Waiting, waiting, waiting…...

2013 has passed quickly. I'm surprised to find it is already November and that thoughts of Christmas holidays start to take up a lot of my time. Clara and I are both excited to be going to Scotland for 2 weeks.

Unfortunately, I have so far been unable to book the flights as I am still waiting for my new passport, despite it being 5 weeks since I sent off my application. I really do hope it arrives next week as I'm concerned that the price will increase the closer we get to the festive season. It really should arrive sometime over the next few days.

There will be a lot to celebrate:

• 22nd December - Clara will be a teenager. I'm really looking forward to celebrating with her and hopefully providing her with a memorable occasion
• 25th December - Christmas Day. My parents have booked Christmas dinner at a hotel in Inverness. It will be nice to get dressed up and enjoy each others company
• 28th December - Joep's birthday. It will probably be another one he'd rather forget
• 31st December / 1st January - no plans have been discussed yet, but it will be nice to see in the New Year with Clara and the folks

During our time in Scotland, Clara and I will probably do our own thing for a couple of days. Perhaps book in somewhere nice on Skye or somewhere else.

It was a long weekend here in Japan, so Clara stayed last night. We had dinner at the nearby Italian restaurant and just relaxed in my apartment in the evening. She hung around until about 4pm and then I did the very mundane laundry and ironing.

Hopefully I will soon have news of my new passport and flight reservations to Scotland. Thanks for reading.