Home and Covid

 August 12, 2024

Monday Monica followed me to Budget where I turned in my car, then she brought me home. I masked up as I was still sick and not getting better, but was too wiped out to go back into town to Urgent Care, so I waited till Tuesday to do that.

Urgent Care was not real busy and the first thing they did was a Covid and flu test. Twenty minutes later the doctor took me to a room and told me I had Covid, but no flu. I did have an ear and sinus infection which he said is often caused by the Covid. So he sent in some prescriptions and I was off. I stopped to get a few staples as I didn’t have much of anything fresh in the house. And then I got my Paxlovid and the antibiotics.

So for the next several days, I really just stayed in bed except for walking Brendon and concentrated on trying to get well. The Paxlovid works pretty fast, but makes me feel yucky. But after several days, I am back to normal. Still can’t hear well out of one ear, and will be watching that closely. Testing negative now for Covid.

So, the end of my trip was a nightmare. The delays in travel were horrible, but doubly so due to being sick. Two of the other girls had symptoms. . . . Cough, sneezing, etc.., but I’m the only one who ended up with Covid. A gift of the airports, I’m sure. I didn’t really get sick until we started our flights back home. But it’s all behind me now and I’m glad for that.

Till next time. . .

Dale

Flight Home from Norfolk. . . And finally home!

 August 11, 2024

Well, I got sicker overnight and became absolutely miserable. With Covid a possibility, I didn’t go to Mass with Sharon. I certainly didn’t want to infect anyone. Tom fixed us breakfast at home.

I got everything packed and rearranged so my luggage wasn’t too heavy. But I think I will learn to pack with less and not stuff my suitcase. I had bought a larger suitcase for the trip and I did use everything I packed, but it was difficult to manage a 30” suitcase, a purse, and a carryon. Sticking with smaller stuff after this.

We left around 12:30 to go to the airport. My flight was to leave at 3:30. Sharon dropped me off and I trudged through the airport to my gate. I was surprised to see that the reception area for my flight was already packed and it was more than 2 hours before the flight was to take off. So I wandered down and found some empty seats at a closed gate so I could be comfortable. At this point, I was pretty sick and coughing and sniffling a lot. I was miserable. 

We finally got boarded and as I sat down, they announced our departure would be delayed for one hour due to weather in Orlando. Typical. Also, the jerk in front of me decided to rail on the flight steward who was doing his job and attempted to explain to the man that since he was sitting in an evacuation slot, it was his responsibility to open the emergency exit in the event of a unscheduled landing. The man was hearing nothing of it and told the steward to mind his own business and just do his job, which is exactly what he was trying to do. Other people who were being held up tried to explain to the man and he told them to shut up and mind their own business. Such entitlement. He should have been removed from the airplane. Then he got on his phone and called and told anyone who would listen how he had been “disrespected.” No sir, you were the one doing the disrespecting. Upon exiting the cabin, I handed my card to the steward and told him if he had any repercussions from that man I would vouch for him. He thanked me.

Finally after the hour delay, we did get off the ground and on our way to Orlando. It was a very bumpy ride, the most turbulence I have ever experienced on a flight, but we made it.

I got to the baggage claim and to the car rental area and got my car instructions. When I got through the garage to where my car was parked, the jerk who parked the one next to it parked with only about six inches (YES SIX INCHES) between the cars. I put my luggage in the back seat on the other side as I couldn’t open the back hatch cause I couldn’t get into the driver’s seat to release the latch. I was prepared to climb over the passenger side when I saw an Avis employee walking down the lane. I stopped her and showed her what I was up against. She couldn’t believe it as it normally would be an employee who parks the cars there in the garage. But she said she would back it out for me. And she did. . . I helped direct her and we got the job done.

I am familiar enough now with the Orlando airport that I got out and away in good measure and ended up home about 8:30 p.m. Since I was quite ill, Monica decided she would bring Brendon to me along with all his “stuff.” He was happy to see me and I was happy to see him.

I didn’t bother unpacking at all. . . In fact, I didn’t for a couple more days. But I am home. . . That’s what matters.

