Anime

 Most of my travels are simply to escape. A reason, if you will, to have an excuse not to think of bills housework, schedules and work. I work a lot of hours. I have the best job in the world but that is a reason for me to miss my babies during some of those long days. So since my past travels may include a full description of picturesque views of breathtaking mountainsides, sushi on conveyor belts, or endless miles of sandy beaches with parasailers and cargo ships in the background, I will now write of something unique to this. Something I have never written of.

       The suitcases are neatly packed in the trunk like a successful game of Tetris, lunches bagged by my daughter containing sandwiches, pretzels and Little Debbies and the Dramamine has been distributed. The car is immaculate and full of gas after our last stop at the QuickTrip for drinks, donuts and coffee. Good times. Everything we need for the next 10 hours of road ahead. Now I will finally get the much needed time with my babies.

       As we make good time down the road in surprising little traffic, the kids peacefully eat their breakfast. Some with their headphones on and others with colored pencils. The sun gradually melts away the morning fog and the road ahead is clear as we cruise through the first of 5 states. The noise from the back increases with excitement as we pass through the large cities. Older siblings help the younger ones when it is time to stop. We make progress as we pass from one border to another every time getting closer to our destination. Its sounds like such bliss. Then there is that lucky feeling of me being a mom to 5 amazing human beings.
        
       From the many long road trips we have taken I have learned how to change a Pull-Up in a parking lot without anyone noticing, entertain the kids by blowing bubbles with the wind from the air conditioner, and retrieve dropped crayons from behind the seat without removing my seat belt. But one problem remains unsolved. When the claws start to creep out, there is no where to run.

      In past travels I have discovered that the state of Illinois is very long. As we cross over from Kentucky, the Immaculate car has become a sea of crumbs, crayons and an unexplained wet spot. We enter the convenience store as bedheads while wearing chocolate donut frosting. As my feeling of mother of the year starts to wane, the day enters into a whole new dynamic. And 3 hours still remaining.
             
Laurel

   Yes, Laurel. She is child #4 and very much worthy of having a chapter all of her own. All of my girls are unique in their own way but many noteworthy memories involve her. Her pediatrician recommended that we get her involved in the drama club at school. She is also the kid who will ask for one thing after another at Kroger and when she is told that she cannot have everything in the store, she simply replies: "Well, I don't want vinegar." She is that child. Clever in many ways. However, clever has more than one description.
 
   As we ventured on, we received a complaint about Laurel from one of the other disgusted passengers from the back seat. Since Laurel was seated in the middle, she had limited availability to rest her feet. The truth is, she was aware of the problem but persisted with apathy for an extended period of time. We tried tickling and poking and that would work for a little while. The problem persisted. She was asked one more time and I was ignored. She was asked again and again until I noticed she was peacefully "sleeping" and could not "hear" me. She did however wake up quickly when she heard the words "You're grounded!"

Laurel wants me to take her to Japan after she graduates from fifth grade. Keep an eye out for the blog.
   
      After an inferno involving a tractor trailer, the three hours left still remained. As anticipation grew, tempers also began to flair. Words like "She's touching me!" Started to sound more like "I hate you!" and "Shut up!" and "Mom, aren't you going to do anything!!" It was all happening so fast. There was no bathroom behind a locked door with the fan on where I could run to at the time.

     There was however a glass of wine, a hot bath and beloved family waiting for us at our destination

and all was forgotten. As easy as it would be just to fly, it is simply out of the question since there are 7 of us. Since my mom had a fear of flying, we drove everywhere and that left me with many similar but fond memories. I can only hope the same for all of them.

                                                              Laurel Anne Fair, age 9

England 2017-La La Land

         I cried as we walked out the door of the charming little place in Earls Court that we had called home for that week. Departure day is most dreaded. Not only do we have to say goodbye, just as when we left, we had to get through the hassle of getting to the airport, knowing where to go to check in in the hopes that there won't be any set backs. In addition to never having flown out of Gatwick International Airport, the area of the District line (a heavily traveled train route in London) was shut down at our station and we had to reroute to get to Victoria station where we were to make our connection to the airport. Most of the trains were very full  and there were times we had to carry our heavy luggage up many stairs where there were no lifts. I was a nervous wreck but tried to hold it together for Emma.

