2024-25 POSTCARD FROM FUERTEVENTURA Wednesday 18 December – Thursday 2 January

On Wednesday 18 December in the late afternoon I was driven to the Hilton Hotel at Gatwick South Terminal for my flight very early the following day. Everything worked reasonably smoothly at Gatwick and my flight to Fuerteventura was more or less on time. However, the Hyatt Secrets was not quite so smooth….!!! Fortunately, they offered me a room upgrade so have a sea view but the internet appeared to be down on the island. Got a few messages on my iphone but nothing on my laptop. All a bit strange. Tried to talk to someone at the front desk but got a useless lady so I wandered off! Did not venture to the pool on day one but took a walk to the supermarket to ensure the bar in my room was topped up! On day two the sun was shining but does not seem to reach the pool very early. Went to breakfast at 9am and no sign of the sun in the pool area. Fortunately, my room is facing the sea and the morning sunshine so I sat on my balcony for quite some time. The day was cool and cloudy so did a bit walking around, although there is nowhere much to go to. My room is freezing so need to get that sorted on day three! And discovered that the pool is icy cold so no swimming. On Sunday I got a heater in my room so that should improve life a bit. I had had to sleep in my towelling robe as I was so cold. Thankfully had a bit of sunshine today, so sat by the pool for a few hours. However, we had a bad storm in the evening – it was very rough outside my room. Thankfully the sun returned on Monday but even so not that warm. Tuesday was a sunny day so lay by the pool [which is too cold to get in to!] all day. Back to the pool on Christmas Day - the sun tried in the morning but it was cool and the afternoon was very chilly. For the next few days the sun came out and it was much warmer, so spent my days lying by the pool and a stroll around the area late afternoon. Don’t much enjoy having to get out to the pool as soon as it opens and grab a towel. Have to make sure to get a sunbed in the sunshine!! On New Year’s Eve I was invited to join two Dutch ladies who had been sunbathing next to me all week and we had a fun dinner together. New Year’s Day the sun tried hard all day – sunbathing but often covering my body with a towel to keep warm! Then time to pack up in the evening. On Thursday 2nd I was picked up at 9.30 and taken to the airport. Sadly BA were much delayed – should have left at 1pm but it was 2.30 before take-off – some technical problems with the aircraft! Fortunately, my suitcase was one of the first off, and I had already heard that my driver was waiting for me. Home soon after 8pm so spent the evening unpacking and sorting before collapsing into bed, exhausted! It was sad that the sun was not that strong and the pool was icy cold. However, at least I had a rest!