Till next time. . .

Dale

Heathrow. . . AGAIN. . . And Almost Home

 August 10, 2024

Well, yesterday we made it back to Heathrow Airport to a different terminal as we were flying this time on Virgin Atlantic. I was hoping that would be good news, as British Airways continued to cancel flights to the U.S. One gentleman we talked to said they were flying on a BA flight to the U.S., two hours out and were turned around and sent back to Heathrow. That would have been worse. 

We got to the airport by 11:30, but could not check in to our flight till 12:30. So we found some seats and waited till it was time to check in. That done, we walked/rode the train/etc., to the area where Virgin flies from and sat down in a restaurant and ordered some lunch. It was very good and it was nice to relax a bit. But I was still nervous, knowing what all we had to do to actually get home. After our lunch we again found some seats and people watched until we finally got a gate number and walked there. We were in the right vicinity, so we didn’t have to walk far. Sharon and I were in “Premium” seating and we were the second group to board. We boarded a shuttle bus which took us out to the plane and then we had to walk up the steps with our carry-on, but we did and we got seated. Our seats were in the front of the section and were actually recliners with TV screens with many choices of things to watch.. . . Games, music, movies, TV, etc. And we got a drink service before we actually took off. 

Suffice to say, we were well cared for on this flight by the crew and it was a very smooth and enjoyable flight. I had managed also to change my flight from Friday to Sunday from Norfolk to Orlando and then today I got my rental car lined up. So that is the last leg of my trip and I’m hoping/praying all will go as planned.

Two of our fellow travelers got sick during our time abroad and they appear to have given it to me. It’s not covid, but I seem to have a sinus infection. I wish I had thrown in a Zpak, but I didn’t; so I will start that tomorrow night when I get home. I can’t wait to see Brendon. I hope he understands I didn’t abandon him. But I know he is well cared for by Monica.

The plan for tomorrow is early Mass, then breakfast out, then back to Sharon’s to repack and head out to the airport. 

Till next time. . .

Dale

Stonehenge!. . . And airport woes!

 August 7, 2024

Today was disembarkation day. We started last night by putting our large luggage out in the hall to be taken ashore where we would pick it up this morning. This meant we didn’t have to haul the heavy luggage from our stateroom to the bus.

We had ordered some breakfast items for today at yesterday’s room service as they didn’t offer it today. After getting up and gathering everything else we needed to take home, we left our rooms with our carry-on and met in the Princess Theater at 7:00 a.m. We were soon directed out to the gangway; however, they dismissed too many people at once and the elevators were packed. We had to go down one level with our carry-ons, which we managed to do; but some would have had difficulty doing that.

We left the ship for the last time, walked into the port terminal and collected our luggage. Then we found our bus and got our luggage loaded and got onboard. We had about a one-and-a-half hour ride to Stonehenge. We traveled through a national park where all farm animals are allowed to roam freely. 

When arrived at Stonehenge and were allowed off the bus and to roam to the shuttle buses that take you to the monument, which we did. We were transported a short distance to the monument which is incredible. It is quite impressive in both size and wonderment. There are many historic sites close to the monument, i.e., burial mounds, trenches, holes where posts once stood, etc. We walked all the way around it and then went into the visitor center. There was a line of thought that the Druids had done the building and used one stone in particular as a sacrificial altar. However, all the dating they have done on the tools, etc., have indicated the time was not correct. And they now believe it wasn’t used for sacrifices. The stone they questioned has a high iron content and it is pitted. When it rains, the depressions in the stone turn red, but it is the iron content and not from blood permeating the stone. Interesting. They have recreated a primitive village on the site. They discovered a short distance away, remains of a village they believe was used by the workers building the monument so the re-creation allows you to see how they lived while they were working. 

They now really only have theories as to what it what used for, other than perhaps ceremonies. They do know that during the summer and winter solstices, the sun does shine directly through the stone circle. Perhaps continuing to study it as they do may someday lead to more clues as to the use.

