The Final Day Dawns

Thursday 20th March

One of life’s mysteries turning your alarm off because you don’t have to rise early - & you wake way before the buzzer would have gone off had you had left it activated? Still – I caught the sun rise & today’s dawn was a good one. Worthy of the many photographs I took.

I killed time this morning – packing – repacking & organising my stuff. Finally I heard from Charlotte. Having lost my phone – getting hold of her without her cell number – was quite awkward. We arranged to meet for lunch at a lovely Italian place in the open courtyard at the Gateway Centre - a lovely open air restaurant & one that has become quite special to me over the past couple of weeks. The final lunch - inlike the last supper - was a perfect & fitting way to end the month.

I have met so many good people over the past month – but Charlotte shines out. She put herself out for me on so many levels – she is passionate about what she believes in & Charlotte if you read this – you are my friend. Thank you for everything & I really do hope despite the geography – we do some of the things we have discussed. Though even if we don’t – we will stay in touch.

So I pottered for the last time around the centre – updated my blog at the internet café that has been my 2nd home in Africa & took a last look around. As shopping Malls go – this is a nice one & when its 30 plus degrees – a great place to seek air conditioning & get respite from the heat. And I have had some of my most easy moments – browsing around – stopping for a beer or an iced coffee & contemplating the meaning of life – the universe & everything.

And so all that was left to do was to return to the apartment – check & recheck my stuff again & link up with Steve & Nita from next door for one last chat. Guys – you have been absolute stars – keep safe & be happy. You are very special people. I hope that the damn monkeys stop pilfering your bread. Steve – go get your catapult - choose a big shiny marble form your ammunition stash & blast the little swine to kingdom come!!

Off to the airport & the long haul back to Leamington Spa.

And what to become of my blog – my dear friend the blog? Well – some early reflection to come within the next day or two – then perhaps one further entry when the dust has settled. My month in Africa will stay in my memory & heart forever & the blog will always be there – but hard as it may be – I must put it down – leave it in cyber space as a testament to my wonderful adventure & accept that http://amonthinafrica.blogspot.com/ – is over.

Kate