2024 POSTCARD FROM CANADA Saturday 12 October –Thursday 24 October

I was picked up at 6.30am on Saturday 12 October and driven to Terminal 2 at LHR for my Air Canada flight to Montreal. On arrival my friends Anne and Gill had just arrived ahead of me, so we queued up and checked in our luggage and then made our way to the Maple Leaf Lounge for some juice/coffee. At 8.45 we walked to our flight and took off at 9.35, just five minutes late. Not impressed with Air Canada – a lot of French spoken and I was told only pasta available for my meal, so I declined it. Hence I enjoyed nuts and bubbly for a lot of the journey and then some biscuits and cheese. We were met by a driver and a small car – how he got all luggage in is incredible – and the three of us were huddled together on the back seat! Our driver had a problem to find the hotel – there had been a bad fire nearby and a lot of the roads were closed. Eventually we got to the hotel but we did not have a particularly warm greeting. Only one room was ready for us! We had particularly asked for our rooms to be ready early but they took no notice of that and the receptionist was very unhelpful. Fortunately after a short while a lady came on duty so I had another ‘shot at the rabbit’ and we got two rooms so we went upstairs and made ourselves some coffee/tea etc. After which we went on an hour’s amble around Old Montreal. In the evening we had drinks in the bar on the roof to get some good views and then dined in the bar on the ground floor. On Sunday we walked into the Old Town and had a morning tour which was very average – too much talking that was being drowned out by musicians wherever we went. After a brief stop for some lunch we had a better guide in the afternoon and a good tour of another part of Montreal. In the evening we dined at a Gaspar restaurant in Old Montreal. On Monday we struggled with problems at the hotel. They were taking money off our credit cards without our permission and also our car to the airport on Tuesday was being difficult about the numbers in the car [3 + luggage – they were insisting only one person!]. Once sorted we went for a walk in the pouring rain. Visited Notre-Dame-de-Consecours – as well as visit the church we climbed to the tower at the top and had some good views. Still in the rain we walked around and found a pub [Brewsky] for some lunch before making our way back to the hotel – arriving back rather wet! In the evening we took ourselves [by taxi to get there ‘cos of the pouring rain!] to Sabrosa, a Mexican restaurant, for dinner, and then walked back to the hotel as thankfully the rain had stopped! The following day, Tuesday, we set off around 10am for the airport and checked in for our Air Canada flight to Winnipeg. There was a 40 minute delay but otherwise an easy flight. We checked into our rooms at the Inn on the Forks in Winnipeg mid afternoon. We then did a short walk around the hotel area – I gave up after a short while having been before – but otherwise Anne and Gill had a good walk around the area. We dined in the hotel that evening. Mid morning on Wednesday we checked out of the Inn on the Forks hotel and took a bus ride to Winnipeg airport. Once checked in and on board it was a fairly painless flight. On arrival in Churchill we were met by two ladies, and then we all boarded two small buses and were driven to the Lazy Bear Lodge in Churchill. After checking in and having a late lunch we got back on board the same bus and were driven on a cultural trip around Churchill. After that it was back to the hotel for some relaxation and dinner. On Thursday we spent a lot of the day in the Crawler – a large type of caravan – touring the Tundra looking for polar bears, and we were lucky enough to find three, in spite of no snow. We had lunch on board and then returned to the lodge for an early dinner and to prepare for our evening excursion – dog mushing! Sledging behind a group of dogs! It was freezing cold, but I have known colder! Friday we were back in the crawler to search out polars! It was a very quiet day on board but we did eventually see two polar bears. In the evening Anne and Gill went search of the Northern Lights but I retired to my room to catch up on some sleep. On Saturday we did a short cultural tour of Churchill and after an early lunch we left for the airport and flew down to Winnipeg. We spent the evening at the Winnipeg Grand Airport Hotel. Gill left us early on Sunday to fly to Toronto to meet a girlfriend. After breakfast Anne and I flew from Winnipeg to Calgary where we were met by a very efficient car service and driven to The Westin in Calgary. We had a quiet afternoon in our rooms and then took ourselves out for a lovely meal at Barbarella in the evening. On Monday Anne and I did a day trip to Banff and Lake Louise. Sadly there was a lot of low cloud so the Rockies were not visible but it did snow a lot so we had some good views of snowy trees, but we had a rather a long journey back to Calgary thanks to the wintery weather. On Tuesday we had a walking tour of Calgary in the morning which was excellent after which we took ourselves to the top of the CNN Tower and thankfully Anne had a good view of the sunny Rockies, albeit from a distance. I spent the afternoon catching up with myself with photos etc. Wednesday was a day for packing up and getting out of our rooms – and then off to the airport for the flight home which left on time and arrived in London on time.

2024 POSTCARD FROM CROATIA Friday 2 August – Sunday 11 August

I was picked up at the unearthly hour of 5.30am on Friday 2nd August and got to the airport half an hour later. From then on it was chaotic. Terminal 3 is not my favourite terminal [not sure why BA use it for short haul] – I sat in the BA lounge for an hour or so and then tried to make my way to the Gate but BA simply would not put up the Gate number. So at 8am I walked around to try and find the Gate. Eventually found it at 8.30am but all the BA ladies seemed unsure as to whether it was the right Gate or not. Eventually at 8.45 they decided it was and put us all on buses [a long ride – thought we were off to Gatwick!] to the plane. Once on board we sat and we sat – after ¾ hour they gave us some water, and still we sat. We eventually took off 65 minutes late. At least I got a glass of fizz and some brunch! Pretty chaotic at Zagreb airport too – however did eventually find someone to take me to my hotel [with 10 others] and did eventually manage to check into my hotel by 3pm! Quite a palavar! Hotel OK – and had a reasonable room. However, having been to Zagreb before it was a rather long and boring afternoon, and no coffee on offer in the room either. On Saturday I had a dreadful day! Checked out of my room at midday. We should have been picked up at 1pm and taken to the Lady Eleganza in Opatije. However, she had a collision with a ferry so they were searching out a new ship for us. They delayed our departure to 3pm, so 3 hours in the hotel lounge with no food or drink. We [just 25 of us] were then driven for 5 hours to Zadar to a new ship called Bellezza. Once in Zadar they had to take us to dinner – at 9pm – as the new ship had not arrived. So a very very late night by the time we go on board and unpacked. I think I turned my light out at 2.30 am. On Sunday I spent most of the day on the top deck soaking up the sunshine. My sciatica was worse than ever – probably from spending 5 hours on a coach. We cruised all the way from Zadar to Rab where some went on a walking tour. On Monday we cruised back to Pag and dropped anchor so that some of us could go swimming in the Adriatic – good for my sciatica. After lunch I spent the afternoon on the top deck soaking up the sunshine. Tuesday was sunshine on the top deck but we then had an amazing display from the fire fighting pilots putting out a mountain fire. In the evening we had dinner in the village of Radosic. Back to the ship around 9.30 for a nightcap before bed. On Wednesday we visited Krka National Park – beautiful waterfalls but very hot and very exhausting as we were walking for two hours – and my sciatica was playing up a lot. That evening there was a lot singing, so I slipped away to bed. On Thursday we were woken at 5am when the ship had to move itself around – they seem to like berthing their ships side by side, but then in the morning all have to move to let others out – nightmare. That day I went on a rather poor trip to Komiza on the island of Vis, and sadly we had a guide who didn’t draw a breath on the coach journey. En route to Hvar we stopped for a lovely swim in the Adriatic. Then back to the top deck for the afternoon, while we sailed to Hvar, where arrived quite late. Having been there before I did not go on an evening tour but took myself to the bar while the other 24 went on a short tour of Hvar. On Friday morning we woke to find we had sailed for Korcula. A quiet morning on board and another swim in the Adriatic. We arrived in Korcula at 3pm and I went on a short walking tour of the town. An early dinner that night so we could watch the sunset at 8pm. On Saturday I spent the day on the top deck, mostly in the shade as it was quite warm! We sailed all morning and arrived in Dubrovnik at lunchtime. Having been before I did not join any tour but relaxed on the top deck. Then it was time to pack cases and prepare for the Captain’s dinner on our last night. Quite a good dinner – at least I had a good table, and after dinner the Captain kindly invited me to visit his Bridge. Then returned to my friends for one more nightcap! A bit of problem getting off the ship with moving ships around, but eventually made it to the airport. Had a lousy flight with very noisy kids sitting in front of me in Business class. BA should not allow it – or at least put them at the back of Business. Too many hiccups for me. And no apology from APT for all that we have been through.

