Australiababble Week Forty-Two
Started the week in Blighty where the sun was making a valiant attempt to peek through the clouds – hope that weather has continued, it makes everything seem that bit brighter. I spent Monday with my best friend, which was lovely, lovely – it was a much needed girl’s catch up (you know what I mean ladies!) and to hear all about her crazy adventures, flying planes? I ask you!
I noted with dismay that my son waved me off without so much as a backward glance, as the Major pointed out, ‘what would you prefer? That he hung off your leg and cried like a toddler?’ I know the answer he wanted was ‘No of course not!’ so that’s the one I gave him, but I have to confess that I wouldn’t have minded a little bit more distress on my son’s part! …Maybe not leg hugging, but a slight quake to the voice perhaps? Nah, I know, not going to happen.
I think my favourite travel quote was from the Major; we were half way through our flight from London to Hong Kong (about six hours in) when he leant towards the window and sighed, ‘all those poor people lost in that recent air disaster. I wonder what happened? They probably crashed; I mean, one minute they are sitting here like us and the next, whoosh! They’ve fallen out of the sky…’ I think the woman behind us actually started praying.
After a brief spell in Hong Kong, we arrived in glorious Sydney! It was lovely to go to one of our favourite coffee shops in Surry Hills, called ‘The Goods’ and be greeted with a smile and the phrase, ‘hey! Haven’t seen you for a while…’ Err well no; we’ve been in England! There is something very special about being welcomed back – it feels like coming home.
In the ten weeks since we were here last, the weather has cooled and is now more like a warm English summer rather than the fierce heat that sent temperatures soaring on our last trip. It’s quieter too, gone are the hoards of Christmas tourists, things feel a bit calmer and more spacious. We spent a precious day off at Manly beach yesterday. I wrote about it on our last trip when there was a shark in the water, much excitement from the Prowse clan. Yesterday they ‘shut’ the sea! No swimming allowed due to the ferocious rip tides and rampant surf, beautiful to watch, but I didn’t even risk a paddle.
We bought a huge slab of watermelon and I must say the Major’s training where he is programmed to ‘improvise, adapt and overcome’ came in very handy. We didn’t have a knife, but I watched in awe as he carved slices with his driving license! Skills! I naively asked, ‘Is that clean?’ to which he replied, ‘Yes, no points or convictions!’ boom boom!
I spoke to the boys earlier today, who were preoccupied by the television in the background and couldn’t get off the phone fast enough. The Major says I should be happy they are so settled again, I answered, ‘oh yes, absolutely!’ whilst still wishing for a flicker of toddler-like missing me… I know! Not going to happen.
The hard work starts in earnest tomorrow, I have a week of interviews, radio and photo shoots etc. where I shall be promoting ‘A Little Love.’ And when I’m not working I shall be researching my novel that comes out after ‘Heaven & Back’ (here’s the link by the way, http://amzn.to/1o72kR0) and ‘Christmas for One,’ called ‘Abigail’s Coffee Shop.’ It is set in Sydney and Edinburgh and is lovely!
So if you see me, sitting in coffee shops, watching the world go by and staring dreamily at the décor or photographing the interiors, fear not, this is me WORKING! x
©Amanda Prowse – all enquiries PFD ajhughes@pfd.co.uk. +44 (0)20 7344 1084