         After sheer and utter bedlam we, once again, made it to Gatwick and found our terminal on time without a whole lot of trouble at this point. When we reached our terminal, we were in the company of many anticipatory Disney bound  English tourists joining us on a flight to Orlando, Florida where we would have a two hour layover. They were wearing their mouse ears, had pillows with Disney princess pillowcases and I envied all of them as they shared the same excitement we did the week before.

          It did feel nice once the plane took flight and the rat race finally ended. However, my goodbye was now a reality and I was saddened by the uncertainty as to when I would return.

    The departure was early afternoon and since we were flying westbound across five time zones, I was happy to know that we would have lunch twice. My Indian Paneer arrived with a side of pink coleslaw, Boursin cheese with crackers, chocolate ganache for dessert and a small bottle of white wine. I dined while I watched the movie "La La Land." I ate my food slowly and gradually sipped the wine. Since I don't typically frequent wine with lunch, I was left feeling like I was a bit in La La Land myself. Though my "buzz" didn't really last that long, it wasn't such a bad feeling. I had to take a moment to celebrate the fact that I had successfully taken the time to stop and smell the roses in the midst of  a very busy life. It's why I do what I do. I refuse to live a life where I go to work, come home, pay bills and eventually die. Irresponsible? Maybe. A little. Regrets? Nope!

  Gallery 

One of the things I like to do the most in London and the best way to fight of jet lag is just by simply walking. I had already been here long enough for jet lag to no longer be an issue but walking the streets still stands as a priority. Though I will see many things I have seen before already, Emma will see them for the first time. I will never tire of any of them and will also welcome anything new. Picadilly Circus is like the Times Square of London. It is in the heart of the city where there is a lot of entertainment and shopping.

 

  London is a treasure trove of talent. Street musicians, jugglers, and men painted to look like statues can be seen throughout the streets.
(I had to keep the photos to a minimum as it was my last day in the city and I had no tip money left).

    

  Regent Street never fails to astound me. It is the first of my views once our tube train arrives to the West End. To think that these connected rows of buildings have stood through centuries!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not quite sure how this fellow looks ascomfortable as he does without really anything to sit on.
Quite fascinating none the less!

Here is the facade of Westminster Abbey as it glowed in the sun. Though I had no tip for the nearby bagpiper, I still enjoyed his music to go along with my view. 

Yes, we've all seen it, I know. Whole different story when it is right there in front of you.

 Beautiful view where tragedy had taken place two weeks prior. We took a moment to show respect and remember.

We had been walking quite a bit. We just needed a place to stop rest our feet for a while.

Here is an image of my Facebook status. I you'll notice, the notfication globe has now turned showing Europe and Africa. Facebook must have known I was in the UK! How about that? Not quite sure really.

                                                                       La La Land:

"Another Day of Sun"

 

       

           
  

England 2017- Alex, Esther and Prince Albert

   I did some online research ahead of time about what events would take place the week we would be in London. More importantly, would anything be free? I successfully was able to find a venue offering free live music. Not only did I succeed, but Italian cuisine would be included in the package.

     After a long pleasant early evening walk through South Kensington, we had found our destination within a large concert hall. We were seated in an elegant dining setting with a place reserved just for us. We arrived before the music began. I was very glad that the menu prices were reasonable as it was the last night we would be in London and my funds were close to exhausted. Emma and I shared a Margherita pizza with sparkling water. We learned that not all pizza in Britain are to be sliced, but eaten with a fork and knife which was how it would be served to us. I folded when Emma wanted chocolate chip gelato. The food was good but was really an added bonus as we were here for the music.

      There were only two up on stage that night. As the guests dined over fine food with wine in their glasses, a well known local jazz pianist glided his melodies with flawless technique and perfectly synchronized rhythms which accompanied them. His ballads flowed with much feeling and ease. His talent was extraordinary.

     Esther.

    There are people in this world who are searching for their purpose (now getting all philosophical). We all have to aspire and try different things to find out what were good at. That seems to come easier for some than it does than others. Some of us may take up sculpting or Zumba dancing and may easily find their place or simply just move on to the next thing as they begin to lose interest. And some of us know exactly who they are and where they need to go in life and take those things and make them their own.

