I HAVE MY OWN FLAT

I can’t believe another week has gone by. Despite the awful weather we’ve had this week, it has been really busy. It has rained and rained. I woke up in the early hours of Friday morning to find the road outside the flat awash with cars hitting a wall of water. It was up to the sills on most cars and even the buses were slowing down. By the time I went out at 7.30 the water had gone. I can only assume road gangs had been out clearing the drains. The leaves are still coming down so drains block really easily.

Nadine is back from the States and we have now split the year group into the two classes. We are hoping to set for Literacy and Maths, but with just a week till half term we’re waiting till we get back. Next Friday is International day when the children come dressed in their National costumes and the parents come in for part of the day.

Friday ended in a most bizarre fashion. A group of us went to the Uzbeci restaurant again and had a nice meal. I didn't stay particularly late as I had to be up to pack. I had just snuggled down when Vannessa arrived back with Caz saying "You sleep in there, I'll share with Su". She put my stuff on the floor and climbed in beside me. I did not sleep well, but had my revenge when I was up early to pack!!!!

BIG NEWS – I am now in my own flat.

I finally picked up the keys yesterday and Vannessa helped me move my stuff this morning. It’s great not to be living out of suitcases, though I have to pack again to go home. I think I can share a car to the airport on Friday so that will be good. Since discovered I can't. Back to the metro.

Vannessa stayed a few minutes and then I unpacked. The flat has not been used for 2 years, so it’s not dirty exactly but grubby. The hot water has run out tonight so even washing up my meal is tricky- particularly as there is no plug to the kitchen sink. I’ll work on the place during the week.

I have found the local pruducti so I can get emergency stuff and the eggs will probably be good. I was hoping to go for a walk with Tracey in the park, but she got stuck at school and I had to shop. Having explored the tram during the week, I decided to walk the tram route till I hit the main road which I knew. Very worthwhile. To begin with it’s a lovely walk through trees. I also found a wonderful fruit and veg market. Andy from school told me about it so I’m pleased to have found it. After half term I’ll shop there on Saturday mornings before doing supermarket stuff.

Finished the afternoon with a trip to Carousel in Metropolis as I had nothing here. The worst part is shopping without a car. I got it back on the tram, but it was heavy. Still I shouldn’t have to do so much for a bit and if I get the veg locally it won’t be so heavy.

Cathy and Tracey have popped in and had a drink and a look round they are most impressed. I’ll take some photos when I can. Ikea tomorrow. What a treat but Betty has arranged a school bus for us.

This time next week I’ll be home. The time is flying by.


Late Saturday evening

Sofia (landlady's daughter), her partner and a mate arrived after the football (Russia lost) to put me on the internet, sort out the electric wood burning stove (bought in the UK when they lived there) and did all sorts of jobs. They finally left around 11.30 saying they will get a new loo seat (it's got a split in it as I found out when I sat on it. OUCH!!

Sunday

First frost of the winter and a beautiful day, though chilly.

No photos of the flat yet. By the time I was ready to go out after a not very hot shower, I didn't have time and when I got home and had something to eat, Peter made skype work and then it was dark.

Ikea is Ikea wherever you go, but I got some bits. We then went to Metro, a cash and carry and bought some more bits. I shall still have to shop for weekly food, but I have plenty of some bulky things and 2 boxes of Kleenex tissues. Bliss. I haven't been able to find tissues anywhere except in tiny packets. What little things make us happy.

Getting in all in off the street, through 2 doors, one with security on it, into the lift, out again and through 2 more doors took some doing, but several people came along at the right moment to keep a door open or push stuff into the lift. Oh for a resident man or even another pair of hands. I have to remember not to buy too much stuff in Carousel as I don't have a car outside. My arms were quite sore this morning when I got up from buying too much. I had a rucsac on my back plus 2 other bags. I've learnt my lesson and will be more careful.

Skype is now working so I had a long chat with Peter and then Gaby from USA came on so we also had a long chat - it's early morning there.

I think the local hot water pipes are being replaced so the water is luke warm at it's best. Not the best for washing down shelves and cupboards. I intend to do one a night this week.

Time to chill. It's nearly 8. This place is so much quieter than Vannessa'a I had the best nights sleep since I got here. I miss the view towards the city, but the peace and quiet makes up for it.

One more week and I shall be in england. How bizarre.