What's in a name?

What an angel.  Elena was such a super star on the flight and didn't utter a peep, she slept for a full 10 hours and I couldn't believe how easy it was.  I bet one day we'll be looking back thinking those were the days.  It's official she is a dream child!

However checking in was another story...when we arrived at Virgin check-in,  we got a little suprise from security.  I couldn't believe they were actually questioning whether this was my child?  Elena Maria Gareh vs Angela Athienides, and for a split second I thought oh here goes... How am I going to prove this is my daughter, seeing as she has the biggest blue eyes which clearly don't come from me.  Her father all the way on the other side of the world, and me scrambling for some form of new identity.  Luckily I had my driving licence with me in my new name but he still looked dubious, so I pulled out my bank cards also in the new name.  Finally he believed me and decided to let us through.

We had more explaining to do at passport control where I was strictly advised to carry my marriage certificate or a letter from her father giving me permission to travel alone with my daughter.  What has the world come to....

Flying solo...

Preparing for the flight, solo across the oceans back into winterland or (Narnia as I like to think of it).

Thank you sunny South Africa for having us, its been a blast and real delight.   I have eaten enough mangos, lichies & granadilla yoghurt to last another year and experienced many electric storms as only Africa knows how.  Elena loved her swims and daily walks in the garden.  She also loved feasting her eyes on all the shots (food) that was flying around, and she certainly can't wait to eat it all!

Here's hoping she will be as good as she was on the flight out, not a peep.  Elena will always remember her first big adventure as the sun feeds the soul.

Thank goodness for deep sunken designer chairs - made for perfect baby sitting.
Enjoying some thinking time with daddy in the Virgin lounge at Heathrow. 

With a face like this it's no wonder she gets a lot of attention on the flight - everywhere we go in fact.

Welcome

I wanted to start a blog of my little daugther, so that friends and family can grow with her, follow her adventures and get to know her a little better.

So with no further delay, I introduce to you.... Little Miss Elena Gareh.

Her eyes say it all...for those who havent met her, will not yet know their true effect.  They are enchanting, captivating and very very BiG.

Come with us on our journey, the world as we see it - by Elena and me!