“The only thing that really worries me at the minute is the flight”, my daughter shared with me this morning.
Always the problem-solver, this was easily rectified by showing her the aircraft walk through and entertainment choices. Now she is excited.
But with 16 days left to fly, my worries are very different. I will speak about these to a greater extent in future blogs, but one way I eliminate worries is to prepare and organise as much as I can, to make life easier on ‘the other side’.
I cover a whole chapter on Preparations in my guide, however, I’ll let you know what I have been organising this summer.
- I have created one file with ALL my paperwork: certificates, passport photos, contracts, letters of work evidence, glass prescriptions, bank information, etc.
- Completed all necessary appointments for my whole family: doctors, dentists and eye checks. Currently trialling contact lenses which are more suitable for the Asian climate.
- Shredded all out-of-date paperwork. As we have lived abroad for almost 15 years, this has mounted up! To make space we have cleared everything more than 10 years old.
- Booked first accommodation and arranged (with the school) airport pick-up. We will arrive after a long haul flight but decided the best thing for us would be to head directly to the beach to relax.
- Arranged car hire for after our first short hotel stay.
- Bought all necessary products – shampoo/conditioners for my curly hair, sunscreen we like, moisturiser and make up, contact lenses, medications.
- Purchased necessary clothing – smart outfits for initial inset meet and greet, swimsuits and rash tops, a few light pieces of summer clothing (for all). Water shoes and work shoes.
- Considering an epilator (can I take the pain?!)
To do: Arrange playdate for my daughter with children from her class. Contact estate agents to book in viewings. Book in Typhoid vaccinations in Thailand (to pay privately in the UK costs a fortune!)
New to International Teaching with Jess Gosling 