When we were finished there, we rode on the bus again and passed by several charming towns and lovely homes. It really is a beautiful place with a rolling landscape. . . Not too much flat land. One notable resident near Stonehenge is the lead singer for Sting. Our narrator believe their song, “Fields of Gold,” were inspired by the golden fields of the area. We also drove through Old Windsor which is where Elton John lives with his family. I found that really interesting. 

Continuing on, we passed by Ascot, where the late queen raced her horses. The grandstand is . . . Well. . . Grand to say the least. As per usual, it’s hard to get a good picture as we fly by on the bus, but I tried.

Soon we were coming into Windsor and caught a glimpse of Windsor Castle. Even from our vantage point quite a distance away, it was impressive. We also saw the lane that royals travel down in their carriages that leads up to the castle. It was phenomenal.  

So we arrived at Heathrow at 1:30 p.m. for our 5:30 flight. Right away, our flight was delayed. . . A sign of impending doom. Before it was all over, it was delayed twice more, then cancelled altogether. What a nightmare.

We must have walked miles in that airport. We finally took the train over to the gates that all the larger planes were departing from in the hope of being closer when it came time to board; but now that was not a possibility. But they did direct us to a gate that was just on the other side of the building to get our vouchers for hotel and shuttle accommodations.  So we went and stood in line. Carol was on the phone the entire time with Princess since they were the ones who had booked our flights.

British Airways in the meantime said they had rebooked our flights to Lisbon, then to Dulles. Ugh. Then they came back with Rome, then Dulles. And different airlines. . . So if we happened to get cancelled again and in a foreign country not knowing the language. . . Well, we didn’t like that idea. But after standing in line over an hour to get vouchers, etc., we went to find our luggage and the shuttle bus to take us to the Hilton. That was a mess because. . . Well, just take my word for it. Another hour and we were finally on a bus to the Hilton. And we are here. It’s 12:30 a.m. and we are finally in bed. . . Exhausted and really beaten by the events of the day.

Carol just texted and said we are all four booked on a flight out of Heathrow to Dulles on Friday at 5:30 p.m. which was the same time as today’s (Wednesday) scheduled flight, but it is two days later. So tomorrow we have to find out if we can stay here or if we have to find other accommodations. And I have to change my Southwest flight from Norfolk to Orlando and try and change my rental car as well. 

I can’t believe this trip. Today has been a terrible turn of events. I didn’t care for the cruise anyway. . . Too much money to go see sites that I really didn’t get to see. Stonehenge was the one exception.

The saga continues. . .

Till next time. . .

Dale

Mont Saint Michel, (Normandy) France

 August 6, 2024

We docked early this morning in LeHavre, France. We had to get up early because we had an early morning excursion plus, we lost an hour coming across the English Channel, so we had to set our clocks forward an hour. But we got up, got dressed and were ready to go on time.

We boarded a bus and were driven three hours through the Normandy countryside, with one stop for a break. Several other buses stopped at the same place, so there was a line at the restrooms. But we did manage and continued on our journey.

Our destination was Mont Saint Michel southwest of our port. The countryside was gorgeous, but it’s hard to take pictures when you are in a crowded bus, driving fast through the country on the autobahn. I don’t really know what they call them in France, but interstate doesn’t quite fit. Most everyone was very tired from having gotten up early and many slept. 

We arrived at the site about 11 a.m. and after some confusion about what to do next and what to do when we get back, we hopped on a shuttle which drove us across the area between the Mont and the mainland. The Mont sits on a rock basically that sits out in the ocean about a half mile. During high tide, it is an island and inaccessible on foot. I do think that has changed a bit because it appears they have built a walk way all the way out to the site. People walk and there were a a lot of people walking, but I was unclear as to whether the walkway is covered by the water when the time comes in. All the pictures I have seen indicate that it is totally inaccessible at that time.

