So It’s Difficult to Blog on Vacation

I had good intentions, but even a leisurely vacation means it’s difficult to find time to write.

I left Wales for London yesterday. My family and friends there are such gifts and we ate a ton (especially chocolate), drank numerous cups of coffee and tea, and watched British telly. The great thing about family is you don’t have to have elaborate celebrations – it’s those little moments where you connect. The conversation and laughter are the best. I know where my sense of humor comes from!

I saw first cousins I haven’t seen in years. My cousin Paul showed me his gorgeous home that he and his wife Jane have been making their own. They are both quite handy and their work is producing a place that meets their needs.

Paul’s sister Lynne and I also re-connected. She lived in the States during her teenaged years so we became close during visits then.

When I go to Wales I stay with a second cousin, my mom’s cousin’s daughter, and it is usually their family I spend most of my time with. They embrace me and the relationships are easy. I’ll get a few visits with my Auntie Beryl, but she’s usually the closest family member I see. This time she and I got several great visits and I even got to see her and her children.

So now I’m in London with no plans. I want to catch a few shows, maybe enjoy a bit of music. I’m staying in the heart of the theater district, so there are so many options.

Yesterday was my travel day. Ugh, so much public transportation is not made for large luggage. Everyone should do things like this occasionally – what better way to learn a but about what life is for the handicapped? It’s certainly more difficult by a suitcase, which I can lift if necessary. Our whole world needs to get better at accessibility. Many tube stations don’t have lifts. How tough would that be for someone with a wheelchair? Hopefully there are other options for them I don’t know about, but what about visitors like me who wouldn’t know?

It always takes me a while to acclimate to a place, and I notoriously get lost. Consequently I don’t get too upset. I always get where I need to go. I probably was on the subway an hour more than necessary. 🙄

Then I didn’t get to the closest station to my hotel, so it took a long walk to get there. But I passed the British Museum, passed through Chinatown, and did enjoy the people watching. But lugging a large suitcase (I will begin to pack lighter), a backpack, and a purse – and myself – had he completely worn out when I reached my destination.

Bright spots – the sweet young men and young woman who offered to carry my luggage up the tube stairs. The man walking his dog who explained the lift structure of many tube stations (lifts helped with the suitcase). Realizing that while my feet hurt, the plantar’s fasciitis surgery may have worked as my feet hurt all over and not primarily on the bottom. And finally seeing my hotel and being greeted by the sweetest young man at reception. I felt immediately at home.

I’m ready to get out there and decide what I’m going to do. Hmmmm. So many options!