The day finally arrived when we flew to London to visit my dear mum and enjoy some side trips during our stay in Essex.
We flew Qatar as I believe they are the best airline for long haul flights, and it is indeed a long journey from Perth. I wanted to sit upstairs and Anthony wanted to be on the lower deck, so we comprised and did one leg on each. The way to travel such long distances is to research the best pillow, I took my trusty Turtl again and it worked a treat. We had around two hours in Doha and I was amazed as to what had been constructed since last year.
There is a place now called The Orchard and is a 6,000 square metre indoor tropical garden. There is a huge water feature plus over 300 trees and 25,000 plants. It was a treat to walk around and immerse ourselves in nature while in a busy airport.
Finally arriving in Heathrow after 11 hour and 7 hour flights, we decided to stay one night at an airport hotel to recoup our strength.
After dropping our cases at my nephew’s we went straight to the home, sadly my mum did not recognise me at first but then just couldn’t believe I was really there. We sat and chatted for a while but her memory obviously has got that much worse. We promised to be back the next day.
The next morning brought clear sunny weather to my amazement as I was expecting cold and rain. I had a short walk down the lane and across the fields.
After this walk we drove to the home again and borrowed a wheelchair to take my mum for a stroll up the high street. She was over the moon to be wheeled out into the sunny day and kept asking me if I wanted a turn.
We stopped for lunch in an olde tea shop after buying her new shoes and clothes. There is a lovely old church in the high street so we had a wander around.
I couldn’t find out much about this church except that it dates back to the 15th century. I believe there was a church here during Saxon times and the building has a Norman chancel. I thought it looked very grand in the sunshine and the stone and brick work were beautiful.
My mum said she had a lovely time with us and couldn’t believe how wonderful it was to be out. It does make me sad to hear this but such is life and I’m glad we are able to do such a small service for her.
We have a fairly full itinerary planned for the next four or five weeks and I’ll be sharing all of this very soon.
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These are beautiful photos. I loved how green everything was. It sounds like you had a great trip.
Thanks Egidio, I know the green is so vivid
Your mum looks so happy, Ali! Hard being so far away, but life in Australia obviously suits you.
Thanks Jo, yes she was. Hard to see how far the dementia has progressed
Good that she doesn’t know!
Precious times with you mum.
We’ll be back in the UK on Wednesday (22nd)…..we may yet get to meet…
Yes let’s hope so ..the week from 13 June is good
Just got a few things to put dates on, then I’ll get back to you x
Okay, hopefully Sarah will be free also
Precious time spent together.
Yes it is 🙂
What a lovely start to your trip 🥰
Thanks 🙂
Such precious time with your mum. Happy that you are able to spend it with her.
About the trip, the Turtle, is that the one that goes around your neck? Is that really effective? And Qatar, is there really a big difference in comfort as compared to the other airlines? Just curious. Thanks.
Enjoy your time with family, Ali.
She is so happy Teresa, much more than before! I sleep so well now I’ve got used to that pillow, it really does stop your head from dropping. For me Qatar economy upstairs beats all other airlines hands down.
Gotta try that pillow then. And the Qatar as well. Maybe one day.
One day yes 😁
I’m glad you’re able to get over to spend time with your mum, and to give her such a lovely outing. I’ve seen the Turtl advertised – do you recommend it? Is it very much better than the usually neck pillows?
Thanks Sarah. It does take some getting used to, but even with the cushioned pillows my head still falls forward.
I week ago I was in India to visit my mum. I know the feeling.
Must have been hard to say goodbye
I’m glad you got quality time with your mum. As for Doha – amazing! It was a complete dump the only time we’ve stopped there but that must be over 20 years ago.
Thanks Anabel. Doha is just amazing and could easily spend a few hours or more there.
S lovely that you could take your Mum out for some fresh air. Will you be in London next week as I’ll be at Mark’s part of the week so could meet up if you’re around!
Yes it was so nice we could do that. We are off to Corfu and Albania for two weeks.
What a treasure to get to spend that time with her. It seems like such a little thing to be able to get outside and go for a stroll, something that we take for granted, but what a wonderful gift for her. Beautiful pictures from the English countryside 🙂
Thanks Meg, yes you’re right we do take things like that for granted. Lucky Anthony is so willing to help as the paths and roads in the UK are horrendous.
How was your experience with Qatar Airlines? I’ve heard only positive things about the airline.
💛