     There was a very young woman who was setting up her place on the stage where she would play her stand up bass. Her name was Esther. She caught my attention very quickly though I was not sure what to expect. I have heard many jazz trios and different R&B acts and the players all seem to have a familiar persona about them. Many of them are men dressed in business casual attire and it is not unusual for the women to dazzle with sequins, costume jewelry, and heavy makeup. Esther's demeanor however was very conservative and more of intellect-not necessarily driven to look the role to pursue the center of attention. She did not have to.
  
      Each time the music began, she came to life with her instrument. Her frolicking fingers were as though they were dancing on the strings effortlessly and free. Since it was just her and the piano and there was no drummer, she played that role also as the body of the string bass became her drum. I later learned that Esther holds a doctorate in Genomic Medicine but is also someone of very animated talent who just wants to play her bass. It's women like this who change the world!
    

Royal Albert Hall, South Kensington, UK

   
   Place visited: Royal Albert Hall has been a performance
                          venue  since 1871 in honor of Albert, Prince
                          Consort. 
                                              
   Eats: Verdi Italian Restaurant

   Artists: Alex Hutton, piano
                 Esther Ng, Bass

   Date visited: June 16th, 2017

Alex and Esther

  

 Esther in action:

 "Beautiful Friendship"

Jazz combo benefit gig.

(Esther's solo is around 5:40)

   

  

England 2017:Altitude

Altitude



I usually begin planning these journeys months before I actually go. I had dreamt of seeing the white cliffs of Dover and taking a day trip by train to see them. But then I remembered that there was somewhere else. Due to time and expense, I had to choose between two different experiences for that day. I needed Emma's help to make the decision. Per her request, we rode a different train that afternoon to side of London I had not yet been but had known of.

   We had already been on a nature walk through an oasis within the city, now we will visit another oasis more majestic. Where I will feel the wind blow on a terrace as I view my lovely city. Somewhere where I would be surrounded by lush tree ferns and fig trees as the sun stared back and glowed against them through the windows of a giant atrium. I had already seen the white cliffs of Dover from the plane when we flew over them. And since you can't see them anyway when you are standing on them, I was fine with that.

  They say that some folks are beach people while others prefer the mountains. Though I like both, London is a little bit of everything in between. From my view I could see everything from Tudor style architecture and ornate cathedrals to 21st century high rise office buildings on the next block. I looked down at my city where people were boarding trains traveling for work or pleasure, some were taking riverboat rides or walking down the many cobblestone streets shooting photographs at monuments, palaces and street vendors. There's a little something for everyone here and every visit for me has been distinct in it's own way. Though there are so many other places I want to visit, this view reminded me why there are many reason I just keep coming back here. 

   Our lunch would be an elegant fine dining experience.
(Which is why we did not see Dover as our budget would not allow us to do both). The door was opened for us as though we were expected. Our napkins were placed in our laps by the server as we were seated. The menu featured items such Anjou pigeon, heritage beetroots, golden raisins and pomegranateas and for dessert, white peach, honey parfait, mascarpone and rosemary all prepared by the worlds finest Italian chefs.

   My lunch included Cannelloni of morel mushrooms, smoked beef consommé and broad beans with sparkling water. Though I was hungry, my days of heavy travel had reduced my appetite somewhat. The portion size was just right. The Cannelloni was very tender with a smokey  flavor. It was artfully garnished with fresh radishes and edemame. It was very colorful and I was fulfilled.










 Place visited: 35 stories above the ground at the top of a building shaped like a walkie -talkie, three stories of beautiful landscaping of many varieties of picturesque florals and foliage create
Sky Garden, London UK

Eats: Fenchurch Restaurant
Date visited: June 15th, 2017



      We also visited a few of the places we saw from our amazing view from the ground level.

Tower Bridge is one of the most well known icons visible in London's skyline. The two Gothic style towers operate a draw bridge to channel traffic in and out of port facilities in the Pool of London.

The Shard is the tallest building in the UK at 95 stories and construction was completed  just in time for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The Tower of London is located
along the north bank of the Thames river. It is a historical landmark built in 1078 and was used mostly as a prison through the centuries.

Pigeons. Do not feed or things will go terribly wrong making the citizens of Britain very unhappy. Better to not learn that lesson the hard way!

 

England 2017-Oasis

Oasis




Throughout our time together, I found saying no to Emma difficult. She had her fair share of ice cream that week and we paid 5 pounds for a Fidget Spinner when she could get one in the states or even online for as little a dollar.

