two weeks in England including a mini Fodor get together
 

A week ago I returned from England. It was a wonderful trip! At the beginning of June my oncologist said that it was now or never. I really prefer traveling in the fall, but decided to take her at her word and go this month. I had been planning this trip in my mind (half the fun of traveling) for all the dreary months of chemo and went into action to pull things together.

The oncologist said I shouldn't travel alone as I usually do and I had discussed this with a dear friend of fifty years who agreed to go with me. I was so glad that she was with me. We had a lot of laughs and shared so many memories.

So June 8 my friend met me at Logan airport and it was off on our great adventure. I will be eternally grateful to her for making this possible.

More tomorrow--time for bed and I am fading fast.

Oh -- I will really look forward to your report . . . you met up w/ basingstoke - right?

Sorry you are ill. Nice that your old friend could share the trip with you. Don't push yourself -- we can wait on the TR :)

So happy to read that you took this trip. I look forward to reading the details when you have the time and energy. What a joy to take a journey with a friend of 50+ years' duration. Now <i>that's</i> a friendship!

What a gutsy woman - look forward to reading about your trip

On the way to boarding, saw a man who had been pulled over for extra bag check. He was hollering at the woman in charge. Something about, "You are not going to touch my money!" Wonder who won that skirmish!

We flew business class as my oncologist said it would help avoid DVT. I have not flown business before and set out to enjoy this exciting new experience. I am still not convinced that it was worth the extra $$$, but whatever. As soon as we were aloft, I put down the shelf that helps you recline fully and went to sleep for several hours. Woke up in time for breakfast and landing.

Heathrow was as always very busy, and the immigration line very long, but all went smoothly. One little adventure on the way through the line. I noticed a bag seemed to be unattended, so decided to call security over. The woman came and called up the line to see if the bag belonged to anyone. Finally a man admitted that it was his. He was just putting it down and when he reached that point as the line snaked around, he would pull it through. The inspector told him to keep it with him.

He was very put out and gave her some guff, but in the end, amidst much grumbling, he complied.

Through immigration and then the Heathrow Express to London. We could have gotten the tube to the station for Canterbury, but took a cab. Well worth the extra $ as my friend J could see some of London. She had not been in years. Bought a return ticket and set off on the next step of our adventure.

We arrived in Canterbury early afternoon. Our stop for the next four nights was a B&b just a few minutes walk from the station and the center of town.

We arrived at the Black Horse Inn about 1:30. We knew that we were early for check in, but hoped that we could leave our bags and go off to explore. However, there was no answer when we rang the bell. A note in the window said to call a certain number for entry. I have no cell phone and J's did not work in England. What to do?

Back to the main street and find a café and have a bite to eat. We threw ourselves on the mercy of the young man who waited on us. He rang the Black horse on his mobile. After a refreshing but unremarkable lunch, it was back to the B&B where we were greeted by a pleasant young man who let us in through the bar, showed us our room and gave us a key to the outer door and our room.

The room was on the ground floor, thank heavens. It was a lovely twin bedded room with en suite. It was immaculately clean and quiet. We dropped our bags, had a quick wash up and set off to explore.

On the way to the gate into town, we found a place selling rides by punt around the River Stour and canals. We chose the hour and a half option and sat back to enjoy the commentary and views. Lovely trip!

I am enjoying reading this, your love for England is already shining through. I'm so glad you were able to do this trip and with such a valued and trusted friend. I imagine you spent a lot of your time laughing and just enjoying the beauty of the world.

I am excited to read about your mini GTG.

What a terrific start to your report. Waiting for more.....

Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us! I admire your fortitude and love for travel in the UK.

I am so glad you were able to make this trip! Lookig forward to reading about it. BTW I am seriously considering arranging for a wheel chair the next time I have to tackle LHR.

on for the ride

me too - looking forward especially to reading about what you thought of Cornwall! [no pressure!]

Yes - will be following -you're an inspiring person!

Nice start - looking forward to reading more. I returned from the UK a couple weeks ago so will enjoy reading about your travels.
Sorry you are ill and great you could make such a trip.

Great start! Signing in to follow along.

Great report; looking forward to more!

Irishface, I am so pleased that you have had this lovely trip. I'm looking forward to your sharing it with us.

topping

Looking forward to more as well!

I am really enjoying reading about your trip! Sounds wonderful thus far, irishface.