Since arriving back in Western Australia in 1981 as a family we had not returned to Scotland in ten years. I had actually been there for three days in 1988, but that’s a story on its own.

Paul was 18 months old when he came to Australia. Funnily enough Laura was 18 months old when we first arrived in 1978. We had planned the holiday for two years and saved hard for our six week holiday.

Our first Stop was in Hong Kong. Both Laura and Paul had saved their pocket money for over a year. And Laura in particular wanted a shopping experience, but because she knew we would be Stopping in HK on the way home she resisted shopping on the outward stop.

We knew we would need to see a number of sights particularly The Peak and Ocean Park as well as the markets in Kowloon and Hong Kong island. But we also planned to catch up with my two cousins Frank and Diana and their families. We really packed a lot in on those three days, then it was on to London

In London we caught up with friends and family for a few days then on to Scotland by train. My young brother David joined us on the train. We arrived a few days before Xmas. I hired a car and we travelled visiting family and friends. In between xmas and New Year’s Eve we travelled up the east coast of Scotland then from Inverness down the Caledonian Canal to Fort William ending our trip back in Glasgow. During the trip we stayed in a number of Bed and Breakfast houses. The trip was fantastic but driving in snow was very tiring. We played Queen’s ‘It’s a kind of Magic’ as we drove around the highlands. I really think that was the most memorable part of the holiday.

Then it was back to London where Laura and Paul, mainly Laura did a bit of shopping.

It was great catching up with family and friends but it was hard saying goodbye.

Finally back in Hong Kong and Laura was keen to spend the remainder of her money.