Breeze blocks, concrete walls, screeding, these are words which entered our lexicon for six months prior to finally opening at the square.
Architects, builders, plumbers, electricians... so much to do, so little time. Except that this time round, we're going down the DIY route wherever possible as we're still licking our wounds from coming close to almost losing our shirts from our first venture.
Everything's been delayed of course (isn't it always?). There's no power, no nothing in the unit, and it's like trying to line up unruly ducks that won't stay in a row. And of course, it's all a domino effect - delay in getting the electricity means delay in having the floors done. If floors aren't done, the plumbing and other works can't start. If fit-out can't begin, we can't move stuff in... that sort of thing. But anyways, it's one step at a time, and while it's a whole lot more to do and no contractor to hold our hand, it feels somehow... less stressful in some ways. Maybe because we've gone down this route before.
I'm going to take the brief respite in-between to try out some new recipes, think up some new offers, root around for some interesting products. Shivaun and I have been looking through publisher's catalogues, thinking about the literature selection - this spot is going to be much smaller, so we'll have to be even more selective and careful with our pickings.
Anyways, it's all exciting - a new chapter has begun.
Thank you as always for those lovely emails and words of encouragement in our inbox. Onwards and upwards. Can't wait till we actually start working and see the shop shape up bit by bit. We'll keep you posted along the way and hope you'll join us on this new journey.