Southampton, England

Ted. Judy and I enjoyed a wonderful short stay with our friends in Rye, England before taking the train to Southampton. 

Ted, Judy, Colin & Harvey

We arrived the day before our ship was scheduled to depart so we did a wee bit of exploring. The town is quite old and served as the departure point for many famous journeys such as Henry V’s journey to Agincourt, the Mayflower, the Titanic and much of the D-Day invasion force. 

Our ship, the Independence of the Seas from the city walls

About 70% of the old city walls are still intact (or restored) and a number of old buildings and churches were rebuilt after the “Southampton Blitz.” As important port and home to the Spitfire fighter factory, Southampton was a key bombing target for the Germans in WWII. 

Holy Rood Church

Mayflower Pilgrims Memorial

We learned that a good many French Huguenots found refuge here after the terrible persecutions in 17th century France. They even worshipped at a church which still exists. It is possible that Judy’s Huguenot ancestors worshipped here before sailing to Virginia. 

St Julien's Huguenot Church

Speaking of which, we were warmly greeted on Sunday morning at St. Michael’s Church, a part of which was erected in 1070 AD. Alas, we couldn’t stay for coffee and cake as we had to board our ship.

St Michael's Church

Back to Europe...again!

Ted. After three months in Georgia, Judy and I feel as though we have accomplished most of our goals. 

We checked in with all of our doctors and saw lots of family and friends - traveling as far as the state of Washington.

Son Stefan and wife Sarah have sold their house and purchased a bigger one closer to Sarah's office. They will move and get their two sons enrolled in their new school just before the new school year begins (whew!).

After 16 years as a teacher, our daughter Leslie has left the public school system and is embarking on a new adventure. Her husband Daniel continues to thrive in his job.

We couldn't be prouder of our two children, their spouses and our four grandsons and cherish time with all eight of them (plus our two grand-dogs). But, alas, it is time for Grandpa and Mami to hit the road once more.

You may recall our travails last July as we left the country with Judy in a wheelchair. Modern medicine and caring doctors have her back in tip top shape!

I am writing this post at Heathrow Airport, London where we have just arrived. After spending the night at an inexpensive airport hotel to overcome some of our jet lag (travel tip!), we will continue by train to the lovely town of Rye for a short stay with friends Harvey and Colin. Then it's on to Southampton where we board a ship for a one week cruise of the Norwegian fjords.

Upon our return to Southampton, we will immediately fly to Glasgow for three weeks of walks and wanderings in Scotland (first visit since 1977) . We then fly to Oslo for three more days in Norway.

Next will be a month in and around Lithuania followed by a month in France. Our journey ends with a repositioning cruise from Southampton to Port Canaveral, Florida. We'll be back in Georgia on November 1 for more hugs from kids and grandkids.

It's a life!

Judy. It was truly a whirlwind trip back in the US for those three months. In addition to everything Ted mentioned, I started getting involved in some organizations and protests, both to help me feel like I'm doing something to help my country, and to help me better understand and talk to others. Our church sponsors a class called "Sacred Grounds," an exploration of racism in America, which I attended. I also joined and began workshops in a group called "Braver Angels," which teaches participants how to depolarize conversations and promote better understanding--something we definitely need in our divided country. I began yoga classes at a wonderful Sangha, where the practice helped me to settle my mind. AND we got to give a party to celebrate Leslie's being named Clarke Central Teacher of the Year.

Coming back to the US is never easy for me. I love my country, but there are so many issues there for me. There are also people and organizations I love, so I'm always torn. This is something I'm working on.

But, in all honesty, I was more than ready to get on that plane. I slept better than I ever have on a transAtlantic flight, grabbed a shower and brunch in the airline lounge, and now feel ready to discover new places and settle in old ones with people we know and love. In November, I'll be renewed and ready to jump in again. But right now, here feels good, and I'm ready!

 

Quote du Jour

"I'm a travel addict on my way to recovery. 

Just kidding, I'm on my way to the airport."

                                       - Anonymous

The road west

Ted. Judy and I knew we’d get itchy feet after a few weeks back in the US so we decided to take a road trip west to visit with friends and family and, once again, marvel at how beautiful our own country truly is. 

Early Wednesday morning, May 14, we piled our stuff into Raymond, our beloved 2004 Toyota Tundra pickup truck, and hit the road. On the way to our first destination, we enjoyed one of our favorite road trip activities - eating like locals. You can’t get any more local than Gus’s Hot Dogs in Adamsville, Alabama. Based in Birmingham, they are a local legend. 

Arriving that evening in Memphis, we met up with Judy’s older brother Billy and nephew Marty for dinner at a Moroccan restaurant and I had my first couscous in a while. After lots of catchup conversation and hugs it was off to bed. 

