UK 2022: Part 1

It’s been three years since I traveled to the UK. Actually, it’s been three years since I’ve traveled almost anywhere. I’m sure it was the same for you too and we all know why!

I have to admit I’d got comfy, really introvert comfy, in my stay-at-home life and didn’t relish travel and all the new protocols that now went with it. Nor did I really want to leave the family of cats who’d come to live in the garden and who’d adopted me as their provider. That’s a story for another time!

But…travel I did!

I arrived at Heathrow in early June after a surprisingly straightforward journey. The airports were empty but my flight was full to capacity. The only noticeable difference was almost everyone on my Thai Airways flight wore a mask.

It was dark and rather chilly by the time Dad greeted me at Arrivals. We quickly loaded my case into the car and headed to Dad’s place. My home for the coming weeks where I was to be well looked after!

It’s nice to be back in familiar surroundings but there’s always some new detail to catch your attention, like electric car charging points now at Tesco, or to catch you out, like new public parking instructions! (OK, back to the car to get the registration number!)

Dad and I got to spend some quality time in each other’s company, taking trips together and revisiting some of our favourite destinations…

…and taking a few trips down memory lane too as we flicked through old family slides. Yup, that’s Dad, followed by me and Mum and then Mum again.

For those of you in the know, you’ll already have worked out that these last two photos are not of the same person – but the likeness is striking isn’t it?

The countryside around Dad’s house is just breathtaking – especially when you’re climbing the hills, haha! We made time to get out into nature, stretch our legs and fill our lungs.

I traveled alone this time with Olly planning to join me later. I had a month to reconnect with family and friends (if only I’d taken more photos!) and to straighten out my house following the exit of a rather disappointing tenant.

I traveled north too, taking the train into London in order to then head up to North Yorkshire.

Oh, so that’s where platform 9 3/4s is!

It was a long overdue visit to see my lovely Mum and spend time with her in her city, York.

We enjoyed meandering down the Shambles and narrow streets of the city, and doing a spot of shopping. And as is almost becoming a tradition when I travel to York, I needed to buy socks. Thick, cozy, most definitely keep your feet warm, kind of socks!

A few birthdays had gone by during covid so we had plenty of celebratory meals together with one absolutely being in our favourite Indian restaurant.

Although, it does rather look like we enjoy fish and chips, doesn’t it?

All too quickly I was back at the train station waving goodbye to Mum! Always a bit sad!

I lucked out and dodged the June train strikes, getting back to Bucks in comfort in just over three hours. A far cry from when I used to drive that journey for hours on the lovely (not) M1!

I was lucky with the weather during June too. It was cold for sure, at least since I’ve been softened by Thailand temperatures, and my new socks certainly came in handy but it was bright and it was sunny. I found such joy in the local walks.

It became my time for contemplation, and I needed it!

In the space of a month, I said a heart-wrenchingly sad and emotional farewell to my dearest lifelong friend, Ann, and also my friend and step-sister of many years, Lucy. I’ll be forever grateful for the time I had with them both. They have shaped me in so many ways, ways that I’m sure I’ve still to appreciate. I miss them both!

June had kept me busy and had passed quickly.

It was time now to set my sights on the first of three pet sits and meeting Olly in London.