   It was also her idea to have lunch in a trendy modern day pub against idea of getting fresh prepackaged sandwiches from the grocery store in order to save money. Since it was her vacation and our special time together, I caved a lot.

Savory Meat Pie and Mash

   It has been my experience from previous visits that a rainstorm can happen at any time in the city of London. Since we forgot our umbrellas, we were fortunate that the weather was optimal every day that we were there. And since Earl's Court was close to everything, we had planned to do a lot of walking. There's a place in Kensington for the would-be scientist.
  I knew that Emma was well ready to travel with me at a young age as she has always had a sense of adventure. We walked down Cromwell Street in South Kensington until a facade of  Romanesque architecture stood in our view. We walked in and we were overwhelmed with the beauty of this enormous place and I instantly felt as though I was walking through the history in which it stood. We would enjoy many other similar buildings some of which date as far back as 1078! We also marveled at the workmanship and the many decorative tiles of different facets of nature.

    Though the building alone was enough to see, we toured displays of bear specimen, dinosaur fossils and a blue whale skeleton. Though fascinated with our surroundings, we also would enjoy any demonstrations and anything we could find that was hands-on.

    A young man who was on staff offered an informative and very educational interactive presentation on how to determine the age of a tree. His array of trunk samples, diagrams and time lines were engaging and captivating for Emma. I really think he just needed someone to talk to. There wasn't anyone else around at the time and he seemed happy that we were there to listen as he continued on and on.

   Just outside the building, we were lucky to find a place referred to as the "oasis in the midst of urbana". The sun lit the afternoon as we strolled down the path where cowslips and bluebells could be seen. The noise from the outermost city grew faint. The path led us to a small pond graced with lilly pads as the dragonflies flew near. An exhibitioner anxiously awaited us ready to present his demo. He had his sample tray full of algae, leeches, snails and larvae and challenged us to identify each of them. Never did I know that dragonflies came from larvae found within the waters of lakes and ponds!
   
   Emma wanted to go to one more exhibit. It was not free unfortunately, so it was once again time for me to cave. Who said there would be any regrets?

Sensational Butterflies



There was an exhibit.
We spent about an hour with them.

Place visited: Natural History Museum, London UK

Date visited: June 14th, 2017
Eats: Garfunkles, London UK


Grenfell 

Though we may have been in an oasis of Bluebells and butterflies that day, the city outside of us was raging. The sky was perfectly blue that morning but it was also filled with the smoke and helicopters   as horror was in the air less than two miles away. I watched the news in the breakfast room as it was all happening while Emma slept.

   I left the television off in the hotel room as I thought it would be best to keep this information from her.

   When London hurts, I hurt. I prayed and secretly wept while with my butterflies.

England 2017: Borders

Emma's souvenir.

Paris

Okay, okay. I know it's just a layover but we did not care.We got to hang in Paris! I didn't necessarily need a stamp to my passport (though I looked into the process but we were only there three hours and that is about how long the process to actually cross the border would take.) All I cared about was that I could say that I had been there

No matter what anyone says, my layovers DO count!

   Even though it was only a layover, we could still see the Eiffle Tower from the plane and we decided to take advantage of the cafes that were there as well as the shopping. Keeping in mind the fact that I can make a memorable experience out of simple pleasures such as a cup of coffee.

 I stopped into a place called Buy Paris Duty Free. Not the most exotic name for a French boutique shop but I was able to find an assortment of fine chocolates to bring back my husband who was ever so kind about me traveling, leaving work early and  battling traffic the day before  to get us to the airport on time.

 Heathrow International

   I'm not one of these folks whose afraid to look out the window of a plane at an altitude of 10,000 feet. It was a clear day as we could see one side of the English Channel to the other between France and England. We could see mile after mile of English countryside until the flight path eventually led us to where the London Eye, the rings of Wembly Stadium and the Thames river were all in our view.

    In the times I have been through Heathrow International, it has never really ever been a nightmare for me. The flow of traffic was smooth, the signage is clear, and I was always able to find my luggage quickly. As we arrived, we swiftly made our way through the jet portal and the terminal. We walked and rode the conveyors. Just as routine as I remembered. As we passed one sign for Baggage Claim after another, in the midst of my excitement, I had hoped that our luggage was not lost and waiting for us when we arrived to the area. However, that concern dissipated as my plan came to an abrupt halt. A very crowded room and a slow moving line stood in our way. Though I knew this was not impossible, I began to worry about Emma. We had just arrived and we were about to experience everything we had talked about for the last two years. Though I knew Emma was ready for a first adventure abroad, the long day, the hour-long wait at the border, a thirty minute ride on the tube train and jet lag to come would make a weary traveler of her.



