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To travel hopefully is better than to arrive!

Posted on 1st October, 2023

I can remember hearing this old saying and thinking it didn’t make any sense but now that I’m much older I understand exactly what it means. Planning a holiday, an outing, Christmas, for me is now the best part as the actual event rarely lives up to expectations. What do you think? Are your holidays, parties and family occasions ever as good as you hoped?

I had two trips abroad this year, one to see see my cousin on the delightful Greek island Paros and another to a writing retreat in France. To be honest I didn’t really enjoy either of them although being with friends and family is always a pleasure. I’m going to let my passport expire and in future will take any breaks in the UK where I can return home if I want to without any problems. I find airports difficult and I don’t want to ever fly again. I can travel in luxury in the UK and intend to do so. If I could magically be transported from my home to Florence, France or wherever, then I’d go immediately but unfortunately magic carpets don’t exist.

I think I’m somewhat biased as I’ve not been well for over a year having had two bouts of Covid and after each one have been left with long Covid. It seems to have lowered my immune system and I constantly catch other things which then set me back again. I sleep better at home and not being able to sleep comfortably is a major handicap to anyone’s enjoyment of a holiday.

I’m already planning a trip to Bath where a very good friend has just bought a flat four doors down from where Jane Austen used to live and opposite the place where Bridgeton was filmed. I’ve always wanted to visit this Regency town and am looking forward to spending time there with my friend and visiting places I’ve just read and written about.

I sound rather negative but I think one’s view of the world does change as you get older. I’m very lucky and I know that. I’m doing something that I love at an age when most people have been retired for a decade, write for the best publisher, Boldwood, and have a wonderful family and circle of friends who I see on a regular basis. I also have a delightful bungalow, the perfect garden and the best neighbours one could have. Not to forget my constant companion and feline friend, Loki.

Do you get more pleasure from planning and from the actual event that you’ve spent so long looking forward to?

best wishes

Fenella J Miller