Location, location, location

My suitcase broke on my trip to South Africa earlier this year. This was not entirely unexpected, as it was over ten years old and had done more than it's fair share of international travelling... however, it's replacement caused some headaches when I got home - it didn't fit in the same spot as it's predecessor!

So, I looked for a long term solution to the problem... and bought a house with a shed. Ok, it wasn't quite as impromptu a purchase as it may seem - I was slowly becoming tired of paying off other people's properties with my rent, never mind not being able to do things like paint the walls purple. Over the past few months, I'd been keeping my eye on what was available, viewing a few places but with no major hurry to make the scary leap to homeowner. The suitcase saga wasn't quite the final straw, but the timing was good as I saw a property that I liked shortly after returning to the UK with a bigger suitcase!

The next couple of weeks were taken up with paperwork and chasing solicitors - the UK house buying process is very bizarre, and stressful as having your offer accepted does not necessarily mean that you'll end up with the house! Fortunately, I was in a good position as a first time buyer, and after nurturing some patience became the owner on my mom's birthday in July!

There's been a bit of work to do on the property - painting some walls (not purple!), replacing carpets, cleaning - fortunately some willing friends were able to help me out over some weekends. I'd hoped to move in today, as I liked the date - 20.08.2008 - but that was prior to a change in medication and yet another iritis flare, so hasn't happened. It's only a matter of days away now though - the move is booked for next Tuesday. There is lots to be done - on both sides - wish me luck!

One Step at a time...

It's exactly a year ago today that I first saw the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. I'd been walking on the Camino de Santiago - the Way of St James - for two solid weeks, with the Cathedral as the destination (yes, I know - the Way is the Goal - but still, this is the traditional destination) It was a journey of just over 300kms by foot, walked partially in boots, partially in sandals... It was at times incredibly tough, at times incredibly moving, yet above all simply an incredible experience.

I've been reflecting on this journey quite a lot over the past few weeks; as I remembered buying hiking boots a week before setting off, somewhat panicked thoughts as I arrived in Spain on my one-way flight and saw the mountains in the distance, and the discomfort of the first few days. It's interesting rereading my diary a year later - it really did take a couple of days for me to settle in, and find my own approach to the Camino.

A few people along the way asked me why I was there. I didn't know then, and I'm still not sure I know even now, a year later. What is clear though, is that I learnt some valuable lessons which have stood me in good stead over the past few months on immunosuppression treatment: rest frequently, and listen to my body (extract from day 1 in the diary!).

My hope is that I will have the opportunity to experience this amazing journey once again. For now, for those currently en route or even just thinking of going: Buen Camino.