 Earl's Court
 
  We walked through what seemed to be a maze of  many stairways in different directions leading to many rooms through very short corridors. Architecture somewhat different from endless hallways we have to walk through in our hotels here in the US. Our room was small and with a bit of trendy decor located outside of this old English building. There was a garden. It was green, quiet and the morning glories were still in bloom. I didn't need a fancy resort with chandeliers, a monogrammed bath robe or an ice bucket filled with campaign. There may not have been much of our day left as we settled into our cozy little place that afternoon in Earl's Court but we knew we would own the days to come.

I was ready to cue the music. This is the beginning of my song.

 Pret A Manger is a popular deli chain in the UK
with a few locations in the US. It is always the first place I go once I get off the trains

   Though my 11-year-old was sacked out,  I was hungry. It all began with  a rich prosciutto sub on a very coarse whole grain roll. The Vino Cabernet I had with it added to the experience making the take away sandwich seem very gourmet. I reminded myself that I wasn't here to worry about bills, schedules, or home repairs. I was going to demand
 my freedom from all of that for few days
and do this jet lag right.

England 2017-Domino

                 
I was a nervous wreck all day. In my past travels, I had had flight cancellations at the last minute, near missed flight connections and the ever feared possiblility of not being in the system.

  I had to work that morning for a few short hours trying to stay focused and not be distracted of what all needed to be done that afternoon before I would leave that evening.
I cashed in three years worth of loose change adding up to
$344 from the coinstar machine at my local grocery store. The machine backed up a few times and I had to find an attendant to help me. I would have forgone the commision I had to pay for the use of the machine and cashed it all in at the bank for free. I tried this initially before going to the grocery store but I was informed by the banker that the coins had to be rolled. I'll have to make a note of that for the future.

  Once everything was crossed off the check list, my husband texted me saying he would be able to get off work early that day to get us to the airport sooner. It was 4:30 and though I dreaded it and GPS had proven the inevitabity, there would most certainly be traffic.

  Never was there a jam so long and so slow and I sweated bullets through the whole thing eventhough I still had three hours. Then three hours became two hours and fifty five minutes and I fought to not panic. All I needed was to make it through that initial first step of arriving on time and checking in with time left over and I would be fine. I checked my bag 3 times during that ride to be sure the passports were still there.

 Traffic left us with two hours and 35 minutes to spare before take off. The most painful step in the process was over. Me and my sweet Emma were checked in and laughing while on our way to our gate.

  Air France flight number 689 was on schedule and waiting for us on the tarmac. The sun was setting
as we made our way to the entrance. The flight attendants greeted us.


Bon Soir!


~Lets do this!~

                                                                              








 .....and I had wine with dinner on the plane.



                                                                        Jessie J-Domino
                                      ( The song that happened to be on my mind at the time...)

                                      
  

England 2017: Pool Parties, Check Lists, and Bridges

  They say vitamin B helps with stress. I try to remember this when the size of my family and their demands become more and more of a reality.
 
I leave for England in 5 days and over the past two weeks we have had strep throat, one graduation with festivities and financing to follow, two broken air conditioners, a broken dish washer, head lice, and an unknown skin rash while having the lovely pleasure of mood swings and hot flashes through it all.
 
Over the last three years in between my previous travels abroad, I have had my share of much needed Calgon moments.

  However in the midst of everything, I managed to find a temporary oasis while attending our neighborhood pool party. The sun was shining, the water was cool and I was free with my thoughts of what was to come. The DJ played Songs like "Firework" by Katie Perry and "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz. As they filled the air, I was left feeling powerful and charged over the what was to be just a few days ahead. I had made my check list which included me finding my foreign outlet adapter, calling all my banks, visiting a Coinstar machine to unload 3 years worth of coins to fund my spending money, and a shopping trip to Forever 21 for a few of those $3 shirts they sell. Once again, reliving the fond preparation memories from my 2 previous experiences abroad.