2024 POSTCARD FROM THE ISLE OF WIGHT Wednesday 29 May – Sunday 2 June

I took a train from Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour on Wednesday morning and then joined some of my fellow travellers with Rail Discoveries in Wightlink to wait for our ferry to Ryde. We eventually got on a ferry at 3.15 and travelled over to the Isle – once in Ryde we transferred to a train that took us to Sandown, and then a bus to our hotel. At least this time I had a room bigger than a cupboard and I had a sea view! Had a good dinner first night and then early to bed with a large glass of wine. On Thursday morning we left the hotel at 9.15 and went to visit the little church of St Mildred’s – very close to Osborne House. A really fascinating church. From there we were driven on to Osborne House. I visited the House, then the beach and then the Swiss House before being caught in an horrendous rain storm. Sadly there were a lot of children around [for what appeared to be a half-term event in the Gardens] which rather spoilt the visit to the House. The rain storm finished me off! We were given five hours there, but I was exhausted and wet after three hours so went back to the bus very early to dry off and recover myself. Dinner that evening was OK but had two tricky people at my table who I found quite difficult to converse with. On Friday our first stop was the Needles, so we were taken to a rather poor Visitors Centre to get a photo of the Needles. The Centre was full of kids thanks to Half Term. At least the sun was shining so got some good photos but it was all rather unimpressive! From there we moved on to Yarmouth for a walk around – not a lot to see there. And then on to Carisbrooke Castle which I last visited in 1953. Spent about an hour walking around the Castle and its Walls but again there were too many screaming kids, so I soon returned to the bus to get away from the noise. Our last stop was Godshill – thankfully no kids but not an easy place to walk around with fast cars whizzing through. Managed to get up God’s hill to visit the church which was well worth the visit. Saturday morning was not the best – trying to get on and off steam trains and local trains, and nothing much to see wherever you went. Thankfully the sun was out so could spend the afternoon taking a wander around Sandown. Sunday was on to an early coach to Shanklin Station and from there to Ryde for a catamaran across to Portsmouth Harbour. My train to London was cancelled but by luck I managed to hop on to a connecting train to Fratton where I transferred on to a train to Waterloo which got me to London fairly promptly. Took a 211 bus across London to get me home soon after 2pm. Glad to be back home again!

