Halifax and London UK 2024

Mid January 2024 and leaving Victoria which is having decent weather. Early morning departure to Calgary. Calgary gives me anxiety as the 1 hour difference left me without a flight a year ago in September. But this time I make it through the airport to my waiting flight to Halifax. While in the air I work on my TEFL course on my wonderful Chromebook. Arrive on schedule and find a local bus that is just leaving to take me into downtown. There is snow on the ground and it is cold. Checking in at the Halifax Hotel, Veronica, Nick, Avander and Charolotte arrive. I have not seen them since last May, with the exception of Veronica. We got to spend time at the Kinmount cottage in August. We drop our bags and head straight to the pool. There is only us for an hour. We swim again after breakfast at the hotel.

We set off to the Discovery Centre. There is a play park along the waterfront and Tall ships. It is really cold out this afternoon. Meet Emily and Ryan for dinner at this lovely restaurant called The Wooden Monkey. It is a very nice meal. The kiddies and I go to the Library one day which is lovely ! Lunch downtown and that evening we skate at a large outdoor rink - and it is dangerously COLD.... Some where in the suburbs we go to a kiddie play land and have fun and ice cream. The few days I had with them went by so quick and then I get a ride back to the airport for my 10 am flight to Heathrow. Goodbyes I wish we did not have to make.

Watch shows and have a meal to pass the time. Had the isle seat and no one beside me. At Heathrow I read some signs and make it to the train. Al meets me at one of the stops to guide me to their flat. It is about 9 pm London time. I met bebe Link and see Steph after 5 months. He and I discussed my name as Grandma ma.

I wake early and go for a quiet,lovely walk next to the Thames. We go for long walks during the day with Link in a pram. Stop for lunch at a lovely restaurant and visit the local pub with bebe -Dean Swift. We take the train to have Link checked out and the medical system seems pretty efficient. Also to register Link with a birth certificate - also pretty efficient. One day I find my way to the London Train Museum. Allan has Link for the night and Steph and I go to a very elegant Indian restaurant blocks from their flat. Then it is time for the move to the area of Lewisham - a 10 minute train ride from London Tower. As with all moves, it is hectic, but luckily Candace was there to help.

I took Link for a walk along the Thames and he slept most of the time. Returned in time to take a taxi to the new place. The next day we walk to the nearby park and stop in the cafe. Once again time has gone by quickly and it is Monday when my plane departs, but in the afternoon. The family take me to the train that will put me back at Heathrow and it is smooth transit.

I am on Air Canada all the way back to Vancouver. There is free wine and two meals. In Vancouver my short flight to Victoria is delayed, so I arrive in Victoria late - Pacific time, but I am still on London time. It is a real struggle to get up Tuesday and go to work. But I do. Now I am making plans to make the move to London ! After a text from Cathy early December I discovered my paternal grandmother was born in London - not far from where Steph lives now. How amazing. Had no idea but now that puts me on a path to a UK Ancestral visa. Documents are requested and possessions are dwindling down. My two bikes will need to be sold. Wish I could ride the Yamaha to PEI - time restraints.... My friends are making plans to visit with me. I will be living as close to Veronica's family in London as I am living on the west coast of Canada. And I will have a purpose and love.