I'm Going to England! (long)

13 years ago

I am so excited and scared to fly at the same time.

Last night just before midnight the phone rang and it was my 3rd cousin from England. We have never met and found each other on a genealogy message board a few years ago. We lost contact with each other until about a month ago when Sue opened up an email from me she found in an email account she hadn't used in a long time. I had sent her the link to my Photobucket acct that had all the pictures of our shared ancestors including pictures of her Mom Mary as a baby and her Grandfather. I had sent her my home address as well so she used directory assistance to get back in touch with me again. She calls once a week now.

Last week when Sue called I told her I would email pictures of my siblings and my Dad when he was in the Navy so she could see what we looked like. I sent her my FB picture as well.

So last night Sue said she opened the email with the attached pictures and she said she just about fell off her "sticks" LOL She said that I look like her and that we could be sisters the family resemblance is so strong. Sue is just a 3 years older than me. She just could not believe it!

LOL then the next words out of her mouth were "Mom and I want you to come to England, when can you come, look up air fares and I will send you a postal order or do you have an hsbc bank in Windsor, do you have someone to take care of your pets, fly to Manchester and again how soon can you come??? Slow down, let me process this I said. Oh my gosh.

I told her I couldn't just hop on a plane because I didn't have a passport and hadn't planned on getting my renewal done until January, my sister who does take care of my pets is going away in November so it would have to be after that, then there is Christmas, and I am afraid to fly overseas again but I really want to go. Sue said time is of the essence because her Mom is 90 years old and her Mom really wants to meet me. I have talked to Mary a few times on the phone and she has fond memories of my Dad coming to visit during the war and bringing out oranges and other food items that were scarce out of his navy kit bag.

Sue lives in Southport with her partner and their 2 elderly Mom's and 5 mini dashounds. She said they just purchased a million pound victorian house they just finished renovating so all the bedrooms have modern en suite bathrooms with showers, lots of hot water, new heating, lots of good food and good company. Sue gave me her address and told me to look at the house on Google Earth which I did. LOL The house was surrounded by scaffolding the time the picture was taken. Sue said she is quirky, loves to watch boxing of all things and that we will get along very well.

Last night we talked on the phone for 4 hours - who talks on the phone that long!!! I had to grab the land line after about 2 hours because my phone went dead.

This visit will be great because Sue is also working on our family genealogy and has a website and softwear to publish our family tree except she can't type so I should be able to help her out there. I love to type as I am sure you can tell by this post. Sue said for me to plan an itinerary on where I want to go but I haven't a clue. I do want to go to the Archives though and to Denton to see where my Grandfather was from and maybe do some research at the Tameside Library and look at church records.

I'm just ready to head out to my friend's house to scan a picture of Mary's Grandparents. Sue said Mary has never seen a picture of her Grandparents so they are anxious for me to send them the picture and it is of utmost urgency because Sue isn't sure how long her Mother will be here and she wants to study the picture. Mary so far has lived longer than any past ancestor most of whom died young or in their 50's and 60's

Which is the best airline to fly and should I fly out of Detroit or fly from Toronto? Flying from Toronto I would only have to pass through customs once, Detroit twice. I have always flown business class on United or British Air whenever I had flown overseas but that is back when I worked as a travel agent and the reps gave me free tickets. LOL I am staying away from Air France because of the rumours of terrorist threats to French holdings. Did I say I was afraid to fly such a long journey again. I could hardly walk because of my knees after a 4 hours train ride, what will I be like after a 7 hour plane ride?

I am really looking forward to meeting my family and hopefully the cousin of my Dad's I was named after. I met her when I was a young child when she travelled here to Canada.

Sorry this was so long.

Anne

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Comments (30)

gemini40
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That is a wonderful story...I would be making plans now and go before the winter weather sets in...That would be my choice...then they can come here and visit with you...

June
chisue
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Anne -- How fast can you pack? Go NOW. Airfares are low, and you want to hit England before autumn is entirely gone.

We fly to Hawaii every year from Chicago. Yes, it's a long flight, but so worth it -- like your trip! Actually a TripAdvisor forum member who lives in Hawaii often flies to England; he favors United. Business class on international flights is the same as first on Hawaiian flights. I like the 767's nearly-lie-flat seats -- you can really *sleep* in them! I think the 300's also have lie-flat seats. Go to the "Kayak" website for more into on the various planes -- and to TripAdvisor's air forum.

