Before we are up up and away …on big trip to UK/EU.
A few weeks to go and thank goodness Olympics will be finished by then.
First stop for 2 nights in Dubai.
Then London for a week…
And these riots in UK …. I hope that all settles by time we get there!
I’m just watching ASX for a bit until our $au is better compared to £uk and €eu

(What fun I’ve discovered all these currency keys on my phone  ;D)

I’ve put yellow fluoro coloured ribbons on the luggage.

I’m open for any good hints from seasoned travellers here  :)

Say gidday to King Charles for me please.

Bobby. wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 3:12pm:

Say gidday to King Charles for me please.

Well I could do from outside Buckingham Palace :)

Sophia wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 3:16pm:

Bobby. wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 3:12pm: Say gidday to King Charles for me please. Well I could do from outside Buckingham Palace :)

Just don't get in the way of Royal Guards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaW7eigKbX4

Congrats.

Clever tip I heard was to pack some of his clothes in your bag and vice versa.
If one bag gets misplaced you'll have a change of clothes to wear for a day or 2.

tallowood wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 3:30pm:

Sophia wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 3:16pm: Bobby. wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 3:12pm: Say gidday to King Charles for me please. Well I could do from outside Buckingham Palace :) Just don't get in the way of Royal Guards https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NaW7eigKbX4

Far out! Vicious some of them.
I will keep my vid going to capture anything out of ordinary  8-)

Sprintcyclist wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 3:59pm:

Congrats. Clever tip I heard was to pack some of his clothes in your bag and vice versa. If one bag gets misplaced you'll have a change of clothes to wear for a day or 2.

Yes a good tip indeed! Trouble is medications need to be split up too.
But I will be very intricate with all these details.

We have booked a 2 day with over night b&b stay to see Stonehenge and Bath etc

Sophia wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 4:51pm:

We have booked a 2 day with over night b&b stay to see Stonehenge and Bath etc

Nice  :)

I did that trip.

Stonehenge is great - there are shuttle buses to drive you up to the stones or, you can take a leisurely stroll up from the gift shop if the weather is good and you have enough time.

I really enjoyed Bath too, and the tour of the baths.

I remember having lunch in a tiny little coffee shop on a cobblestone road.  From memory it was a locally made chicken pie.

The person I was travelling with was a keen knitter and crocheter, and we found a little store in Bath that just sold yarn - she was in heaven.

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 4:57pm:

Sophia wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 4:51pm: We have booked a 2 day with over night b&b stay to see Stonehenge and Bath etc Nice  :) I did that trip. Stonehenge is great - there are shuttle buses to drive you up to the stones or, you can take a leisurely stroll up from the gift shop if the weather is good and you have enough time. I really enjoyed Bath too, and the tour of the baths. I remember having lunch in a tiny little coffee shop on a cobblestone road.  From memory it was a locally made chicken pie. The person I was travelling with was a keen knitter and crocheter, and we found a little store in Bath that just sold yarn - she was in heaven.

Oh I’ve started knitting and crocheting again since last winter and I’m always looking for unique wool!
I will keep a look out for this shop!  :)

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 4:57pm:

Sophia wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 4:51pm: We have booked a 2 day with over night b&b stay to see Stonehenge and Bath etc Nice  :) I did that trip. Stonehenge is great - there are shuttle buses to drive you up to the stones or, you can take a leisurely stroll up from the gift shop if the weather is good and you have enough time. I really enjoyed Bath too, and the tour of the baths. I remember having lunch in a tiny little coffee shop on a cobblestone road.  From memory it was a locally made chicken pie. The person I was travelling with was a keen knitter and crocheter, and we found a little store in Bath that just sold yarn - she was in heaven.

Ah, I found the shop.  This it it:  https://ayarnstory.co.uk/

We were served by the owner, Carmen.

