Monday 10 August 1998

So, I am on my way home! I am on the train in a plush compartment to myself. I have passed carts and fields - the sunflowers are dead now. Animals dot the side of the track - cows, horses, dogs, sheep, goats, geese - even storks and ferrets!

There was a bit of a panic this morning. I left the Patreacu’s and it began to tip down with rain. I got Lisa up and we were ready to go until we realised the priest had blocked us in with his car and he was taking Mass so couldn’t be disturbed. In a hurried fluster we ran over the road and got a neighbour to take me. I left Lisa at the station with a sad goodbye. I have grown quite fond of her and will miss her. I will miss them all and Romania.

I am now in the Airport toilets. I have just got here safely. The taxi was fine. Although I was hassled by lots of drivers, I felt confident and could speak enough of the language to understand them and get rid of them. I got a lovely official taxi for half the price of the one coming here. He was very friendly, though a manic driver and he showed me the sights of Bucharest.

I have now successfully managed to get to the right terminal by bus and go through all the checks. All I have to do now is board the plane. I am so amazed and happy to be back in ‘civilisation’. I have come to some brand new toilets with soap and running water and a bin! I have tried to get myself back to normal a little. I have had a quick wash and brushed my hair and cleaned my teeth and cut my nails and put on face cream and lipsalve. What luxuries - I feel fantastic !

So the plane was fine. Every hour and minute seemed to drag by. I just wanted to be home. At last, we landed and I got my case and went out to meet my family and they drove me home. Home! Here at last. Everything seems so normal though. It is as if the last month is a distant memory. But I mustn’t let it. I will have this journal and the photos to remind me. I want to appreciate being home - something I have longed for all these weeks. And now I am here, in my house, with my things and my family. My travel is finally over. But next year ...