Day 24

Spent today keeping up with the children’s social calendar, requiring one bus and a few taxi rides across Astana. Got to see more of Highvill, where they used to put NU staff. Very quality apartments, but lacking in number of rooms. Rebekah attended a birthday party in a 2 bed apartment that contained a family of 5. Still, there’s a little bit more going on there than over here; they have a small shopping centre and we discovered a very plush coffee bar and restaurant. Even a 5 minute walk was enough to chill everyone right through, so we hid in there until Rebekah’s party drew to a close.

Think we found today a little wobbly, emotionally speaking. Just a touch of how nice it would be to be back home and after having dropped Rebekah off, go on to do something relaxing with friends. Although the reality would have been, go on to the next drop off point, then on to food shopping, back to one party, then home, then back to the other party, then home, then prepare for the next day, get the children to do their homework, washing, drying, etc, etc. It’s a necessary part of life, but getting outside of it for a while (and not just a holiday) you can see how much one can be tied into the “rat race”, where it grind and where time passes you by in an instant without your realisation. That is why friends, hobbies, holidays are so important.

Face Timed into Elizabeth’s party in the UK; great to see the family gathered. Had to have a cheeseburger and chocolate milkshake to celebrate from afar. We had Wynter over for food and games evening; she’s a real hit with the kids. Getting the Wii out was so much fun too. I wonder how the locals would take it. Probably an instant deportation order.

When out at Mega, saw a Lego Jabba’s Palace for half price, which over here would be about £70, including the minifigures. Anyone know if this is worthwhile? Matthias has been saving up his money and despite having a long way to go, this Lego set might be better than a non-reduced item. I cannot see anything similar in the UK for less than £80.

Ray