2024 POSTCARD FROM NORTH WALES Monday 15 – Saturday 20 April

I took an Avanti train from Euston to Llandudno via Chester on Monday 15 April. We were delayed a bit by fallen trees, but eventually reached Chester only a little late. The journey from Chester to Llandudno was very slow and seemed to stop at a station every five minutes! Once there I took a taxi to the Dunoon Hotel where I checked into a small box of a room! On night one I had a good dinner table but sadly the Group Tour Manager failed to organise a meeting/drink with everyone before dinner, which was a shame. Hotel very average – room so small you couldn’t sling a mouse let alone a cat. No safe and no ISB plugs. Difficult to charge everything up with only two 3-point plugs. The bathroom was so small it was unbelievable – nowhere to put anything. On day one we set off at 08.45 for our Welsh Highland Railway train at Beddgelert. We had a wonderful journey to Caernarfon on the train and spent then spent the afternoon in Caernarfon visiting the town and the castle. After that we travelled by coach to Plas Cadnant Gardens where we spent an hour or so wandering around. We then travelled past the Menai and Britannia Bridges, as well as Penmaenmawr and Morfar beaches back to Llandudno. We all had a quiet dinner in the hotel that evening. On day two we spent the morning in Conwy Castle with a good guide, and then moved on to Snowdon. We boarded the Snowdon Mountain Railway and travelled three-quarters of the way up Snowdon. Weather at this time of year is not good enough to go to the top! After a short walk around in freezing weather we all got back on board and travelled back down to Llanberis. Once there we moved on to the Slate Museum – having been there before I went to the coffee shop for a hot chocolate! From there it was back to our hotel. On day three we had to look after ourselves so I took the local tram up to Great Orme in the morning. A good journey but it was so bitterly cold [and very windy] that I took a look for about 20 minutes or so and then made my way back. Spent an hour or so in the hotel warming up and then went for a walk along Llandudno Promenade until it started to spit with rain. So back to the hotel to relax for the afternoon – but someone must have told them I was there as – guess what – they started drilling in the room next to me! After kicking up a fuss and trying all sorts of solutions they managed to persuade the workmen to stop until tomorrow when we are out all day! They eventually soothed me with a glass of wine! On day four we visit Gwydir Castle in the morning – more like an old palace than a castle. It had a lovely garden with many peacocks make a good noise and display of themselves. From there we took the Festiniog Railway to Porthmadog, and after a visit to Portmeiron [been before!] we were driven back to our hotel. Dinner that evening was started with a Welsh harpist which was good! And back to Euston on Saturday – long old journey!

2024 POSTCARD FROM AFRICA [BOTSWANA & SOUTH AFRICA] Monday 19 February – Monday 11 March 2024

I had a very poor flight to Johannesburg on Monday 19th. We went over a lot of ‘cobbles’ so was wide awake for many hours, and then the Galley started crashing around, so basically got no sleep. Arrived in Jo’burg about 15 minutes early and then had to spend four hours at the airport. Fortunately found a lounge where I could use wifi and catch up with myself and await my next flight. Eventually arrived in Kasane at 1.30 and my guide Innocent met me. After settling in went on a short evening safari and saw hundreds of elephants, plus a few giraffe, buffalo and hippo and needless to say hundreds of impala! Night one was not very good. After a nice dinner retired to my room and sorted my photos before falling into bed very tired indeed after two days of travel. Sadly I woke up in the middle night feeling ill and was very sick. Then slept on until around 5.30am when I was woken again with a bad stomach and had to rush to the loo many times. Took some Imodium and hopefully that sorted it. It did! Went on a good safari that morning with no problems. In the afternoon I was joined by a very nice lady called Vee, and we had a lovely afternoon on a boat safari on the Chobe River. On Thursday morning Vee and I joined our guide Innocent on a good day out, first a safari drive, and then a boat cruise around the Chobe River with food and wine thrown in!!! [Not that I ate much but I enjoyed some Rosé wine]. Then a quiet dinner and an earlyish night. Friday morning I did a game drive with Vee and a good viewing of a lioness with cubs enjoying their kill of an impala. In the afternoon I went on a boat ride with Innocent on my own and a lovely afternoon seeing elephants, hippos, crocodiles to mention a few and many wonderful birds. Saturday I was on my own all day, so went out on a whole day safari from 8am to 4.45pm. We drove for a couple of hours first thing on a main road [albeit with plenty of animals!], to a different part of Chobe National Park. We then spent the day travelling back to the lodge across the National Park. It will be especially remembered for seeing hundreds of giraffes, many of them unusually sitting down! Also saw plenty of elephants and lions, as well as some beautiful birds. On Sunday I spent the day on a boat on the Chobe River with my guide Innocent. The morning was excellent, the afternoon not so good. My boat was so small there was no loo and we were on board from 9am to 3.30pm. I managed to persuade him to let me leap off and go into the bushes once! We did however have a very good viewing of elephants playing in the water, which made my day, and also some unbelievably large hippos. My guide did not organise things quite as well as usual, but we did manage some hot chocolate with Amarula in the morning and some Rosé wine with a light lunch. On my final day in Botswana, I did a morning and an afternoon game safari by car and saw hundreds of elephants that day in and around the Chobe River, saw a few lions too. In the evening I was the sole guest of the lodge so enjoyed a quiet dinner and an earlyish night! On Tuesday morning, I had a lie-in and late breakfast, and then spent the morning packing up. I left the lodge at 2.30pm for the airport. It was a long afternoon/evening! A flight to Jo’burg, and then a tight connection to Cape Town, getting there at 8pm, but not out of the airport until 8.30pm. My car/shuttle picked me up and I eventually got to the hotel at 9.30. I had a lovely room, although it was a bit sad to have a bare fridge and no welcome note. On Wednesday I spent the morning by the pool, and on my return to my room all had been put right with bottles and a full fridge and some other bits and pieces, all courtesy of the General Manager!!! Enjoyed an evening in my room consuming some of the goodies and had an early night. On Thursday I spent the morning by the pool and then met up with a girlfriend for a lovely evening – sundowners on the waterfront followed by dinner in a nearby restaurant. After that I tended to spend my mornings by the pool and have a wander around the Waterfront in the late afternoon. Sometimes dining in my room and sometimes on the Waterfront. One evening I went on a sunset cruise – not the most exciting event but got some good photos and had a glass or two of fizz. The following evening I had an early drink with the GM of the Table Bay Hotel – it was good to be able to discuss things from my side, and from her side it was interesting to hear about the refurbishment of the hotel in 2025 [from 1/3-1/12]. On my last day but one, my friend Kerry picked me up at 10.45 and took me off into the winelands for the day. We started off in very thick cloud but it soon gave away to sunshine and we had a lovely sunny day. We visited Beau Constantia and Groot Constantia wine estates, had lunch at Bistro 1682 and then she drove me back via Hout Bay and Chapman’s Creek to see some of the wonderful views. My last day and a half were spent by the pool in gorgeous weather, doing nothing very much! Had an easy journey home, landing at 4.30am and was home soon after 6am and went straight to bed! <