We started walking up. There are 350 steps, but the rest of the climb is cobblestone walkways which are very uneven and at about a 30° slope. It was grueling. Two of our team of four chose not to got any further than about a third of the way. Carol and I continued on up to the top where we entered the Abbey, which is at the very top. It was originally built in the 700’s. It has been destroyed by fire and was rebuilt. It is mostly rock/granite, but there is wood in it as well. It is a beautifully maintained site, with a group of nuns and monks living there. 

Our guide was a little hard to understand, but she did try hard. But once we got up to the Abbey, Carol and I decided to start working our way down and catch up with the other two. It took us much longer to go down, mainly because we were following the exit signs and they were taking us to the other side of the Mont. We ended up going completely around it. It has a small village on that side which contained gift shops and restaurants. Four families own all the concessions on the Mont, so prices are high and the same no matter which shop you choose. We stopped in a couple of the gift shops and I picked up a couple more things, including a rosary I will cherish.

We eventually made our way down and out and it started to rain. Not hard. It actually was a welcome relief because we were so hot and sweaty from our trek up and down the Mont. We hopped on a shuttle bus and came back to the visitor’s center and met up with the other gals. Carol and I grabbed a bite to eat at a food truck and then we all sat and visited in the gift shop while waiting till the bus was available. We boarded as soon as we could and sat back for the three hour ride back to the dock.

We arrived back about 6:15 p.m. and went straight to dinner. We wanted to say goodbye to the waiters who had treated us so spectacularly during our voyage. Once finished we ran back to the room as our luggage had to be put out in the hall by 9 p.m. and it was 8:30! But we got that done, got our showers and now we are ready for lights out.

Till next time. . .

Dale

Portland, England

 August 5, 2024

Today we chose to stay in port. I would have liked to go out and explore a bit. . . Shuttles were available to take us to Portland or Weymouth, but no one else in our group wanted to go.

We met in the dining room for breakfast about 8:15 and ate and visited, enjoying a leisurely meal.  Afterward we returned to our room and relaxed.

The other girls went to lunch, but Sharon and I don’t eat three meals a day. We chose a snack later while we were playing cards. We are able to order what we want and it is delivered to us wherever we are. We played Hand and Foot for a couple hours. . . I feel like I am done with that game. I really don’t like it and I would have liked to explore the ship a bit. I did finally get to walk to the other side of the ship and look at the port. Our stateroom is on the other side, so I was curious what the port looked like. 

The next two days are going to be brutal with full day excursions. Tomorrow we are going to Mont Saint Michel off the coast of France. It is three hours by coach from where we dock in LeHavre, France, and three hours back. So that by itself will be grueling, but we are hoping to enjoy the tour of the monastery. Plus there is a time change thrown in there. And then on Wednesday, we disembark from the ship for the last time, go to Stonehenge and are returned later in the day to Heathrow Airport where we fly out at 5:30 p.m.

We decided to “practice” packing today. Actually we’re pretty much packed up. We have to set our bags out tomorrow night and they take them off the ship for us in Southampton. I was worried I would be overweight, but I am good. So I will rest easy. I got out my clothes for the remaining days and packed everything else. I can’t wait to get home. A hurricane has hit Florida while I was gone (today actually) and we got about 8 inches of rain in the trailerhood. But my house is good and our power is still on. Blessings for sure.

We have dinner today and may go to the show in the theater, then back to the room.

Till next time . . .

Dale

Sea Day #3

 August 4, 2024

We had a sea day today, so we got to sleep in. Course, I was awake by 5 a.m., but I did do some reading, etc. We got up around 7 and got dressed and went to the buffet for breakfast. It was good as usual and we enjoyed watching our passage through a large wind farm right out in the ocean. There did seem to be some boats in/around the wind turbines. . . they may have been service boats of some kind, but we were too far away to notice what they were doing, if anything. It was eerie seeing them in the fog, but so spectacular as well.

