I’ve been home for a few days, and today is the first day I feel relatively normal. Jet lag hit pretty hard this time, probably because I didn’t get much sleep on the 32-hour journey home.
However, it’s not all bad. I don’t mind a nap in the middle of the day, and Scout and Hazel are happy to join me. As you can see by the photo above, Hazel was a typical Cavalier, being full of bravery on Monday when she was spayed. I’m sure that they don’t give these certificates away to just anybody… haha.
No puppies here. I used to breed and show cavaliers before I had children, but I’ve definitely got all of that palaver out of my system.
While she was undergoing her surgery, I was at the travel doctor, seeing what, if any, vaccinations I need for my South America trip, which begins in a couple of weeks. Turns out that all of the needles I had for Africa covers me, though I was told that if I get another Hep A needle, I’ll get lifetime immunity.
“Load me up, then”, I said. I also walked away with scripts for altitude sickness and malaria tablets.
I then went home and pretty much slept and dozed for a day and a half.
Mum was happy to see me again; or was it her little mate Scout she was happiest to see?
During this time, I managed to start my plans for 2027 travel. I’ve been talking for ages about going to Uganda to do a gorilla and chimpanzee trekking holiday. This is one of those goals that have to be acted on quickly… I’m getting older and fatter, so I need to go while I can still do it!
July next year… Uganda, baby!
I’m also toying with another idea.
When we were in Taiwan, a woman was travelling with her adult son. The situation was that she and her husband had booked the trip, but he died unexpectedly. Her son decided to travel with her to make sure she had that holiday. They were having a great time spending one-on-one time together for the first time in years.
What if I booked some cheap “Two For One” holidays and went on holiday with my kids? One at a time. It doesn’t have to be immediately. We choose a place that we want to see, and off we go for a week or two.
I like the idea of making memories with my kids. Of course, a couple of them have partners/wives, which might complicate things a bit. But I figure that it’s up to them if they take up the offer or not.
It just occurred to me – it’d actually be cheaper to bring one of them along with me – no solo supplement for the trip. How funny!
Anyway, it’s an idea that I’ve been kicking around for a little while. I’d obviously cap the price of the trip so I’m not going to go broke – I have many kids.
What do you think?
Dad joke of the day:
I love that idea!
In fact I regularly have a quick get away with my daughter (now 25 years old). Usually for her birthday we choose a place and I pay for the flights and accommodation and she will cover most of the meals. We live in Vancouver but have done a 4 day trip to Seattle, Montreal, Quebec City and Las Vegas. It’s great bonding time and wonderful to know her as an adult. I still have to do this with my son’s however my youngest’s idea of a getaway is camping in the backcountry – not my idea of fun! lol.
It’s a wonderful way to spend time one on one with your kids once they are adults – go for it!!!
Oh yes, I say you go for it! I went to Italy when I was 29 and my mother joined me for part of the trip (she was 57). I also traveled with both parents and my siblings a couple of times in my 30s/their 60s. My mother would have loved to do more travel with me and with my siblings, but now her health is too poor to do so. I have definite regrets that we didn’t do more travel together, but I didn’t have the funds or the time, and she didn’t offer to pay – which in my case would have made a big difference!
If you’re in a place where you have the health and the money, I say take advantage of it and offer to travel with your children! (but you might want to get separate rooms to have a little down time/space from each other!)
For sure! I’m taking my 23 yo son to Turkey and Greece this year. My parents took my sister and me to Europe in our early 20s and we witnessed our lovely but uptight and anxious mum become a different, amazingly relaxed woman in her birth country, surrounded by her family. It was awesome. My 25 yo daughter has a very busy schedule for the next few years (mature age uni student, working, supporting herself) but I’ve promised her an overseas trip when she is ready!!
PS ‘Older and fatter’? Psssh you have the energy of a teenager!! But do check this channel out. This couple in their 80s are absolutely amazing and inspiring.
Ugh. I’m going to have to go to the gym, aren’t I?
Hahaha. Or get one of the kids to set up a home gym for you like in the video! You don’t need much equipment.
Great idea! And I see you have already talked with your children and they are on board!
Also fantastic that you are going to Uganda. We wnt a few years ago and it was wonderful: gorillas, chimpanzees, but also all the other “classic” African animals, and so many birds (check if you can see the shoebill and the crowned crane which is the symbol of the country). Other highlights for us were the White Nile river source in Jinja, the Murchison Falls and the passing of the Equator line.