The 2 weeks I spent in the UK were quite strange because they were the last weeks I'll call it home for a number of years but as I'd already left in February and been back for holidays in April and August I didn't feel like it was a big deal, I suppose that's something you get used to. I've learnt that you're not saying goodbye, just that I'll see you soon and to be honest after being away for 7 months it isn't as difficult as I thought. I can't think of a better way of saying that, it's not meant to sound like I don't care and I don't miss them but it genuinely does get a lot easier. We packed the remainder of our possessions up and sorted the house out ready for our tenant, which included a bit of decorating and at this point I'd like to thank my Father in Law for putting me to work painting skirting boards at 9am on the morning after I'd had a little bit too much to drink sitting round my fire pit with Scott, that was tough, thanks Barry!!!.
I'm aware of a few guys who've fallen by the wayside and gone home over the last 7 months but I didn't know any of them so I couldn't really understand it however that changed a few weeks ago when one of the guys I know, who will remain nameless, approached me and asked for a quite word. He explained how he felt, that this wasn't for him and asked what should he do. He'd seemed ok up to this point as he'd been bottling it up but during our chat I realised that there was no point in trying to encourage him to stay, he was just so desperately unhappy with the situation I felt compelled to help him get home. Could I have done anything differently to help him out if I'd noticed the signs beforehand? Could we, as a group of lads at work, have done anything? I don't know, I really don't but it hit home how this can affect you. I met up with him and his Mrs back in the UK after he left and he looked so much happier and calmer. If you read this mate, keep your chin up, you're in a happier place!!!
Our transition to KSA couldn't have gone smoother apart from Lindsey still packing when the taxi arrived to take us to the airport, we left UK soil at 10:05 and arrived in Dammam at 21:35 after a 2.5 hour stopover Schipol Airport. I'd warned Lindsey that customs in Dammam can be a real test of your patience but from the plane coming to a standstill to clearing customs to collecting all 8 pieces of luggage and getting into our taxi took 50 minutes, without doubt the smoothest transition through any airport I've ever had!! An hour later we arrived at Jubail Views. More medicals on Wednesday morning, happily not for me this time but Iqama medicals for Lindsey and Tilly, very basic, blood sample and chest x-ray although getting a blood sample from Tilly was like the proverbial blood from a stone. 55 minutes of coaxing, cuddling, promising it wouldn't hurt and Tilly throwing more tantrums than I thought possible before she asked me and Lindsey to leave the room, 2 minutes later she walked out all smiles sample done!!! That's definitely a learn for the future. To be fair to the doctor and the nurse they were brilliant with her.
Tilly seems to love being here, there are loads of other kids to play with, she's made friends with our neighbour Ellie who's the same age, and she is allowed a lot more freedom that she's used to with it being a secure compound, she can leave the house and come back when she's hungry, it's like a throwback to my childhood. We visited her school on Thursday which looks fantastic, she'll be in Class 3C which has a pet turtle wandering around the floor!!! Likewise Lindsey seems to enjoy the compound and loves the house other than the finish of the decorating which leaves a lot to be desired but that's something we can sort out.
I've been out twice on my bike since I got here, the heat is going to take some getting used to as what would normally be fairly easy 30 mile ride in the UK is a different proposition here even though James and I set off at 6am to avoid the heat.
Anyway, more to come as we settle down......
