Friday 7 August 1998

At last my final glorious day off. For once Lisa was free so we made plans for the day. I woke up tired at 6 am - why don’t I sleep longer? I was dreaming that I was at home and for the first time woke up unsure of where I was. I was surprised to discover the reality. I do very much want to go home now. These last few days are dragging out. It took me a grand one and a half hours to get Lisa out this morning. I nearly went mad. We walked a long way to get a tram ticket from the station, but they told us we had to go back to town where we had just been.

Anyway, we successfully changed more money and got a tram ticket and ordered a meal and got into the cinema with no troubles. I am amazed at how much we are able to do - just like a month ago on the 7 July when I loved feeling independent and capable back in England getting my visa. Back then I had no idea what this was going to be like. I believe I was thinking in the right frame of mind then though - not worrying nor getting excited. I allowed it to happen which was the best thing I could have done. I tell you, it feels very strange to read those first few pages now. Things are so different now; maybe I am too.

I ‘phoned home and spoke to Daddy for the first time in a month which was lovely. He asked me if I had grown up. I don’t know. Only they will be able to tell me. My values have certainly changed. I felt a bit ridiculous talking to them about all the amazingly rich people we had just seen - they all had shoes and handbags and things! I can’t wait to share this with them at home. I hope they are as interested in what I have to tell as I am in telling them. I hope this journal will help a little. You all won’t have to suffer me talking so much about it. We, actually, you probably have had to put up with me endlessly talking!

We also went to buy CD’s for £2 or so each! The range was limited but what fabulous prices! Lisa is ill - tummy trouble. Me too a little. But I am going home soon. She really wants to go home too, but she has 4 weeks left. I know how she feels.

PS Oh happy day! Just had my last garlic tablet!