2023-24 POSTCARD FROM THE CARIBBEAN Tuesday 19 December – Tuesday 9 January

 I was picked up by a special car from Silversea at 7am on Tuesday morning, 19 December, and driven to LHR where I faced another BA crisis!  They had moved the Club check in from one end of Terminal 5 to the other end, so had to walk the length of it with luggage and then found a long queue, of course, at check in!  The new check in centre is the opposite end of the terminal to the Club Lounge – a long walk back once inside the Terminal.  The fun and games of BA.

Flight took off almost on time and arrived a little early.  Was met by a smart lady, who then found me a driver once I had got my luggage, and I was then driven to the Sugar Bay Hotel.  Room average but nice sea view.  After a couple of rum punches as I sorted myself out, I went to dinner and sank a lot of rosé.  Then took a rum and ginger ale to bed with me and slept pretty well.  Spent a few hours on the beach the next morning, and then retired to my room to find drilling going on [just like being back home!].  Eventually persuaded them to stop for a few hours!  It was raining outside so relaxed in my room.

 

My last morning at Sugar Bay was a struggle to stop them from drilling.  Eventually when they did start I went downstairs to reception and waited there for my taxi.  He arrived just before 12.30 for the 15 minute drive to the Cruise Terminal. Embarkation wasn’t due until 2pm but this crazy tour agency insisted I leave an hour and a half before check-in was due.

 

Eventually checked in and got on board a little early so went to a bar for a drink as our cabins were not ready.  At 2pm we were given the go ahead to go to our cabins so plenty of time to unpack and relax before the life boat drill.  Then had a quiet Italian dinner and retired with a nightcap.  Had a dreadful night not only was there a lot of noise in my cabin but from absolutely nowhere a cold descended on me – streaming nose and coughing.  Thankfully I had nothing on the next morning until 1pm so took it easy in my room/balcony.  In the afternoon did a visit to a Nature Reserve in Tobago – a lot of humming birds but not much else.  In the evening it was the Captain’s Reception – all very weird these days.  You don’t stand and mix with everyone, you sit down with a glass of champagne.  The Captain introduced his team, but I didn’t manage to hear one name/job title!  Once that was over I went to the Solo party, but it was in a bar but could find no Solos!  Eventually sat at the bar with a lady who was sort of Solo, but travelling with her mother and daughter who had remained in their cabins.  We had a good chat and decided to dine at the restaurant on that deck where you don’t have book – but unbelievably it was full.  So we went to a SALT Kitchen.  Did not enjoy their food – very strong rich flavours.

 

Overnight I became quite ill – coughing and sneezing a lot and even very sick – very rare for me.  The nurse came to visit me and gave me some medicines and I was told to remain in my cabin.  To be honest I was quite happy about this.  I found the ship too big and found it difficult to find my way around.  So I missed St Lucia.   The next day the nurse told me my fever was down but I had to stay in my cabin.  No problem as I felt lousy and was still coughing and sneezing a lot.  Sadly though I missed Bequia.  Still taking four pills 

 

Christmas Day was at sea so I spent it quietly in my cabin/on my balcony.  I did manage to go to a restaurant for the Christmas dinner but was not impressed.  Am still on one pill at bedtime which forbids alcohol within an hour of taking, so I have to relax in my cabin after dinner for an hour!

