We had a nice visit with Wynn before we departed. Each morning I would use his coffee machine to make one cup at a time for us. He had little pastries to eat too.
We took the Underground back to Victoria Station to take the train to Gatwick Airport. We arrived at Gatwick in plenty of time, and went into an airport shop to spend all our leftover pounds sterling. We bought mostly candy, chips, and snacks to eat on the plane flights home. Whatever money was left over, although it wasn't much, I told the cashier to just keep the change.
Flights were great. We did have to wait a long time in Toronto for the connecting flight, but it all was fine.
Super vacation! But also good to be home.
JANET'S REFLECTIONS
Being the concubine for Ken during this marvelous journey
that included automobiles, shuttles, planes, trains and ships, I had the most
amazing trip of a lifetime! It could never be said that this lifestyle is
anything but delicious and luxurious. Trust me, as a teacher, I would never
have been able to have this incredible adventure.
There is nothing that could have made this trip more
enjoyable. Each day’s adventures started early and lasted all day long, into
the evening and often late at night. Ken planned every day so that there would
be only minutes to spare for an extra pint (or two) to wash down pub delicacies.
Ken knows no strangers and he politely introduced me each time as his
girlfriend or partner, so they would never discover that I was really from an
escort service!
As time moves on - days and months, with time for reflection
and reminiscing, let me share with you the parts that were my favorites. On the
ship, it was the excitement of violent waves flashing out over the porthole of
our cabin, and the pleasure of gathering with all those our age for sing-alongs
with Randon. Countless Long Island Ice Teas, (who knew there was no tea in
this drink?), shots of various spirits, wines, beers, the variety of meals,
especially in the Asian restaurant and the Irish pub, were enjoyed each day. They
always provided delightful cuisine and service.
The uniqueness of traveling by ship is waking up each day
and looking out the porthole to catch the first glimpse of a new country. Norway
caught me by surprise at how the climate was so warm; Ken shared in his blog that
the gulf stream gives it a warm and balmy climate. I have since considered that
if I didn’t have loved ones in this country, I would escape and reside there,
if for no other reason than to not be humiliated by the 45th president.
Iceland, not particularly beautiful, provided fascinating a geothermal collage
of landscape. It fed the gray matter to see what I had read about long ago in geology
textbooks. The Shetland Islands provided their unique ponies having long ago
been isolated from the rest of the world -- intriguing and beautiful.
Each tour guide had stories that made the scenery come alive
in history and culture. If we had traveled and seen these sights on our own, so
much would have been lost. Hearing history from their own voices, based on
knowledge and hand-me-down tales from their families, was special; all the
stories are rather blended together now, but I will go back and read the blog
for specifics as my mind grows dimmer.
England was certainly a highlight. Staying in a home of
friends gave richness to the visit. Such gracious friends picked places that
provided highlighted experiences for a first-time visitor (me) and expand the
experience for Ken, who had enjoyed previous visits. While driving to
historical sights and visiting authentic old pubs, we enjoyed the countryside
with their single-lane roads that were used as two-lane roads, and it helped us
gain the sense of terror that they experience daily in their commuting. They
are brave souls to drive!
After leaving David’s and Hilary’s home and going into
London, the stay in an Airbnb provided opportunity to be in a different setting
and experience the “NY Times Square” of London. We were right in the center
of constant creativity, talent, and excitement of the city.
I can’t thank Ken enough for the gainful employment and the
chance to escort him on this great adventure. I love you my true soul mate. AnF
yours. For those who are reading this to the end, let me say, these last eight years have been the most wonderful, having the love of my life, Ken, close by and sharing in our life's ups and downs.
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