Scottish Chiefs to the Scottish Borders

Like any good overseas expedition, the start of this one was celebrated with good friends, a few drinks, a small food-fight, a couple of temporary tattoos, one or two tears and some great memories (although perhaps not as many as I would have liked...). My recovery was interrupted by packing and a road-trip from one home, Geelong, to another, Brisbane. I'm in Brissie at the moment, spending time with the family and trying to make my way through the last-minute to-do lists in preparation for d-day next Tuesday (26th).

My so-called 'unplanned' trip is not so unplanned anymore - just secured work in a small town called Melrose in the Scottish Borders. I've been watching the temperature and it hasn't gone above 12 in the last few days - so much for easing my way into UK weather! Some furious googling has revealed that Melrose has a 400 bed hospital (Borders General Hospital - where I'll be working) but a population of just over 2000. Obviously the hospital services a wider area than just Melrose!

Although I kind of enjoyed watching people's surprise, or in some cases, mortification, when I would tell them that I had no idea where I was heading after London, I must admit I'm actually pleased to have a fixed destination for 6 weeks. I imagine there will be plenty of time for 'travelling on-a-whim' as the trip progresses. I'm due to start work on July 2nd so I've had to cut short my initial time in London to just 4 days. I think some of this time will be occupied with organising living / working details but hopefully I'll get an opportunity to look around as well.

Next stop London!

written by

Caro (suffering an incurable case of wanderlust) on June 18, 2007 from Brisbane, Australia

from the travel blog: Caro's Travel Blog

tagged Preparation and Party

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