On Boxing Day we arrived in Curacao – I cancelled my tour as it was in a submersible and I didn’t feel I should be coughing over everyone in there.  Took a shuttle up to the Floating Bridge in Willemstad and had a walk around there to remind myself of the little place.  Sadly there were four huge ships in that day hence a mass of some very fat and noisy tourists!  So back to the comfort of my cabin.  The next day we were in Aruba, so I took the shuttle out of the cruise terminal and wandered around Oranjestad, but there was nothing new to see so returned to my cabin.  Thursday 28^th was another quiet day at sea, so I relaxed in my cabin.

 

On 29^th December we arrived in Cartagena and I had a wonderful day there.  After great difficulty in getting out of the terminal, I found my friend Angelica [PA to Felipe Bautista], and we had a fun day together wandering around my favourite Colombian city.  We had a good lunch and finished up the day with a rooftop drink before I returned to the ship.  

 

On 30^th December we departed Cartagena just before 11am and sailed for Colon, Panama.  Spent a very quiet day in my cabin.  In Colon I went on a Walking Tour of the Old City, but it was not the best.  Not least it took us an hour by coach there [and back].  Having been there before I should have known better not to bother! On New Year’s Eve I had a quiet dinner and an early night!   New Year’s Day was spent quietly in my cabin, coughing away!

 

On 2^nd January we visited Roatan Island [Honduras] and I did a tour of the island – big disappointment as it was full of rubbish and potholes.  In fact, the guide told us the most dangerous thing on the island was their roads!  The following day I did a tour of Cozumel which was not much better a very boring and very long tour but at least no rubbish and pot holes!  Both tours were very badly organised.  Excursion team were nowhere to be seen once you got off the ship.

 

After a day at sea – a day to pack up! – we arrived in Fort Lauderdale just before 7am.  By 8am I was out
of cabin and at 8.30 I disembarked.  A car picked me up and took me to the Turnberry Isle Resort.  After a bad room to start with [no bath and on the ground floor], and after a lot of problems in moving my luggage, I eventually moved into a nice room with a bath, with a balcony overlooking the pool.  I spent the afternoon on my little balcony reading, and soaking up the sun when it showed itself!  In the evening I had dinner with my friend Angelica, who had just arrived in Miami, and another lady from Felipe’s team, called Ye!   Saturday was rather a miserable day – I tried the pool for an hour or two in the morning but it was a bit chilly so retired to my room.  That evening I met up with Angelica and Ye again and we dined in the Turnberry Isle Resort.   The following day was chilly and wet so was stuck in my room all day.  In the evening I dined at Corsair Kitchen.  As there was a big party going on in the pool area, I took an extra ‘glass’ to my room to knock myself out as soon as the party finished – around 10pm.  The last morning was grey with the sun struggling so I stayed in my room and packed up – with the odd few minutes here and there on my balcony.

 

I had a very easy journey home – Felipe’s car took me to the airport, I checked in easily and spent some time in the Lounge before going on the 20 minute journey to the Gate.  Had a very smooth easy flight and was home by 8am.  Not the best of holidays – very poor cruise and lousy weather.

 

 

2023 POSTCARD FROM THE LAKE DISTRICT Tuesday-Thursday 24-26 October 2023

 I met my friend Sue at Euston Station at 12.30 and we eventually boarded our train at 13.20.  It left on time, and although we had  reserved seats we were not together, so I eventually moved to a seat next to Sue. Wearrived on time at Oxenholme and took a taxi to our hotel, The Windemere Manor Hotel.  There we had some fun and games for half an hour or so.  Sue had a good room but my room had not been cleaned, so back down stairs.  Second room had nothing in except a bed.  No shelves, no cupboards, no table, just a bed and four walls.  So back down again.  We then sat and had some coffee and the receptionist offered us a glass of bubbles while we waited.  Eventually I got a room with a bed, cupboards, a desk, coffee-making facilities and a bathroom with a bath.  Phew!   Dinner was OK, but many things on the menu were not available.  So after sinking a bottle over dinner we retired to bed! 

At 9.15 on Wednesday morning we took a taxi into Windermere and half an hour later we met up with Jim, our ‘Mountain Goat’ guide for the day.  We eventually got everyone on board our mini-bus – 12 in all – a full bus load.  Thankfully a good lot of passengers who all behaved impeccably all day!  During the eight hour day Jim took us around ten Lakes.  We stopped for some excellent views/photo opportunities, as well as loo and food stops!  We had very good weather most of the day and had some stunning views of the lakes and the autumnal trees. We also called into Keswick and Grassmere and stopped at the Castlerigg Stone Circle.

At 5.30 we were dropped at the drive to our hotel after a really good day.  In the evening we had plenty of drinks and some dinner in the hotel.  The service/food/drink not brilliant, but a very nice ‘manager’ for the evening came and apologised and told us the evening was on the hotel.  

On Thursday morning we taxied back to Oxenholme at 10.30 and caught the 11.26 train, getting into Euston just after 2pm.  I arrived home around 3pm.  An excellent few of days.