  I daydreamed of my first cup of tea with red phone booths in view out the window of my cafe. I even looked forward to my movie selection on the plane after take off. Moments where vitamin B would not be as necessary. However, the anticipation of all this began unexpectedly to fade.

 There were bridges.

 Two bridges to be exact. I knew exactly where they were and had crossed one of them before. A place where visions of calm waters, historical beauty amidst the skyline and where a dream came true for me had become gruesome blood bath in an instant. I can spare the details of how bad it must have been as I do not want to visit that place in my mind. My home away from home was attacked 9 days before I would return. I was angry.
 
  The unthinkable notion that I would not board a plane nine days later began to lurk. Then again, was a decision even necessary. What where the chances? Though time would pass and the news story would no longer be trending, there was much to consider-my daughter, our safety, the concern of my  family members and waning interest on my part caused by senseless fear. But still, I made a decision anyway.
  
   On June the 12, 2017 at 8:20PM, I will get on a plane. I will go to England. I will cash in my coins, drink a little wine, and quickly sleep off the jet lag. I will continue to dream. My daughter and I will bond and I know we will be safe. I made a promise to her as well as to myself. Three years is long enough.
 
March 22rd, 2017: Westminster Bridge
June 3rd, 2017: London Bridge

Both locations will be remembered for being attacked by acts of terrorism on two separate occasions but London will endure and will always be a part of me.

England 2017

Everyone has a guilty pleasure and a different way of pampering themselves. Examples of this may come in the form of a pedicure, a triple mocha latte, or maybe a girls night out to go see Billy Joel in concert. We all need a reason to urge ourselves to "live a little."

I for one however, have had one pedicure in my life, drink black only in the mornings and I have already seen Billy Joel in concert. Not that I don't enjoy any of the above, it's just that given the life I live, I just need to play a little harder is all. The play may be a little less frequent, but harder.

Traveling to England with my children was something I started back in 2013 when my oldest daughter graduated from the 8th grade. I had the chance to revisit this majestic place one year later when my second oldest graduated from the 8th grade.

It has been 3 years now and no one else has graduated from the 8th grade. While I am feeling restless and it won't be for another 3 more years for the next oldest to reach this milestone, I have decided to take her a little early after she graduates from the 5th grade instead.


Emma

It all started with a promise I made to her 2 years ago. By making this promise, I am committed. Not only for her but for me as well as this decision was equally as important to both of us.

She is the middle child out of the 5. I couldn't breathe when I saw her for the first time. After many ultrasounds and concerns that she would be born below the normal weight and length, she came out healthy weighing in at 7 pounds and 6 ounces. As a baby, she was not content and I spent every free minute I had holding her. She was the baby of the family for a very short time until she had to share the spotlight with her younger sister born two years later.

Though she demanded my attention as a baby, she has grown to become very independent. In fact, she is now probably the least needy out of all of them. I expect this out of my children as with 5 of them I am not in a position to wait on them hand and foot and they need to learn to solve their own problems at times. However, not being needed by her as much, I often feel a bit disconnected.

Each of my five children are on a schedule to have a one on one Saturday with me once a month. Emma has her own special interests outside of Toys R Us. She has a sense of adventure which I highly take advantage of since I do as well. She will enjoy a day of horse back riding or ice skating over a trip to Target to buy the lastst season of My Little Pony or Shopkins (she's pretty much grown out of these things anyway). There have been many memories from our adventures.

Getting Lost Is My Goal

I have no concerns what so ever with regard to whether or not she is ready for this excursion.
The itineraries for these trips are arranged solely by me as well as the financing and daily planning after we arrive. So far, in our planning efforts, she has helped me with the hotel selection and was very particular with regards to decor and amenities. We took the virtual walk on Google from Earl's Court station to the district in Kensington to where our hotel is located so that we won't get lost after we arrive. Our package included this hotel stay and a one-stop flight to Paris via Air France. And with that, one click of the mouse and it is done.

With the itinerary booked and funds raised, I am now creating a list of things to do based on the many British communities that I have subscribed to over the last three years. I bought a new purse and Emma's passport arrived after two weeks of the 6-8 weeks quoted processing time.

Unlike my previous posts, this one will be one of many as a series that will begin now and continue on until after I return.

This royal journey of ours will begin in exactly 4 weeks on June 12th.