We met up with our friends at the theater and watched a culinary show. The head chef for the ship demonstrated the making of three different dishes. He did each individually in about 15 minutes each. Course, all the ingredients were premeasured so he just had to assemble and cook everything. The head of the restaurants provided some comic relief and it was funny and informative. Our one waiter we have every night was there to help pick up and clean up as the chef transitioned to the next dish. They had quite a set on the stage, complete with an induction counter and everything necessary to prepare the food. It was quite a production and very enjoyable. After we watched the show, we were led to the other end of the boat to one of the kitchens/galleys and saw some of the employees getting food ready for the day’s meals. The galley was very large with several “rooms.” But each dining room has its own kitchen, so there are several on board. The one we went to sits between two dining rooms, and it is the largest. There are over 300 food service employees. It’s astounding how many people the ship employs to serve 4,000 guests.

We explored the ship a bit, then returned to our room. We decided our lunch would be a snack since we were expecting a large dinner later. We went up to the upper deck and had a slice of pizza which was very good.

We met up with the other gals in one of the dining rooms and played cards, Hand and Foot. They allow guests to use the larger tables for games when they are not serving food. 

Dinner this evening was great again. I am going to have to quit eating once I get home. Sharon and I are only eating breakfast and dinner, with a snack in between, but I seem to still be eating too much. Tonight was a special menu with tenderloin and lobster. It was good, but I ate only about half of it. 

Afterwards I came back to the room and tried to organize my suitcase a bit. I’ve bought some things and I want to make sure everything fits and is not overweight. It may be a lost cause. 

Docking will be early morning at Portland, England, but we do not have any excursions. We did not see anything we liked. So we will spend the day on the boat. Cards may be in our future.

Till next time. . .

Dale

Edinburgh, Scotland

 August 3, 2024

We were up early again today. . . Well, 6 a.m., which is early if you’re retired. We had our in-room breakfast and joined our friends and walked down to the theater. From there we were treated to a ride on a ferry (not the water shuttles aka lifeboats). The ferry was much more comfortable and all enclosed with several levels and operated by the Queensferry port. Once in to the port, we joined others on the motorcoach for the ride into Edinburgh, pronounced “Edinburrough.”

We again had a very capable narrator named Fraser. Our driver took us in the city and we drove around with Fraser pointing out landmarks, statues, neighborhoods, etc. Eventually we made our way to a street near the Edinburgh Castle, which is high up on a rock and the only way to get up there is to walk uphill. In fact, the entire city is built on the slope of said rock and you are either walking uphill or downhill. It is very tiring to do either one, but we wanted to see the castle, so we followed along behind Fraser’s yellow flag with the red lion. It was an arduous walk to say the least; because in addition to being steep, it was all cobblestone and very uneven. I would have been able to put my walking stick to good use, which I did yesterday; but I decided not to take it today as it is just one more thing to keep track of. But it would have been helpful. The castle is monstrous and we were able to walk into it through the gate and up to the various lookout points. This castle was besieged numerous times and burned, destroyed, rebuilt, etc. The history is quite impressive. We went inside St. Margaret’s Chapel which was very small but can be rented for weddings, baptisms, etc. We also saw where the royal rooms are located and I was able to get some pictures inside the Great Hall. 

Once again, we didn’t have a lot of time to explore on our own after our guide finished, and we decided to peruse the gift shops within the castle grounds. Once Sharon and I were done there, it was time to get back on the bus and head to the ship. We did pass by the Royal Mile which was at least partly closed to motor traffic. I should mention that the Edinburgh Festival is currently in full swing; and there were, according to our guide, twice as many people in Edinburgh as there usually are. There were masses of people all over the city and tonight is Day 2 (I think) of the Military Tattoo. That would be worth seeing, but we will be sailing on by that time. When we got off our motorcoach, we did some shopping right at the Queensferry port as they had a shop that had various souvenirs. And another shop on the pier had some interesting items.

Once back at the ship, we grabbed a bite to eat and are now resting in our room.  It is 3:30 so we have 2 hours before dinner. We had good weather today, very sunny starting out; but it got a little cloudy and very windy, so I was glad I had once again layered up and was comfortable. 

We started sailing while we were eating dinner and now we are all back in our rooms. Tomorrow is a sailing day, so we get to sleep in. Yay!

Till next time. . . 

Dale