Fandango’s Story Starter rang a bell, so what follows is based on truth.
This week’s Story Starter teaser is:
It was in the spring of 2010 when I first realized that I could…
It was in the spring of 2010 when I first realized that I could really do it.
I had traveled Down South to attend my BIL’s funeral in February. He was less than a year older than me and it really hammered it home that life is too short and we never know what’s around the corner.
I had been toying with the idea of visiting Bro in NZ, but time, money and the actual journey put me off. However, this was the catalyst and we started checking things out.
I’d taken my banking retirement package in 2006 when I was 50 and ‘retired’ in 2007, but to date hadn’t touched any of my tax free lump sum which was sitting in the building society actually earning a sensible amount of interest. It was to be the journey of a lifetime, a one off, so we decided I would go in style and travel First Class. I was treated like a queen.
With my discount which I was entitled to being a company pensioner, First Class actually worked out the same as traveling Economy Plus without it. I didn’t even have to worry about booking the ticket as it was all done for me by the travel department!
So, in August, Hubby was driving me to the airport to wave me off for two months. Up to then, I had not shown any excitement. Traveling all that way on my own was actually a little daunting!
I had the time of my life. It was wonderful to see Bro and the family, and everyone made me so welcome. I stayed with a works acquaintance for a week, had a week with SIL’s sister, a week on a trip to South Island which included a whale watch and visit to Christchurch (shortly after the first earthquake struck) and my SIL took me on mini treks throughout to show me some beautiful parts of her country. I didn’t drive a single mile myself but I got to do and see a lot of things I would never have done here in the UK. The fishing trip is documented here
I would love to go back, but Covid is hindering such journeys and Hubby could not make such a long trip, so it would have to be carefully planned and stretched out rather than air travel for 24 hours.
These were taken at the end of Bro’s road across the bay. Rainbows, always something of magic and wonder with memories attached.
pensitivity101 
What lovely memories…
It was indeed a wonderful trip Pam.
What a great adventure. I’d love to visit New Zealand, but I don’t think I’ll ever get there.
I had a wonderful time and would love to go back especially as Bro could not travel to the UK now.
That’s wonderful! It’s so much more enjoyable to travel first class, isn’t it? I’ll never be content to fly any other way, so my flying days are done because of the cost. But indulging once is something everyone should experience! I’m glad you got to go there on that great trip! Something to remember and treasure, hmm? 🙂
Most definitely Melanie. I have over 2000 photos on disc and chip and my journal, but a box full of menus and such got disposed of in error. I have the fishing trip though and that snapper, as caught by me!!!, tasted divine!
I would love to travel! I guess some day it will happen but right now between COVID and trying to find a permanent home there won’t be much traveling. Amazing that you had those pictures from that same year! I love rainbows no matter how many times I see them.
The rainbows were beautiful. We saw one today on the way to the hospital and it was so wide and bright! No camera!! Typical.
So glad you decided to go for it! Some memories are priceless!
I’ll say! The whale watch was terrific, and I didn’t feel sea sick………. I was too excited!!
so lovely you went, and were made to feel so welcome! I bet new zealand is a beautiful place to visit!
It is quite lovely.
I loved New Zealand. We went with 30 students. Our tour guide/bus driver was amazing. We saw so many things. I took tons of pictures, but wish I had taken more. A lovely memory Di.
It was Lauren. Such a beautiful country.