 

2023 POSTCARD FROM MALLORCA Thursday 5 October–Saturday 14 October 2023

I had a good flight from Heathrow to Mallorca, sitting next to a delightful guy who worked in Duty Free around the world!  Based in Miami but has a home in Mallorca and was on his way to meet up with his wife and family.  We had a very interesting journey in the air!

My taxi driver had difficulty in finding my hotel in Soller, but eventually she did, and I then spent the evening unpacking and sorting myself out and enjoying a glass or two from a kind gift left my girlfriend who recommended the hotel to me.

 

After that my days were spent quietly by the pool and then enjoying local restaurants in the evening. 

 

My hotel was very small but I had a room with a lovely view [see sunset from my room below].  Sadly however the pool was unheated and small and it was 60 steep steps from the pool/breakfast room to my room!  That was my daily exercise!

 

At least, thankfully the sun shone for ten days, although the mossies regularly enjoyed breakfast, lunch and dinner off me!

 

The manager of the hotel had to help me take my luggage on departure as the taxi could only park a good five minute walk away down a difficult path.  Once at the airport, had an easy journey home.

2023 POSTCARD FROM CRUISE AROUND THE BRITISH ISLES Thursday 24 August–Thursday 7 September

 On Thursday 24 August I was driven from London to Portsmouth where I was efficiently met by Noble Caledonian staff around 3pm.  After about an hour I boarded MS Hebridean Sky and after numerous talks and drills we eventually sailed at 6.45pm.  Sailing out of Portsmouth we saw the two carriers the Queen Elizabeth and the Prince of Wales sitting side by side.

 

Sadly the weather was not good enough for us to visit the Channel Islands on day one so we sailed for Cornwall instead!  At 8.30 the following morning we arrived at the pretty town of Fowey.  I declined the offer of a zodiac tour up/down the River Fowey for an hour in the morning [not my favourite means of transport] so walked the deck for quite some while!  I did venture into Fowey for an hour in the afternoon, but the place was swarming and it started to rain, so I returned to the ship.

 

On Saturday morning we arrived in the Scilly Isles.  I went on an excursion in the morning to Tresco to visit their Abbey Garden [although there is no abbey!].  A really beautiful garden and a lovely morning’s walk.  In the afternoon we had a long journey by boat to St Agnes and I went on the longest ‘short walk’ I have ever been on!  I have walked almost six miles today!

 

On Sunday morning we arrived in Fishguard after a fairly rough night!  I decided not to go on any walks after yesterday’s exhausting day, but took a bus into Fishguard to see the “Last Invasion Tapestry”.  After lunch I joined an excursion into St David’s to visit the wonderful cathedral.  

On Monday we were diverted to Douglas rather than Peel in the Isle of Man.  Having spent five days in the Isle of Man last year I decided not to go ashore – just to take it easy on board.  Still managed to walk over 3 miles around the deck!

On Tuesday our visit to Raithlin Island was cancelled because of bad weather, so we headed for Londonderry and took buses to visit the Giant’s Causeway.  I have to say it was not as wonderful as I had expected.  To try and walk on the stones was difficult without anything to hang on to.  However, I am glad I have been there – and seen that!   In the afternoon I had a quiet and enjoyable wander around Derry/Londonderry, and even walked their Walls.

After a very rough night sailing the Atlantic, we arrived in St Kilda, and took zodiacs ashore – not the best of experiences as it was still quite choppy!  St Kilda itself was a strange place, lots of deserted cottages, thousands of Cleiteans [food storages], and many sheep!  The following day we arrived in Scrabster.  Here we visited the Castle of Mey in the morning and John O’Groats in the afternoon.  Two new experiences for me!

On Friday 1^st September we headed to the Shetlands and visited Unst in the afternoon on a beautiful sunny day.  A delightful part of the Shetlands with lots of sheep, Shetland ponies as well as a Viking longhouse and longboat!  We had a good view of Muckle Flugga lighthouse – the furthest north you can go in the UK

On the 2^nd, my birthday, we docked in Lerwick, slightly further south on the Shetlands.  Took myself into the town for a short walk around in the morning.  In the afternoon we were taken on a drive around Lerwick and a visit to Jarlshof archaeological ruins.  In the evening I had a good table to celebrate my birthday – with a birthday cake and a sing-song!

Arrived in Aberdeen in the afternoon of Sunday 3^rd September and took a tour to Glamis Castle which was wonderful, even if it was a long journey as our original port of Montrose proved difficult to get into so it was Aberdeen instead.  