Manchester is so far north anyway. My aunt and uncle lived in Dewesbury in Yorkshire for awhile -- cold and damp -- so I'm glad your cousin has a new, well-heated house. Maybe you could get out to Fountains Abbey -- even York!

I'm almost as excited as YOU!
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minnie_tx
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I spent five weeks in England with a side trip to Scotland by myself in 1986 what a wonderful time If I could have afforded it I'd still be there
lindyluwho
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Never mind about Christmas. That's no excuse for not going as soon as your sister comes back and can take care of your pets. Sooner if someone else can do it. And it would be a fabulous Christmas present for you. You spent so many years taking care of your Mom and others now it's time to do something just for you. NO EXCUSES, MISSY. Apply for your passport first thing Monday morning. Now get packing. I'm so happy for you.

Linda
socks
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That's very, very exciting. Don't be nervous about the flying. I usually take a motion sickness tablet which makes me too drowsy to be nervous. Maybe you could take a Tylenol PM or some such to help with nerves and let you sleep a bit. It's not easy to be in a plane so long, but it will be well worth it. Order your passport ASAP, then figure when you can go, and I hope it will be sooner rather than later.
phyllis__mn
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
GET A MOVE ON, ANNE..l....yes, I'm shouting. You will have such a grand time.
maire_cate
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
What a wonderful, exciting trip. As others mentioned renew your passport now so that you have it and you're ready. I am so happy for you. You just have to go - this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. You deserve it.
pattico_gw
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh...Anne...go now...if you wait it might not ever happen...!!!

I'm sure you can find someone to watch your dog....how about your brother?

I envy you. I'd love to take a trip like that..(but not by air) I know it will never happen now. So you have to take that trip and take lots of pictures so I can take a trip through your pictures.

Hurry hurry hurry.

patti
samkaren
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Anne

Boy...do I envy you! I would love to go back to England. I was there in 1978 visiting my brother & SIL when he was in the air force. Spent the entire summer and saw everything. If you can..visit the White Cliffs of Dover...beautiful to look at.

In fact I would go back just to replace the beer mug I had. It was a heavy glass mug (held a pint) and I bought it at a thrift store. Had it for 15 years until it broke. Still wish I had it......it was great for cold drinks.

Enjoy your trip and meeting your relatives

SamKaren
your resident DJ
sue_va
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Anne, that is fantastic! What a great opportunity. Do whatever it takes to get you on that plane and on your way.

Keep a journal, along with pictures, so you can tell us all about it.

I've always wanted to go to Ireland to see where my GGgrandfather came from.

You are a lucky girl to have this opportunity.

Go and enjoy every minute of it.

Sue
donna_oh
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
GO GO GO---NOW NOW NOW

Donna (^_^)
nanny98
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Yes, yes, yes. Get packing just as soon as the passport and animal care can be arranged. I am so happy for you!!!!! Nanny
carol_in_california
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I wish I lived closer....I would come and house and dog sit for you.
What a wonderful opportunity!
glenda_al
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Go and sending best wishes!
Marcia Thornley
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Anne, go as soon as you can. When I visited England it was the last week of Sept. and first week of Oct. We spent time around Manchester and the lake district. You will love it! So much to see! The weather then was so nice. Just cool enough for a jacket and not hot at all, so perfect for walking and travelling. Evenings did get a bit chilly though and be prepared for fog! Holy Cow I couldn't believe the fog!
What a great opportunity for you. Have a blast!
molly109
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Please be careful - a "visiting Europe Alert" was
issued for Americans this morning. They are
having lots of Terrorist threats and happenings.
pam_25f
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It is a wonderful story. I hope you will go. Maybe Christmas in England?
petra_gw
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh my, this is exciting!! How soon can you get your passport renewed? How long would you stay there? It just sounds wonderful, and as the mom is 90, there really is no time to waste.
Cherryfizz
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks for the replies.

If I can work it out I will go either before Christmas or the beginning of January but after some thought I think January might win out. I've got to talk to my cousin again to see what she thinks. I think I would prefer to fly out of Canada but then I would have to get myself to Toronto the day before. Flying out of Detroit is much easier but then I would have to fly to another hub and change planes. LOL I never thought I would have to make these kinds of travel plans again. I used to travel so much at one time and it was nothing for me to just hop on a plane and go wherever I wanted.

The sight seeing will be nice but it is meeting my family and walking in the footsteps of my not so distant ancestors that I am most excited about.