And this was the cafe we had lunch in:  https://www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk/

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 5:02pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 4:57pm: Sophia wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 4:51pm: We have booked a 2 day with over night b&b stay to see Stonehenge and Bath etc Nice  :) I did that trip. Stonehenge is great - there are shuttle buses to drive you up to the stones or, you can take a leisurely stroll up from the gift shop if the weather is good and you have enough time. I really enjoyed Bath too, and the tour of the baths. I remember having lunch in a tiny little coffee shop on a cobblestone road.  From memory it was a locally made chicken pie. The person I was travelling with was a keen knitter and crocheter, and we found a little store in Bath that just sold yarn - she was in heaven. Ah, I found the shop.  This it it:  https://ayarnstory.co.uk/ We were served by the owner, Carmen. And this was the cafe we had lunch in:  https://www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk/

I like it when cafes say locally sought produce!
And there’s a shawl pattern at that shop I must get!

Sophia wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 5:06pm:

greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 5:02pm: greggerypeccary wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 4:57pm: Sophia wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 4:51pm: We have booked a 2 day with over night b&b stay to see Stonehenge and Bath etc Nice  :) I did that trip. Stonehenge is great - there are shuttle buses to drive you up to the stones or, you can take a leisurely stroll up from the gift shop if the weather is good and you have enough time. I really enjoyed Bath too, and the tour of the baths. I remember having lunch in a tiny little coffee shop on a cobblestone road.  From memory it was a locally made chicken pie. The person I was travelling with was a keen knitter and crocheter, and we found a little store in Bath that just sold yarn - she was in heaven. Ah, I found the shop.  This it it:  https://ayarnstory.co.uk/ We were served by the owner, Carmen. And this was the cafe we had lunch in:  https://www.greenbirdcafe.co.uk/ I like it when cafes say locally sought produce! And there’s a shawl pattern at that shop I must get!

That yarn shop was amazing (even to me, and I know nothing about wool).

It's real tiny, and off in the back streets - I remember walking past a public parking lot to get there.

My travel companion wanted to buy so much stuff, but she didn't have room in her luggage.

Carmen, the owner, boxed it all up and sent it to Melbourne for her.  It was waiting at the post office when she got home.

I have nice memories of Bath and Stonehenge.

The stones at Stonehenge are literally in the middle of a sheep paddock, and right next to a major highway.

You'll have fun.

Counting down…3weeks before we go.
I’m constantly either adding or taking stuff out of suitcases!
Bought these Scholl travel compression socks for long flights.
I’m usually okay if flights are early morning… but last flight from China (prior to COVID stuff) the flights were cancelled and from morning to 8 pm stuffed around airport until late night flight back to Melbourne, and I had never suffered such swollen ankles as I did that flight.
I was worried. I didn’t sleep and kept walking up and down whole length of plane but nothing helped.
I was at one end of plane in kitchen almost freaking out…I wasn’t going to go back in my seat with this problem…. the lights were all off and on low wattage in kitchen… when a stewardess came in to scoop some ice out… light bulb moment. I asked if I could have ice in a plastic bag for my ankles… hoping this might help…he said yes and scooped ice in 2 small plastic bags for me.

I went back to my seat… put the icy bags on my feet/ankles… and it did help reduce swelling and stopped it swelling further.
I was so relieved at that point in time and happy to sit and rest there on.

I’ve been reading of plane travel tips … big no-nos are tea/coffee/alcohol/fizzy drinks.
I’m going to just have water with electrolyte tabs added.
And I’m only eating half of what’s offered, and nothing too heavy. Salad stuff will do.

Eventually I will let youse all know how my plan to reduce ankle/leg swelling when flying.
These compression socks hubby and I tried on and they feel good!
Great thing about them is I can fold down to ankle and they feel like normal socks. Pull them up to knees once in seats as plane pressurises.

Let’s see how all my little plans go.  :)

good planning, thanks for the news

I don’t understand why I feel so apprehensive and nervous.
Just over a week before we head off to another part of the world.
Me thinks I have gotten into a bit of a rut …. this started from when we had them lockdowns and we were restricted going anywhere. Last big trip overseas was 2019.
Chose aisle seats on big double decker plane (A380-800) … gosh it must be huge.
Kind of exciting to be able to watch the latest movies in flight.

Sophia wrote on Aug 31^st, 2024 at 1:20am:

I don’t understand why I feel so apprehensive and nervous. Just over a week before we head off to another part of the world. Me thinks I have gotten into a bit of a rut …. this started from when we had them lockdowns and we were restricted going anywhere. Last big trip overseas was 2019. Chose aisle seats on big double decker plane (A380-800) … gosh it must be huge. Kind of exciting to be able to watch the latest movies in flight.

