Too close?

Im almost gone now. I took my first anti-malarial pill today (doxycycline). The list of side efects is a little scary, but they mostly relate for using it as an antibiotic in stronger doeses than I'm taking. But they include nausea, vomitting, increased sensitivity to light, and some other stuff. I know I should be OK, but its still a little worrying. Really its just another outlet for nerves about going - I should be great when I get there, but Im aprehensive right now. It combines the 'new job,' 'new place,' 'away from home' and 'new people' fears all in one go. Oh, and add in potential health issues as well.


Apart from that Im pretty excited. Once I'm there I'll sure Ill forget all these fears. I have done the last of my shopping...I think...and I cant wait to get on the plane.

Hate driving love getting there

I've just driven back from Lorna's. We went shopping whilst we were there; spent about 30 in Primark and got a number of T-shirts light trousers and stuff. Lorna got me a lovely shirt, which I wasn't sure about at the time...its grown on me since I wore it home - v comfy, as were the trousers. But I still hate driving long distances. My neck and shoulders are now very stiff, and I could do with a massage. And I'm not going to see Lorna until I get back now. That's sad - we've been together a year and a couple of months now, and she's never been more than a phone call away baring a couple of short holidays. I'm not sure how I will cope. I hope I will be too busy to get particularly homesick, and I'll be able to get glimpses of home as I get into Internet cafés.

The preparations continue to go on. Every time something gets sorted something else comes up...but they are getting less and less important, so I don't think anything *essential* will be forgotten. Apart from that...life is good!

Staying with my girl

Im staying with Lorna (my wonderful and long suffering girlfriend*) for the weekend which is wonderful. I think I have pretty much ordered or bought everything Im gonna need in Ghana; I just ordered the last two books from amazon, and we spent the afternoon shopping for light clothes to take back.

Im afraid I got back from holiday last week, but have been too rushed to post here. Its been a bit hectic getting everything sorted out. I discovered on wednesday that my debit card -my only plastic money - wouldn't work in Ghana because there are no mastercard terminals. It all seems to be coming together now.

OK, I have to go to tescos and buy some more groceries with L, so this is it.


*she says just long term. I pity her for putting up with me.

Holiday!

Im going on holiday tomorrow with my family. We are going to Canaries - starting in Tennerife and sailing a yacht around the islands. We will crew the boat, and we have a captain to show us how to do everything. Im looking forward to it, but need to get myself of to bed; we leave in 7.5 hours.

Nite all!

Cars and preparations

Things are continuing to come together slowly. I had a long day at work today - I arrived at 9:30 for a first aid course, which finished at 1:30 and then worked on the floor until 1o. During the day I sorted out what shifts I would be working in the lead up to the trip. Then the right headlight on my car refused to turn on when dipped. I called the AA, who were excellent - they had someone with me within 20mins who ended up soldering the contacts, which sorted the problem. I got away about 10:30, filled up with petrol and came home, and Im not tired at all. I've just checked my emails, and I had several waiting for me. I had emailed the other volunteers going out at the same time as me asking them whether they wanted to meet at the airport, and a couple of them (there are 5 of us) have replied with some more contact details. The other good message was from Aubrey - the guy who runs the project on the UK side. He was pleased to hear from me, and has got some stuff he would like me to take out if possible. Now I just have to work out how to fit in a half-day trip to his office to pick up the stuff. Also I have an updated vaccine record book, back from the GP's, lots of good wishes from various people, and a stinking cold.

Enough rambling now. I really ought to try getting some sleep for a change.

Oh, and Im going on holiday with my family on friday. The holiday will be lovely, Im sure. But it does put the pressure on a little bit.