Last night in London...

Tower Bridge

I had intended to start writing earlier, but the last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind of packing, trip planning and goodbyes to the wonderful people we have shared our lives with here in London.

On Saturday we had a farewell party for Eleanor and Leo's Peques friends, followed by Fulham's first home game of the season (a 5-0 win over Norwich) and farewell drinks at a local pub with many of our friends. Sunday found us having a picnic in Bishop's park catered by my lovely friend Renee and completed by the perfect surprise birthday cake chosen by Eleanor. 

The cake

This afternoon we left our flat on Archel Road. We loved our time there, despite moths, mice, leaks and collapsing ceilings. It was the first place we have lived that felt like a family home; Eleanor grew into a little girl there and Leo was born just down the road while we were living in the flat. Peadar has kindly lent us his place for tonight. Thanks Peadar, we are making ourselves at home!

Eleanor and Nadine

The last six years have been quite a journey. We have gone from two 30ish year olds with a backpack each to a family of four with so many belongings movers are shipping them to New Zealand. In between there has been football, gigs, travel, theatre... it has been a truly special time in our lives. 

We have a fantastic group of friends who have been a big part of our London lives; people we knew in Wellington, family, work colleagues who became friends, friends of friends, people we met in the pub who have stuck around, D&D friends and parents we have met through Eleanor and Leo. We will miss you all! In six months or so there will be a bed for you in Wellington and a bottle of sauvignon blanc (or pinot gris for you Julie) in the fridge. Please visit! 

Leaving drinks

There is nothing like the end of an era to make you feel reflective and a little sad, but a new-old beginning is exciting, not to mention a four month holiday! Our trip takes us to Denmark, Wales, Lisbon, Northern Spain, Italy, Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia, Turkey, Athens, Cyprus, Sri Lanka, Singapore, Sydney, Auckland and Rarotonga before arriving in Wellington in mid-December. 



Tomorrow we begin our adventure... off to Silkeborg, Denmark to visit Alan and Jeanne :)

2012 08 Leaving London

2012 08 Leaving London, a set on Flickr.

Some photos from our last few days in London.