mmimmjones.com

Went to bed at about 00.30; up at about 04.15; got changed, prepped kids, loaded car, left for London at 05.20; had a break in a service station from 06.45 to 07.15 and then set off to find a car park in Hammersmith; car park found 9.15; into the tube and arrived at the Japan Embassy at about 09.50; much screaming from Meu, stressed scribbling from Miho, and general misbehaviour from Ifan and Mika later, Miho remembered that she had left some documents in the car; Martyn 15 mins from Green Park to Hammersmith, 5 mins walk to the car park, pick up the documents, packet of crisps and an apple juice later, back to the tube, 15 mins from Hammersmith to Green Park and then back to the Embassy at 11.45 - just in time for same day passports to be issued!! My visa application is next… We have to be back at the Embassy between 15.30 and 16.30 to pick the passports up…

A trip to the post office to pick up a special delivery envelope for my visa embelished passport to be sent to me later… we take a stressed tour of London for the kids to see Westminster, London Eye, etc etc… Mika stroked a Blues and Royals Cavalry horse who was guarding Whitehall I think. Some Chinese guy wanting to take a photo of said blues and royals horse, soldier and Mika and Ifan. Neither Mika or Ifan wanted this to happen by the looks on their faces but, like the true professionals that they are, they were obliging and the photo was snapped… we quickly left that melee!

We picked up the passports and then went to Harrods, two belts bought, Gucci one for Miho and Burberry one for Caroline, we went on to buy some sweets; back to the car and then the homeward stretch. 19.14, dad phones and asks if we are home yet - we’ve been in the car for little more than 4 minutes… Two hours getting out of London, two hours in the biggest traffic jam I have ever seen (due to a horrific crash) to get past Reading, we arrive home at about 00.30…

Ho hum, at least that little, yet important step back to Japan is done and dusted!!

Can’t wait to receive my passport with visa in the post some time next week!!