The next morning found us back on the road and we stopped at the Sugar Shack in West Fork, Arkansas for lunch. They featured a very limited menu and were not taking credit cards that day because “It’s over 100 degrees in the shack and the machine don’t work when it’s this darned hot!” Still - the food was good. 

One of Judy’s good friends lives near Wichita, Kansas so we ended our day with a home cooked meal at Terry’s. 

In the morning, I left Judy to visit for a couple more days and drove solo to Colorado, stopping for tacos at a food truck in the town of Burlington. Again, it was cash only so I forked over my remaining $7 and was handed two tacos. 

Over the next couple days, I visited with my two sisters and their husbands and also met long time friend Rick for ribs and beer. 

Ted & Cindy (I forgot to get a photo with Kathy)

On Sunday afternoon, I drove to the Denver airport, meeting Judy who flew from Wichita. We flew together to Seattle to spend a few days with good friends Terry & Sue. One day we explored the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. 

Wednesday morning we bid farewell and flew back to Denver, where Raymond the truck waited patiently. The next morning we met for breakfast with Rick and Margot before heading east to Kansas.

Lunch was at a Mexican mom and pop in Colby with a name that translates as “Like at home” and then it was on to Topeka.

 Our wedding anniversary dinner consisted of deli sandwiches and wine in the lobby of our hotel where we chatted with the assistant manager, Jahy.

The next day was another long drive, crossing the Missouri, Mississippi and Ohio Rivers before ending up at our hotel in Ft Campbell, Kentucky where we enjoyed a Vietnamese dinner.

Our last stop was at our son Stefan’s house on the west side of Atlanta. After a fun night playing with his two boys we made the final push to Athens on Sunday, May 25. 

As we relaxed over a celebratory glass of vintage Madeira wine, we concluded that the 11 day journey was well worthwhile but also exhausting. No more expeditions are planned till we leave for Europe on July 8!

Packing

Judy.  In March when I visited my friend Emma in Valencia, she reminded me that she'd asked us several times if we'd write a blog on how we pack. She was impressed that for my 3-day stay with her I'd come with only a daypack. Truth is, Ryanair charges more if you use an overhead bin, and even more if you check a bag. Over the years, we've learned to be frugal in our clothing.

For a long weekend, it's easy enough. I wore a pair of hiking slacks, and packed three shirts, underwear, a t-shirt to sleep in, my iPad, and toiletries. I also wore my trusty raincoat/windbreaker, and a scarf, a trick I learned from Europeans. There was no one to impress--Emma's a dear friend. Comfort was the name of the game--that, and keeping it small. Keeping an eye on the weather helped me know how little I could get away with. The pack measures 10"x 18".

My little day pack...

...and what was in it

For longer trips, like to Malta, Ted and I share a small rollaboard, and he takes the small daypack for incidentals. For those trips, it's worth it to pay Ryanair for the overhead space. With no place (besides the sink) to do quick laundry, I take a bit more. Sometimes there are souvenirs to bring back, and I can use the space. That little case measures 15" x21", and it can expand if need be.

My side of the rollaboard

For our 3-4 month trips, we each take a large suitcase. Mine measures 19"x25" and can expand. (We also take the rollaboard with a change of clothes in case our luggage gets lost.)

The cloth bins fit nicely

A zippered compartment for dresses

I am a huge fan of cloth packable bins to keep organized, and I have four: one for shirts, one for pants and skirts, one for swimsuits and exercise clothing, and one for underwear. (Ted uses one as our "junk drawer," with first-aid supplies, wine opener, wine stoppers, etc.) They fit neatly in the case, and odds and ends, like my makeup bag, fit in between them. I also usually carry watercolors and colored pencils and paper to play with at our destination. In my bag there's a lovely zippered section where my dresses can fit.

We're always aware of the 50 pound weight limit, and have a portable luggage scale to keep us from paying excess baggage fees. It has saved us from previous anxious moments when we were juggling items from one case to another.

My big suitcase and the rollaboard

Eight years ago, when this started, I actually had a smaller suitcase and took less. Then I got in a bad habit of thinking, "Oh, but I LOVE this. Maybe I'll get a chance to wear it!" This resulted in leaving clothes in the second hand shops as we picked up souvenirs. Now I'm much better, packing a slightly larger version of my clothes for Valencia. And there are always second-hand shops. In Australia, it was hotter than I thought it would be, so I bought two sundresses for less than $10 American. When we got ready to leave, back they went to charity shops. 

Sometimes it's tricky, like this summer when we'll be in Norway, Scotland, Lithuania, and Bordeaux, France, and there will be different weather patterns. But we layer when need be, and buy used when we need to.  

I still have too much stuff. I'm still working on simplicity. But carrying just enough to get me through is a good life lesson.