Reaching Mid Life

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

These 2 arms

They wrapped around my husband on our first date, on our wedding day and ever since.

They held my daughter on the day she was born and throughout her life, offering her a place that felt safe and secure.

They picked me mam up when her legs failed her and she fell - many times. And they held her as she took her last breath.

They've carried my suitcases around the world, pulled me up the airplane steps and steadied me across those gang planks. They've driven vehicles that have taken me on adventures and brought me home again.

They've hugged strangers and friends. People I don't see often enough and dear friends who are separated by continents and oceans.

These 2 arms might not be perfect but they're mine and today marks the first day of not being self conscious of them ❤️

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Grief changed me

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

When someone says, "I don't know what I'd do without my mum" I just stay quiet because I'm still trying to figure that out.

I don't know how to explain what it feels like to live in a world where her voice is gone. Where I can't just call her when life gets heavy. Where I can't hear her advice, her laugh, or even her silence on the other end of the phone.

The grief doesn't get lighter. You just get better at carrying the weight. But some days, that weight still crushes you.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Grief is ugly. It is rough. It does not perform well for others. And it lasts as long as it lasts. If you cannot understand why someone grieves deeply or for a long time, consider yourself fortunate. Because grief is not weakness. It is love with nowhere to go, continuing long after the loss has changed everything.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 17

Our last day before flying home and we decided to spend it in the Gardens by the Bay.

We headed to the MRT which is spotlessly clean and runs to time. Cheap too compared to other cities we have visited.

What a beautiful place!!

We did the cloud forest and the flower dome. The super tree dome and the Skyway. So much to see and do.

There are plenty of places to eat and grab a drink so you really can spend the whole day there.

One final walk along the river before heading to the airport.

One word of warning ... most airlines have a final bag check BEFORE you board the plane - so at the gate. We had already been through one so had purchased drinks for the flight home. Sadly these were confiscated.

All in all a fantastic trip Far East. We are already planning our next one.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 16

Today we headed out to explore more of Singapore. Who doesn't love an open top bus.

There is so much to see in the city. Little India and China Town are close together so we explored on foot. It was like being in another country!

The heat was more bearable on the bus - lots of breeze. But it was still humid in the evening.

So many places to choose from along the river for our evening meal but we went off the beaten track to an amazing Italian restaurant that served Peroni!! Bonus 🤣

Our last proper night in Singapore

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 15

Today we left the ship, our home for the last 12 days and entered Singapore.

Our driver was apparently the only one who didn't know that the Singapore marathon was on so hadn't factored this in. So despite him saying he was there and waiting, we didn't see him until a good hour later.

Bags dropped off we went for an explore. The Singapore river was just across the road from the hotel so we wandered round there. Lots of lively bars and restaurants.

After checking into the hotel and some lunch, I left hubby behind and went out on my own. I went back the river and decided to walk further.

Being Sunday there were hundreds of people picnicking and spending time with family, some of them in their finery and traditional clothing.

I walked as far as I could, knowing that I had to walk back!! 31° heat and 75% humidity ... I was feeling like a boiled lobster.

Loving Singapore so far.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 13

Today we docked in Phu My which is around 90km from Ho Chi Minh city.

We took an organised tour - War Relics - which included shopping time. So something for both of us 🤣

There was a huge delay with immigration so from the get go, we were behind schedule and the trip felt rushed.

Driving to Ho Chi Minh city, we passed through streets lined with shops and restaurants, sometimes nothing more than a wooden hut with a corrugated roof. Locals were sat at the side of the road selling fruit and veg and food cooked on huge stoves.

It was clear that the city was once heavily influenced by the French - the post office building, Notre Dame and the Opera House to name but a few buildings.

We visited the royal palace which is now a museum. A very 70s style building which probably was very grand in the day.

We also visited 2 museums - one dedicated to the history of the city and one to the Vietnam war. Both very interesting and informative.

You take your life in your hands crossing the street - so many motorbikes and mopeds - and the hawkers, who spot tourists at a distance, are very persistent. Strangely they only want American dollar - they won't even accept dong.

A city with a very ecclectic culture.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 10

Finally we arrived in Hong Kong. This was one of the ports I was most excited to see.

We had opted to take the HoHo bus - the best way to see such a large city and learn about the history and the culture.

First thing that struck me was the old vs new: huge shiny sky scrapers thrown up at the side of old tenament buildings with their grimy air con units on the outside and the lines of laundry hanging out. It all added to the unique history and blend of culture.

Surprised to see lots of buildings still clad with bamboo scaffolding despite the tragic fires and loss of life earlier in the week. No signs of attempts to replace them as yet.

We ventured up to the Peaks via the tram system for a spectacular view of the city below. Top tip: buy your ticket in advance to avoid the line ups. And give yourself time to wander round the myriad of shops and food outlets.

We headed out towards Stanley a beautiful coastal area of Hong Kong. Not what we expected to see after the sprawling city. Lots of greenery, low rise buildings and beaches on turquoise waters. Oh a golf course and a reservoir too.

