Setting off

Today is departure day.  All the packing was done, and there was a whole heap of dithering.  Will it be cold?  Will it rain?  Will it warm up?  We’ve been monitoring the weather for a couple of weeks now, and it has been both cold and raining.  The choice of coats is the burning question.

Choice 1:  The Puffer.  This is warm as toast, light as a feather (because it is feathers) and packs into a very small space.  On the negative, it is not really waterproof.  Our experience at Asos in Turkey, where we got very wet indeed, makes me think it was not the best choice.  A coat full of soggy feathers doesn’t seem like a good idea.

Choice 2:  The Gorman windcheater.  This jacket replaced the much loved but not really lamented Leadville jacket that finally went to Vinnies.  The Leadville proved not to be waterproof on the fabled Asos walk.  It is very light, it folds up into its very useful hood.  However, it might be too light, and it might not be absolutely waterproof.

Choice 3:  The Dublin Mackintosh.  This is a fairly heavy and bulky coat, with a hood, that is guaranteed to be 100% waterproof.  We bought these in Dublin, and they ought to know about rain in Dublin. Michael opted for his Dublin coat, so we can be twinnies.

I finally opted for both Choices 2 and 3.  Both fit in my suitcase, the Dublin is dressier for city wear, the Gorman is lighter for walkies and warmer wet weather.  But I have sneaking misgivings about leaving the Puffer behind.  We shall see what transpires.

We left the house at 5.15, and Michael has just realised that he has left his iPad behind.  Drat!  Still, he can use mine, and it has a great big screen and a terrific keyboard.  No doubt he is extremely      cranky with himself and is right now considering buying a brand new one.  It is going to be a struggle with the games question, but I reckon we will be busy enough touring and sight seeing that games won’t be front and centre.

We are sitting happily in the Emirates business lounge, having had a smackerel of something to eat.  Sheree is heading over to our house now to keep that Pug company.