Once again I am back in the UK. The trip was instigated by an upcoming wedding followed by a desire to combine some family history with tourism. Time has got away and I have neglected to write an account of my adventures.
Phantom in sun – our last hours together
Phantom
I had high hopes for the outward trip given it was a direct flight with one stop. However, given the difficult last days prior to departure following our beloved dog’s rapid deterioration and the need for euthanasia, the rush to try and finish necessary jobs and settle in a house minder the departure was a little rushed despite the best efforts of Son Number 2 and his very kind friend to smooth my way. Fortunately I had an aisle seat and could move at will, but spent the not inconsiderable between planes trying to rest without falling asleep and missing the next one. Whatever benefits Singapore Airport had provided for the travelling public were completely lost on me. I did rouse in time to join the tail end of the queue for security and boarding, but am convinced no one would have disturbed my immobile body despite it being placed on the chairs immediately outside the boarding gate. It was a good thing the chairs were uncomfortable.
Arrival in London had me in a very long queue for immigration control. I missed most of the numerous questions I am usually asked about my reason for visiting as my current reason seemed an acceptable one. Son Number One was waiting patiently when I emerged from processing. He was pleased to see me but less impressed with the peak hour traffic which had developed. I got to see some parts of London I’d never have seen but for the getting lost and attempts to dodge traffic.
Then I did next to nothing for a week apart from going on a couple of outings related to the wedding. The weather was wet and miserable and not conducive to making an effort. The photo below shows a view of some of the allotments nearby.
Allotments
People can rent a small area from the local council for the growing of vegetables or flowers. Few people visited it during the wet weather. The other shows my new “best friend” on my bed. He is a most self contained and confident cat. I trust he will forget I accompanied his mistress when she deposited him at the vet for removal of an appendage.
My new “best friend”
I had asked Son number One if he could take me somewhere over the Easter weekend. We and my new “best friend’s” mistress had several great days together and I’ve been on the move since. More photos next time.