I'm always nervous before a trip.
We have not traveled overseas for about 8 years.
Those 380's give a smooth ride. It'll be good. 

Sophia wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 3:11pm:

I’m open for any good hints from seasoned travellers here  :)

Hint: Don't go. Tourists are now being regarded as unwelcome by locals.

Vacations can trigger obesity from over-indulgence.

The best part of any vacation is the anticipation. The rest can be a nightmare.

The second-best part of any vacation is the safe return to one's home.

Laugh till you cry wrote on Aug 31^st, 2024 at 10:09am:

Sophia wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 3:11pm: I’m open for any good hints from seasoned travellers here  :) Hint: Don't go. Tourists are now being regarded as unwelcome by locals. Vacations can trigger obesity from over-indulgence. The best part of any vacation is the anticipation. The rest can be a nightmare. The second-best part of any vacation is the safe return to one's home.

It’s getting to a point where I’m realising I’m happiest at home …. and nothing makes me appreciate home more to a safe return home.
In the meantime … watch this space for my adventures as I appreciate wonders across the oceans …

And……“Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye…”

https://youtu.be/_bGE8248N7Y?si=9xIiyypxZr8oxtM2

Sprintcyclist wrote on Aug 31^st, 2024 at 2:31am:

Sophia wrote on Aug 31st, 2024 at 1:20am: I don’t understand why I feel so apprehensive and nervous. Just over a week before we head off to another part of the world. Me thinks I have gotten into a bit of a rut …. this started from when we had them lockdowns and we were restricted going anywhere. Last big trip overseas was 2019. Chose aisle seats on big double decker plane (A380-800) … gosh it must be huge. Kind of exciting to be able to watch the latest movies in flight. I'm always nervous before a trip. We have not traveled overseas for about 8 years. Those 380's give a smooth ride. It'll be good.

Love the A380-800s.

I've done a few trips to Doha and Dubai in those.

Very nice indeed.

I’m learning about this A380 plane… didn’t realise it was the largest passenger plane to exist.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airbus_A380

The pic below…. All those windows! It’s mammoth!

---

Hoping the oppressive 40 deg heat in Dubai tomorrow will be beneficial to my aching bones! Been so cold this winter here in Melbourne.
Hubby decides we should go even earlier to airport, instead of recommended 3 hours for international, we will be going to have 4 hours at airport.
I doubt check in will be open and not all duty free shops will be open!
I’m going to compare Chanel perfume prices between duty free at airports, and in Paris. I know what prices they are in retail stores here.

Sophia wrote on Sep 9^th, 2024 at 1:47pm:

Hoping the oppressive 40 deg heat in Dubai tomorrow will be beneficial to my aching bones!

When you're inside Dubai Airport, stand close to a window overlooking the planes - you'll feel the heat right through the glass.

Even at midnight it will be around 33 degrees   :(

Sophia wrote on Sep 9^th, 2024 at 1:47pm:

Hoping the oppressive 40 deg heat in Dubai tomorrow will be beneficial to my aching bones! Been so cold this winter here in Melbourne. Hubby decides we should go even earlier to airport, instead of recommended 3 hours for international, we will be going to have 4 hours at airport. I doubt check in will be open and not all duty free shops will be open! I’m going to compare Chanel perfume prices between duty free at airports, and in Paris. I know what prices they are in retail stores here.

I agree with your husband

ZZZzzz…. At Tulla airport and trying to keep awake. Had one coffee so far.
No traffic on road at midnight, all green traffic lights.

Buon Viaggio

Sophia wrote on Sep 10^th, 2024 at 4:14am:

ZZZzzz…. At Tulla airport and trying to keep awake. Had one coffee so far. No traffic on road at midnight, all green traffic lights.

The best part of any holiday journey is the expectation.

The second best part is the safe return home.

The rest is not good, especially airports.

https://leunig.myshopify.com/cdn/shop/products/l-mr-curly-comes-home_1024x1024.jpg

Sophia wrote on Aug 7^th, 2024 at 3:16pm:

Bobby. wrote on Aug 7th, 2024 at 3:12pm: Say gidday to King Charles for me please. Well I could do from outside Buckingham Palace :)

I would have joined you. But I was too busy trying to get the embers burning.