I sent the picture of my Great Grandparents by email to Sue so that her Mother Mary can finally see a picture of her Grandmother who died before she was born more than 90 years ago.

Packing!!! Oh my goodness I sold my luggage at a yard sale a few years ago and only use a over nighter case now. Hopefully my sister's duffle bag type luggage will not get damaged on her flight in November so I can use it. She has the worse luck with luggage LOL. I hadn't even given luggage a thought.

Anne
vannie
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
OMGosh. This is so exciting. I am so into genealogy and am so envious of the experience you are going to have. Go for it and have the time of your life. What a wonderful opportunity!! You will HaVE to tell us all about it.
tami_ohio
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh, Anne! What a wonderful opportunity! You will never regret going, but go as soon as possible so you can meet Mary. I would suggest that you make copies of everything you have gathered in your research and take them with you, or ship them, so that you can share it with Sue and Mary. In fact, make two copies and leave the second one here in a secure place. (like backing up your computer!) Keep us updated on your plans!

Tami
nicole_ont
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Sounds amazing, Anne! What an exciting opportunity and adventure! I got goosebumps and tears from reading your story. :)

If you decide to fly out of Toronto and come up the day before, I would gladly pick you up downtown and you can stay here and I'll bring you to the airport the next day. We've got plenty of space, our schedule is always very flexible and it would be great to spend some time with you again!
rosepetal2
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
If you do get out for some sight seeing and are in the Chester area please come to the Garden Centre where I work especially if it's near Christmas. We have a huge Christmas section and lots to look at inside and outside. Let me know and I can e-mail you the details of where it is.
Diane
nodakgal
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Christmas in England would be wonderful. Get that passport NOW girlie and get ready to go! Don't put it off.
joyfulguy
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Anne,

What a great opportunity: love your story.

You may find that flying from Detroit is much less expensive than from TO - daughter flew me to AZ from there, (airbus from London: about $115., I think, return) ... but I don't know about fliight costs to overseas.

Don't fuss about the terrorists on AF more than elsewhere - with so many flights going here and there, the chances of them hitting yours are - rather remote ... you do buy lottery tickets, don't you? Risk about the same, maybe?

Hope you can stand up and pump your legs up and down a bit while at your seat, occasionally ... if you find it hard to get to an aisle.

I have a major space on the farm ... I could come pick up the dog, (would even keep him for free [if food provided] - a real "low key" offer, no?) and even bring you back, too, and carry you to TO, into the bargain ... or put you on airbus from London, if you prefer.

Not only Lo-ki ... but multi-pronged, as well.

ole joyfilled
hgl_gaylemarie
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
How exciting!
joyfulguy
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Anne,

Years ago in 1957, when I was in Korea, I was to return to Canada via Europe, and wanted to visit the Middle East, but there was fussing between Israel and the other guys at the time and I was rather worried about it.

I wrote a letter to a correspondent, Blair Fraser, I think, who'd had an article about that issue in Macleans a while before, and he wrote me a fairly long, gracious answer, telling me that most of the time things were quiet, and that even when a fuss was going on, that usually one could be safe in the general area if not near there.

He more or less said that there is often a lot of fuss over ... not much, in reality.

And ... I could drive you up the wall, if you like. But ... not the low-key dog, O.K.?

ole joyful
Cherryfizz
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks for the offer Ed but I've got more than one animal and my Sister loves staying at my house if it means she can get away from her apartment plus Loki is a "princess" as my brother calls him and loves his soft bed and his babies. LOLOL

I am not worried about terrorists much, if that was the case I wouldn't have flown into Frankfurt airport after there was a terrorist bombing attack and then after we were robbed in Amsterdam I slept in the same airport on a bench while the airport had soldiers walking around with machine guns.

You're sweet to offer Ed. I really don't know what I am going to do yet or when I am going. LOL I haven't even checked flights yet because I don't know the date I can go.

.... and no I don't by lottery tickets.

Anne
susanjf_gw
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
what a wonderful oppertunity...think i'd run, not walk and get started with that passport!
joyfulguy
13 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I think that I got my passport in a bit over two weeks ... and that was a couple of years ago, about the time of the big pile-up of Canadians getting passports to be able to travel to the big land to the south.

I can keep multiple dogs - if they get along at your place, they should be able to do so at mine.

Could pick 'em up ... and you, as well, if desired ... and haul you to TO, if you wish.

As for the health concern - I'm feeling just fine: don't concern yourself over that, with regard to this situation, please.

ole joyfilled

I'm Going to England! (long)

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