why are my "vacations" never relaxing?

A week ago today the kids had all gone home. I finished the last 3 interviews (for next years students) and then crashed for a day or two. Saturday the "single ladies" all went to the cottage site (as the cottage has not yet been rebuilt) and we had some fun just hanging out one last time before Hannah and the short termers left. I honestly don't remember Sunday as I spent most of the day trying to get ready for the trip south. this trip was originally just supposed to be Lina and I driving Hannah and 3 other girls down to Solwezi so they could catch a flight to Lusaka. we were going to spend a day relaxing and buying groceries and then return to Sakeji. After some talking we decided that instead of staying in Solwezi we would head to Kitwe, spend some time with friends and do our shopping there as there is a better selection. This plan too was changed as Lina got word that her work permit was finally ready and needed to be picked up from Lusaka. Monday (after many tearful goodbyes) we got the four girls packed into the back of a small pickup truck (it was covered) with all their luggage and 2 cooler boxes. The road to Solwezi was surprisingly better then expected and we arrived in pretty good time with no one getting sick! A quick trip to the bank and Shoprite (for snacks) and then we got dressed up (mainly just in clean clothes) and headed over to the only hotel in town for a nice supper out. We had a lovely supper, full of laughs and ended with a funny story which i'll not share on this blog to protect the 'innocent'. ;)(those who have my email can write and ask if they're curious). Tuesday morning we got up early (too early for me as I didn't sleep well) and after a rather sad breakfast dropped the girls off at the airport. we didn't stick around for long drawn out good byes, instead Lina and I headed out of town, south to Kitwe. The drive down was horrendous! the roads were horrible and the traffic was worse. on top of that the police at the police stops were annoying. one asked Lina for her "particulars" (meaning phone number) which she refused to give out. we eventually arrived at our destination and had a wonderful meal and sleep. wednesday we set out again, this time for Lusaka. for the first time in the 4 years I've been here the immigration people were also stopping people on the road! of course I didn't have my passport as mine was in Lusaka getting renewed. thankfully, he was very good about accepting a copy I happened to throw in my purse. again the police hassled us for no apparent reason. it took forever to get to Lusaka and on the way we found out that the fitness on the truck we're driving expires on the 12th... like today. after much debating with other staff members both yesterday and today we still haven't got that one solved. we arrived in Lusaka in time to change and go out for a late supper. I have to admit the supper was really nice and we were able to forget some of the horrible things from earlier in the day. today we started by rushing through the pouring rain to the immigration office to get lina's work permit. I waited next door at the 5-star hotel, knitting, drinking a latte and eating a croissant... such a supportive friend. :) actually I DID bring a latte to Lina too. we spent the morning shopping, which is rather exhausting and then went out to a movie for a little "down time". we'll see what exciting things tomorrow has in store...