Five Days and Counting ...

We decided to start this blog to share our observations and experiences as we spend the fall of 2008 in London. We have known about this trip for almost three years, but up until now, it has been "out there" for us. For the past year, slowly it is become more real to us - and now with just five days left before we actually leave, a sort of panic mixed with excitement and euphoria has set in. Panciteria? That sounds like a disease!
We spent five days in London last fall, checking out our flat and the surrounding neighborhood, including grocery stores, banks, drug stores (chemists!) and of course, the local pubs.
Now,we leave for London in five days. Next Wednesday night, we board the plane and off we go. I don't think I've ever boarded a plane without a plan to come back in a few days or a week. That's the interesting mental adjustment - this is not really a vacation, it's a move, albeit a short-term move.
Packing is a challenge. We're leaving sweltering Charlotte to go to temps about 25 degrees lower. We have limited suitcase space and we'll be there through mid-December, so we're choosing clothing with care. Lots of sweaters. It's 6 a.m. in London now and the temperature is 57 degrees. And for a change, it isn't raining!
One of the biggest hurdles we had to face in pulling off the trip was what to do about Mocha.

We finally found a temporary home for our beloved chocolate Lab. Mocha's living arrangements have been a big source of worry for us since we found out we were going to London. We've waffled between putting him in his favorite kennel and finding a pet-sitter. Our vet recommended that we try to find a trusted friend who could keep him in a home environment. We did! So Mocha is going to be the canine version of Jack Tripper. He is spending the fall with a dear friend who has two female Labs, a black and a gold. What a deal for him, surrounded by two pretty girls. And what a relief for us!
So join us as we begin this adventure. Bookmark us, visit often and please comment!

Jayne & Keith