Last stop was a shopping mall near the marina. Clean and new and full of high end shops. I resisted - I can shop at home - but worth knowing if you want some tax free goods.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 8

After 2 days at sea, Taiwan was a very welcome stop. Welcome to Keelung.

The harbour area was a short walk from where the ship docked. Lots of photo opportunities with the ship in the background and a large Christmas tree.

A short ride away was Zhengbin Port, a fishing village made famous by it's colourful houses. There was a free bus waiting at port which took us there and back. Very Instagram worthy and not too many tourists. A few places to grab something to eat and, because this is a working fishing port, you can see the locals landing their catch.

Left the hubby at the ship then went up to Baimiweng Fort via taxi. Jeez: the climb to the top from the actual fort to the light house damn near killed me - but the view was worth it. Not somewhere you can easily walk to though. As it is a fort, it is on the top of a hill and the road up there is single lane with no footpath.

Explored a bit more of Keelung around the marine area - the back streets with their "pop up" food places and people with their food carts - then back to the ship to beat the rain.

PS seems the best way to get around the area is via a moped or scooter. Up to 3 people on just the one vehicle!

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 5

Today we docked in Osaka and decided to catch the bullet train to Kyoto.

It was probably at this stop that I realised how big these cities are. Not like European cities where you can probably cover the major sights on foot in around 4 hours.

We wandered around the train station area for a little while and then made our way out to Umekoji park. I was surprised to see lots of herons around who seemed very timid and friendly.

I suddenly got an obsession with taking pictures of post boxes .... they are so cute with different toppers on them.

Bullet train back to Osaka and then a local train back to the station closer to the port.

PS people need to take a leaf out of the Japanese book when it comes to queuing. They are so orderly and polite.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 4

Today we arrived in Toba. We should have anchored off shore and got off via the little tender boats but the sea was too choppy and the waves too high. So the captain made the difficult decision to cancel the port and carry on to the next stop.

A day of reading, falling asleep on the sun lounger and getting burnt. Oh and my first trip to the gym which was a little strange! The starting weights seem to be set heavier than I am used to and the treadmill gave me motion sickness as I was walking north while the ship headed west 🤣

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 3

Todays the day we head to Yokohama to pick up the ship to start our 12 day cruise. It's suddenly getting exciting.

Our driver picked us up on time and embarkation to the ship was very smooth and straightforward with very little time to wait around and no fuss.

After a drink sat listening to the orchestra playing us in - very Titanic-esque - we headed to our mini-suite. Bags already outside which is always a bonus.

We had booked a room with a balcony and although it does put the price up, we get more space and some fresh air.

We unpacked, utilising all the hanging space and shelving. Even though we had a mini-suite you have to be inventive with how you organise your clothes.

The dining room was quiet this evening which was strange but nice. We opted for the buffet style option which is very informal and casual.

After our meal, we walked around the ship to get our bearings and explore. An early night for us.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 2

4am and we are both wide awake catching up on the local football derby and laughing at The Wendys who lost 3-0.

We managed to get back to sleep and woke up about 830am. Hotel buffet breakfast challenge accepted! What a great range of food although I will never want noodles and curry at 9am on a morning.

We headed off to the local train station and back to Tokyo station to pick up our HoHo bus.

We spent the day riding arond Tokyo, getting on and off and seeing the sights. The weather was glorious and I even took my jacket off at one point 🤣

The city is busy!! The Senso-Ji temple was bustling but I wafted some smoke over me (not even sure why) and drank some water which I wasn't supposed to drink, just swill my mouth out with. Lots of people in traditional Japanese dress which was lovely to see.

The Shibuya crossing was on our tick list but after seeing it from the top of the bus we decided we didn't really need the experience. Up to 4000 people cross at the same time. No thank you!

A very late lunch and a night spent napping and eating popcorn rounded off Day 2.

Hoping to sleep through tonight. Fingers crossed.

PS where do all the people come from in Tokyo? Honestly - queues and crowds everywhere. Orderly but massive.

[anothermiddleagedblogger]

Far East Trip - Day 1

This trip was almost 12 months in the making and it was fnally here.

After a very long 14 hour flight from Heathrow, we arrived in Tokyo Haneda airport at 730am, 9 hours ahead of my normal time. Our hotel room wasn't ready so we really had no choice but to push through the jet lag.

After lots of coffee and a quick itinerary plan, we headed out to explore the area.

Mejiro Gardens was our first stop. A little oasis in the middle of what appeared to be a residential area.

Then onto the metro to Tokyo station to switch to the bullet train. Wow! We were not ready for the vastness of the station or the sheer volume of people for 11am on a Sunday morning!

Another itinerary change and we went in search of food. Queues, albeit orderly ones, everywhere we looked.

So back on the metro to a KFC we had seen earlier 😐 After a pretty standard menu A, we decided it was time to hassle the receptionist and get checked in

2 hours later after a quick nanna nap, we showered and went for dinner. Nothing too exciting - a hotel buffet style meal.

11pm - over and out.

PS are all the toilet seats in Tokyo heated??