I have been told that I DID NOT ONLY write a blog for Mom and Dad……and I have been not so subtly urged to write! So here goes…

A year later than expected and after a decidely tough time, Mom and I are both courageous enough now, to tackle a serious road trip. Go big or go home…so we have a series of planes, trains, boats and automobiles lined up for the next 42 odd days.

Our route takes us first and foremost to Scotland, to visit Gerry and her family in Edinburgh, tour a bit of the highlands and visit old colleagues in Edinburgh. From there is back to London to visit friends in Crawley and Harrogate….quite the social butterfly I am traveling with…..I know no one!! So essentially I am driving Miss Dorothy! From there we will be traipsing and trippin’ through Wales, the Cotslands and Cornwall and Devin. Finally we will head to Southampton for our cruise.

We left Pretoria on Wednesday 26 June and had a fantastic flight with superb service and food….but I think they have got the new business class seats wrong. Not as comfy a nap as before, but awesome flight on my beloved SAA. Then we landed in the land of Boris the Brexiter. Heathrow security personnel are the pits, the women are the worst and rival only those in New York as worse.

Mom was pulled out of the queue and screened, scanned, patted down…as I watched the eyebrows raise and the lips purse and when I heard the eyeroll….I knew a strip search was imminent, so I had to step in a wee bit.

Anyhow off to the lounge for our flight to Edinburgh, you will forgive us for thinking that we were on Mango or Safair…2.5 hour delay to Edinburgh. Those of you who know the car saga will be pleased to know that we were upgraded to a Mitsubishi Cross Escape….lovely car and we are happy.

Our Airbnb…is too stunning for words. Set in an historic heritage site along the Water of Leith walk. Beautifully appointed and awesome views….lock up garage, big enough for the car at least. Met by fab owner who carried all our heavy bags to apartment…my bestest friend.

Straight off to a dinner with Gerry and to catch up with the Herkes clan. What a gorgeous family….all getting so big. Massive thanks Sandra and Colin for driving all the way…for a great catch up. Lots of raucus laughter and teasing.

On Friday a quick trip to the post office to collect my imports of the photosticks. Then we headed off to the Botanical Gardens. Had a great time walking around and displaying my fauna and flora flaws.

For those thinking about emigration….petrol costs R28.50 per liter, and parking is 1.59Pound for 1 hour… that is nearly R30 per hour….

The day was ended with a yummy dinner at Gerry’s place and a special guest Leslie….who has not been seen in 15 years. The conversations were eclectic and hilarious…a truly wonderful evening. Much laughter and horror tales told, in fine fettle . I think that the “folk fee fife are tight” is our new swearing phrase. So much laughter. Gerry has a beautiful home and awesome loving daughters, grandkids and a son inlaw of note! So much love and respect and family bonds….and we just wrapped right up in it. So privileged to be a part of this.

We have arrived in Glenfinnan to see the Viaduct

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and will report back tomorrow night. We are in beautiful hotel, in Fort William looking straight into Ben Nevis….