I am still at home, in Belfast. A very grey Belfast actually. Been grey for what seems like days. You have to understand that we are VERY preoccuppied with the weather here in Northern Ireland.

a) We get a good deal of weather
b) We are often treated to several types of weather in one day
c) A substantial amount of the wet stuff falls on our heads

No global warming here, or not that we've noticed.

At present I am struggling to set up this blog, post a picture etc etc so all earth shattering content to follow. However, feel free to share...