Bonjour, tristesse

8th January loomed, and it was time to go. I tried to explain to Hobbs that I'd be back, and she'd be well loved by Chris and Ellie, but she fought to get away and didn't want to know. I was making a rice salad to take with me and talking to Chris and Ellie when Hobbs appeared with a mouse - making a point - and ate it on the kitchen floor. She then hopped on to a chair and looked me in the eye, held my gaze for ages. I took it to mean she understood and was okay; I felt I'd been given her blessing. [I know some of you will think I'm cuckoo but some of you will know what I'm talking about.] Then she disappeared, and didn't come to see me off, thank god. One goodbye was enough. I cry at goodbyes - am shedding tears now just thinking about it. Chris and Ellie helped me pack the car, and we went up to Roxana so she could witness the signing of the housesitting agreement. Nothing left but to go. Hugs and farewells made the tears brim and fall, however hard I tried to contain them. Then it was Maria and Alina, and this time I didn't bother fighting it, which made Alina cry too.

Driving out of the village was a bit dodgy as I could hardly see for the tears, and I chickened out of saying goodbye to Bogdan, Luminita and Dan. The road to Britain meant driving round Piatra Craiului and along its northern flank, so it was well over an hour before I could put it behind me and turn my face and focus to the west.