Much easier hike back to the airport DOWN the metro stairs than it was going up! Able to bypass the horrendous lineup at the check in counter and dropped off two bags, carefully packed with all the valuables in the main bag! The plastic knife from my travel cutlery set was confiscated at security despite having carried it around for two years with no prior difficulties…. grrr.
Popped into WH Smith as an afterthought, still looking for Fry’s peppermint cream chocolate bars – had looked extensively in England and Scotland with no success. And there they were, in their abundant glory, the usual outrageous airport pricing, but made a dent in the pile and headed to duty free to add another Scotch that isn’t obtainable in Canada to the collection.
Lounge was relatively quiet until near departure, when a couple of yakkers got on their phones and bored everyone surrounding with their loud conversations. Plane left on time, and the trip back was infinitely better than the trip out, in business class. Accidentally set the alarm off in the washroom and was puzzled why there was so much thumping on the door as I washed my hands – surely nobody was that desperate?? Oops. Uber home from YVR to view the growth of weeds in the garden, and the trip is complete.
Garden tour section: Would not do a UBC Alumnus trip again. Expensive, and false advertising (no guiding done). Too big a group for my liking (full at 24), although there wasn’t a single really annoying person on it, defying the rule. But, it was a great tour despite all and thoroughly enjoyed it. We were spoiled by the Tunbridge Wells Spa Hotel as the first one. Chelsea Flower Show – fabulous – bucket list item, would go again if I was in the area at the right time, but would start early.
Favourite gardens: Longbarn, Great Dixter and RHS Wisely.
Shropshire – stunning countryside, and great rambling.
Visiting relatives is always a highlight and super to reconnect with Neil after so many years. The north of Scotland is always great to visit, with the bonus of meeting the two boys who have recently joined Andrew and Grant’s family.
Now sadly, back to reality…