A flying visit

For those who we have just seen…we are back on Tanzanian soil! For those who don’t know…we recently took a short trip to the UK! It really was a flying visit (of course the use of an airplane was essential, in fact 4 in this case as we spent a few late night hours in Doha airport, Qatar) as we were inside the UK’s borders for just 15 days in total! This meant approximately a week staying with each family – Wisbeys in Oxfordshire and Tylers in various parts of Devon. We packed a great deal into this time and we are amazed at what we accomplished but as a result we did feel like we hardly stopped the whole time! We traveled around 600 miles (thank you Ben for the use of your car –couldn’t have done it without you!). Between us we hit the shops 5 times, visited the doctor 5 times, visited the dentist 3 times and each had a haircut!

It was a ‘business’ trip rather than a holiday as you can see! However, the main reason that we returned was for ‘family business’ – to be present at Andy and Susie’s wedding (Liz’s brother and new sister-in-law) and we are pleased to say this business was accomplished well! We fulfilled our roles as bridesmaid and best man (see pics here… we managed to scrub up well!) and were very privileged and grateful that we could be there for this special occasion that has been much awaited. We will not forget it in a hurry! The Wisbey’s were not to be left out though as we also celebrated Matt’s sister’s recent engagement – it really was a perfect time to come home.

As well as a special family time we caught up with lots of friends. It was great to see those who were able to drop in at wherever we were staying and of course those who live near to our two UK ‘homes’. We were also very lucky to be able to travel to Wales (the day after the Tyler wedding!) to see two good friends tie the knot. Despite being bitterly cold (it wasn’t just us, other people had coats on too!) it was a wonderful time to catch up with Sheffield people (our most recent UK home).

All too quickly we were on that plane to start the long journey home again. It really is a looong journey – car to airport, two planes, taxi x 2, 13 hour bus journey and finally a taxi to the door! It was hard to say goodbye to friends and family and to the home comforts (especially food!) we enjoyed for those two weeks. It is always hard to end a holiday and return to work and of course this is amplified in our case with many other transitions but we are very happy to be back to Tanzanian weather (24.5C in the shade today!), our own home and to see the people we missed. We have decided two weeks at home is just a little too short for the 6 day journey needed to get there and back and the cultural and physical adjustments necessary. It’s not something we’re planning to do again in a hurry! But then we knew that before we went and we probably wouldn’t have done anything differently! There are some things you don’t want to miss.