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Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Travels...

Since last October, DH and I had the idea that this year we would visit DsD3 in Canada, but our planned March/April departure just didn't happen due to health issues for both of us. Eventually though, plane tickets were purchased for a July 22 departure. 

Then a month ago, another health 'drama' for DH; some routine tests showed there could be a problem with the prostate. So everything to do with travelling was put on hold...
Visits to a specialist...
Some scans, examinations and more blood tests were done but the specialist needed more information...and so it was that DH had a MRI  done as well...the specialist said don't cancel your holiday...time for that if the MRI results were not encouraging. But keeping the appointment to see the doctor after the MRI, became difficult...

The specialist couldn't make the appointment as he was 'stuck' in Bali because of the volcanic ash clouds!!! DH's appointment was moved twice with the final date being Mon July 20! 
 But luckily, due to the circumstances, when the doctor finally arrived home late last Friday afternoon, he rang DH to say that there were no signs of cancer...have the holiday and then go back to him afterwards for some surgery. So it was quite a rush then to finish organising things for the trip!

So this is the scene, July 22...the International Airport Brisbane...

We had booked 'Premium Economy' instead of our usual Economy or 'Cattle Class' as it's often referred to. Because of his ill health this year, DH had decided to book the more expensive class; mind you, I didn't argue!!! Lol
It was worth the money...no queuing, more room, nicer food, attentive staff, white cloths and napkins, cloth towels in the toilets and just very comfortable all round. No plastic either...even the water was served in glass. 

One of our fellow passengers kindly took this photo...
Our plane was delayed by poor visibility at Brisbane Airport so we took off an hour late. And 12 1/2 hours later we landed at LA...at 7am, Wednesday July 22...yep! We get 2 July 22s lol. 
Even though we had booked for an early check in at our hotel, the room wouldn't be ready until 12.30...so we put our belongings in the office and then headed out to walk around the streets...despite having had little or no sleep for nearly 24 hours...as you do though when you travel into different time zones. 
DH bought a phone and we walked and walked...stopping eventually for a cuppa and some free WiFi. 
So for the next 5 weeks my posts will share our adventures with you....
( after a shower and a 4 hour nap, we felt quite 'human' again and we went walking around again this evening) 

13 comments:

Chookyblue...... said...

Have a fabulous time. Looking forward to my virtual Canadian holiday.....

Chookyblue...... said...

Have a fabulous time. Looking forward to my virtual Canadian holiday.....

Vireya said...

How exciting! Happy travels to you both, and I hope you get time for a few blog posts along the way. I love armchair travel!

Nanette said...

So glad hubby got the all clear, and look at you, up and gone! Have a wonderful trip, looking forward to enjoying it with you.

creations.1 said...

Woohoo!!! Have a great time.

Denice Barker said...

Welcome to North America!

Claud said...

Hi Maria,

Welcome to the US again! Hope you have a wonderful time and safe travels anywhere you go.

Big hug,

Cynthia said...

Certainly wonderful that there is no cancer and you were able to leave on your belated holiday. I hope you have a wonderful time and look forward to hearing about your travels.

Christine M said...

Have a great time, Maria. Glad you got to go after all.

Anonymous said...

Happy travelling Maria.

margaret said...

have a wonderful trip, so good DH scare was only a scare and nothing to worry about,

Sue (this n that) said...

Yay... so happy to pop back into blogland and see your two recent posts Maria. Really beaut news re prostate and especially that you could both finally take your trip.
You both look great considering lack of sleep! Have lots of fun :D)

Mizumatte said...

happy travelling both of you, looking forward to follow your trip. take care Jaana