I’m home, and happy.
It was a very good trip. I’ve seen the few London sights that were still on my list, and I talked to some very nice people – It was so nice that Mark in the antique shop remembered me. He explained some antiques to me when I didn’t understand what they were used for, and we chatted about upper class fascism.
I had a nice chat with an elderly couple on a bench in front of Saint Mary le Strand. I had complimented her dress and scarf — in our baggy, drapey clothes, she and I looked like twins. LOL
The commuters that stopped to help me out at Victoria Station were so lovely, so kind. Last night, a mom in the airport emptied her shopping bag and rushed over when she saw my crappy paper bag from the store had broken and everything fell out.
And with these pleasant memories, it’s time for me to retire from major international travel. Although my insides are perfectly operational, my outsides don’t carry me around as easily anymore, especially in a marathon situation. Walking with the stick (which I actually enjoy) makes it hard to carry anything. Even just the air travel. It’s too much — 14 hours door to door with no sleep, lots of walking, waiting, chaos, carrying, confusion, crowds.
Assistance & disabilities services at the airports might be even more humiliating and unpleasant than trying to walk it, dealing with the pain, and falling. It’s appalling that people are treated this way under the guise of an airport appearing kind and helpful. I’m working on a separate post about this.
It’s lovely to be home with Jonathan and my pups, and it’s awfully nice to have my comfortable routine back.
Have a great sleep!
Sit Still Phill 
I’m glad you’re home safe. I enjoyed your pics and stories! It’s nice that people rushed to help you, though frustrating that you were knocked into like that.
It’s nice that I always encountered truly good people. Even something as simple as moving out of the way or holding a door when they see someone with a stick. I’m lucky I wasn’t two steps higher or landed on my head!
I’m sure having plenty of kind people that interrupted their morning commute to help me contributed to the fact that I stayed relatively calm.
“whoever you are, i have always depended on the kindness of strangers”. Mg Mitchell, GWtW
“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Heb 13:2 KJV)
i am so thankful God made good souls who helped you when you needed.
i wonder if you could make shorter trips domestically to explore when you get the wanderer’s itch? but anytime you are wayworn, restRestREST for sure.
sounds more like a whole pot of tea (rather than just one cup) for recovery!
Love You!
KarenAdair
GReaT mInDs! I am exploring trips that are shorter hops, and can be done from the two smaller airports that are only 30 minutes from our house. I’ll be visiting my mom in Florida a lot more as well. The other thing that we have been talking about is getting serious about making the house super cozy vacation-feel comfortable!
❤ 🙂 :-^
karenadair