On Monday we were to go out for the day – with packed lunches.  We arrived in Eyemouth at 7am, at anchor, and by 8.30 we were on our way.  Zodiacs to get ashore and then a long bus journey to Alnwick Castle.  We spent the morning there going around the grounds and ate our lunch in their courtyard.  It was a glorious day so thankfully no problem to sit around for a while.  After lunch it was back on the bus and on to Holy Island, or Lindisfarne as it is known. The bus drove us across the causeway to Holy Island.   It was a long and tough walk to the Castle, where we had a tour.   Afterwards the long walk back and then we wandered around the island visiting the old Priory and St Mary’s Church, before getting back on the bus to go back to our zodiacs and the ship.

On a sunny Tuesday morning we arrived in Whitby and once again had to zodiac ashore.  In the morning I went on a coach tour of the Yorkshire moors – some wonderful sights of colourful heather.  In the afternoon I visited the site of the old Whitby Abbey and St Mary’s Church.  The Abbey was stunning in the glorious sunshine.

Around midday on Wednesday we arrived in Ipswich and were berthed in the industrial part of the port – not the best!  During the afternoon I went on a coach trip to Helminging Hall to see their beautiful gardens.  That evening was the farewell dinner and some rather strange arrangements of taking your glass up to the Lounge for your chocolate dessert and the film show of our trip – to be given to us on USB sticks!  I then retired to the Bar with some new friends for an hour or so before going back to my cabin to do a final pack.

 

Thursday morning we had to be up early to get our luggage outside our rooms.  A swift breakfast and then pack up everything else.  I was off the ship by 9.40 and in my car by 9.45.  Home by 11.15!

 

A very average holiday – good visits but poor organisation on board the ship.

 

2023 POSTCARD FROM ANGLESEY & NORTH WALES Monday 15 – Friday 19 May

I took an Avanti train from Euston to Holyhead at 9am on the morning of Monday, and was not impressed.  I had booked myself a first-class seat so that I was looked after. Necessary when I was travelling with a broken hand.  All I got in my almost four-hour journey was a cup of coffee and a glass of water. They did offer breakfast when I got on but as I had some before I left home I turned it down.  But some lunch and a glass of something would not have gone amiss.  A bad start on the journey to visit by birth country.

On arrival at Holyhead the taxi I had booked was nowhere to be seen.  On calling the taxi people they said he had left after five minutes.  The train was only about 8 minutes late – you would think he could have waited for the train to come in.  Not impressed.  He came back five minutes later.  Good job it was sunny and not pouring with rain.

 

The Trearddur Bay Hotel wasn’t much better.  I had told them I would arrive around 1.30pm but even so my room wasn’t ready.  After about 15 minutes I was told my room was ready – it was next to the one I had booked – even so not much of a “sea view”.  By this time I was getting fairly fed up!  I have the tiniest room you can imagine – beams to knock your head, steps into/out of the bathroom. One shelf for your clothes.  Two tiny drawers which will only take little bits and pieces.  Far from impressed with this place so far.

 

So at 3 o’clock took myself for an hour’s walk around Trearddur Bay on a beautiful if chilly afternoon and calmed myself down.  Once back there was a better team on duty in the hotel and everything went a bit smoother!  Had quite a good dinner in the hotel restaurant that evening.

On Tuesday morning I met my guide Lynne at 9am and we set off on a day tour of Anglesey.  She was very informative, a good driver, and very good company.  We had a great day in glorious, if chilly, weather circulating Anglesey.  It was all absolutely fascinating. We stopped at many interesting places, some beautiful churches, and of course LlanfairPG [with the very long name] which I can pronounce thanks to my Aunt teaching me many years ago! We were out and about from 9am to 5.30pm so accomplished a lot during the day.  In the evening I had dinner at the Inn on the Bay [next to the hotel] but was not impressed. Food was OK, service was not!

 

On Wednesday I took a local bus into Holyhead and spent 3 hours wondering around the town, seeing the port, a war memorial and some churches – one particularly lovely one called St Cybi’s.  

 

The RAF have been particularly busy up here with lots of flights every day, including the Lancaster which is honouring the 80^th anniversary of the Dambusters.  It flew right over my head, but I wasn’t quick enough with the camera!

 

On Thursday my wonderful guide, Lynne, picked me up at 9am and we set off on a tour of North Wales.  First stop was the beautiful Lake Padarn with Snowdonia in the background.  Stunning views around the Lake.  From there we visited various wonderful little towns, including Portmeirion, Beddgelert, Tremadog and Carnarvon as well as the fascinating National Slate Museum. 

 

My hotel continued its worst on Friday morning with an inedible omelette for breakfast.  Will be glad to get away at 2pm.  My return journey was only marginally better than the outward one.  No service from Holyhead to Crewe, although the guard kindly brought me a cup of coffee.  From Crew to Euston I had a small amount of service – at last!  I got some cheese/cold meats and biscuits and some wine – wonders never cease!  Arrived back on time and found my car who drove me home within half an hour.  

 

A good trip except for the hotel and the trains!  An excellent guide and two wonderful day-tours.