I decided in late May to travel to Scotland as my young brother was having serious health issues. I booked to be there for a month and left Perth on 2nd June. In no time at all I discovered how difficult it was dealing with numerous Government bureaucracies. And nothing moves fast.
I am happy to say we struggled through most of the requirements but some will take months to finalise. But we both felt we had achieved a lot.
Everyday is was on to the things to do list. Spending hours on the phone and sending numerous emails. And later no matter the weather we went out for a walk. At least one day a week we had a break. I would leave David in peace and catch up with family and old friends. It helped us recharge our batteries.
We managed to jointly catch up with family members some in Largs and some in Johnstone. During our breakouts days I spent time visiting old friends In Glasgow and Renfrew. I also had two great visits to Paisley , to meet up with Ann. She arranged for us to visit a local art gallery, the old weaver’s cottage, our old workplace, as well as where I used to stay. We then went to the crematorium to help Ann find the plaque to hers and Linda’s dad. We had found it years ago but Ann could not find it since.
Inevitably it became time to leave, which is always hard. And even though I had a couple of, much appreciated offers to take me to the airport. I decided it was easiest all round for me to take the train from Largs. The trip went well, then things started to go south.
My flight was half an hour late in boarding, that’s okay. Just as we moved from the terminal we had a power shutdown. The plan was towed back and we sat, on the tarmac for about two and a half hours. It was quite oppressive and Someone was medically taken off, adding to the delay.
During the flight and over the next seven and a half hours I hoped we would make up time and I would get my once a day connecting flight. The flight took off 13 minutes before we landed. I, along with others going to various destinations found ourselves stranded.
I have to say Emirates was very efficient. We were met with signs sending us to agents who had hotel accommodation booked, our boarding pass for the next days flight. The seats are not great but at least we are on the flight, and transportation to and from the hotel. At the hotel I had the room until I departed, and all meals covered. Before you ask, it did not include any alcohol☹️. I can’t fault the support given. But by this time it’s after 4.30 am and I am shattered. Slept until ten , went for breakfast and wondered what to do for the next 12 hours. I could not go out for a walk as it was far too hot. Picked up a two hour tour, I will show some pictures below, then after a late lunch 2.15 I went back to bed until 9.45pm, only slept on and off. Then something light to eat before heading to the airport. Hope you enjoy the pics below.
Les McLaughlan 