It is unsaid between R and myself, but we both know this will be last time we will visit England. It will be the last time we see his family, unless any of the younger ones visit Australia.
It will certainly be the last time R sees his sisters. R is getting old, his sisters are too and I am not far behind. We are only going this time because we found some very cheap business class air fares. We are too old for cramped 23 hour economy flights. We are nervous and stressed. I tell R, we have done everything we can to ensure things work for us, but there is always the unknown.
As this is published, we may well be in a state of panic.
The bare bones are we arrive in Colombo with a hotel stay of around 12 hours included in the flight cost. We arrive in London about 8pm. We are staying in a nearby Heathrow hotel and have a morning flight (insert some bad words about BA domestic) to Newcastle upon Tyne. To return, we have a tickets booked for a train to London for a late evening flight and the the reverse of travelling to England.
Normally I don't blog or interact but this time I may interact. We shall see.
Back in a month or so. Take good care of yourselves my friends.
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Have a good time and flights and be aware that it is not very warm over here at the moment and is in fact pretty cold.
ReplyDeleteBittersweet indeed. Enjoy yourselves, and try not to stress. I know, easier said than done.
ReplyDeleteHope all goes well and the stress unwarranted. That is why we stopped travelling overseas. As you get older excitement turns to stress. Sad for R to see family for the last time. My brother and I knew it was the last time when we went back in 2008. Try to have some fun too.
ReplyDeleteLong distance flight is always a nightmare for everyone. Enjoy your trip
ReplyDeleteOne last hurrah. I hope you make the most of your time over here and that your arthritis doesn't intrude too much. I have never travelled business class myself as I am a pauper.
ReplyDeletesafe Travel
ReplyDeleteCoffee is on and stay safe.
Have a safe trip. Try to relax and take things as they come.
ReplyDeleteThe Stalker
ReplyDeleteAndrew just enjoy do every thing you want and can do , go the restaurants you really like no matter the cost and enjoy the time with relies and of course sightseeing . Travel safely
You've done all you can. Now relax and enjoy the trip. You will be missed but I can't wait to hear all about it when you get back.
ReplyDeleteTake care. x
Safe travels to you and Ray….hope you took your big coat with you and just remember things have changed since you last were there.
ReplyDeleteBe safe and I hope you enjoy yourselves tremendously.
ReplyDeleteBe safe and enjoy things without worrying about cost etc. Have a great time. You guys will have fun!
ReplyDeleteAn 83 year old friend from England arrives here on Wednesday to stay with us for the 1st time since the pandemic and we will pull out all the stops and enjoy.
Make it a trip to remember. This post brought a tear. Safe travels to you both.
ReplyDeleteWhere on Earth is Colombo? Where's my Atlas? Take lots of photos and have a wonderful time! And please come home safely.
ReplyDeleteGee whizzz!! The last time, it's sad really Andrew.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy, be safe and have a great time to make all those memories to last a life time.
Take care.
Your weariness comes through loud and clear. Hopefully, you'll catch your second wind and enjoy yourself in England.
ReplyDeleteEven if you could easily afford to travel regularly, long trips on planes and long stays in hotels are exhausting at this stage of life.
ReplyDeleteI haven't totally solved the problem, but I have a great idea. Bring the younger members of the British family here, every second year. If the young ones can't afford the tickets alone, raise money from the entire family and put in a share yourselves.
And thank goodness for Zoom.
Enjoy the adventure
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your holiday and try not to dwell on the sadder aspects - easily said, I know. I think Hels's idea is brilliant!
ReplyDeleteSafe trip and stay OK, guys!
ReplyDeleteOld ! What should I say ? Anyway everything in life is a last time, when I visited Rick on a Saturday I didn't think that it was the last time I saw him alive. I prepare myself for the cruise and I know that it will the last time, even when I would get 150 years old, there are places I would never return and people I don't want to see anymore. I am in a situation where everybody around me dies or is in hospital or in a home, it's becomes rare that I find somebody who is like me. Take it easy enjoy and spent the last penny as the last shirt has no pockets !
ReplyDeleteDon't panic! All will be well! As with most major tasks, try not to look at the trip in its entirety. Think of it as a series of smaller, more manageable adventures. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteHope both of you enjoy the trip.
ReplyDeleteNever say never! Relax, roll with it and enjoy!!! Be safe!
ReplyDeletethecontemplativecat here. Overseas flights are the worst, absolutely the worst. Someday I will convince husband that it would be worth it.
ReplyDeletethe anonymous of April 24 is Gattina ! This system gets on my nerves ! é"à $µ
ReplyDeleteBittersweet indeed Andrew, my heart is with you and R. I am facing a similar challenge in Sept/Oct and am dithering even though Daughter will be with me, I know it will be my last trip as it is so very challenging for us elderly. Not to mention expensive.
ReplyDeleteLet us all know how you are managing. Tops for elderly flyers type of thing.
XO
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Best wishes to you both for a safe and happy trip. I'm heading to the UK this weekend also, with some degree of trepidation. Keep safe.
ReplyDeleteRG, where's the blog for that?
DeleteBe safe!
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely stay, Andrew! Wish you a pleasant journey! Take care.
ReplyDelete