Every cloud has a silver lining!

[Rosaboobie]

Now that the purchase and sale of East Thrave Cottage is a distant memory, I now have the proceeds just sitting in my Bank account earning no interest at all, and I really don’t feel that it’s a good idea to reinvest It long term at my age. So this set me thinking as to what I want to do with it. I have not had a proper holiday for about 15 years, and there are still places in the world I would like to visit. I have lost so many friends and acquaintances in the past year and this has made me realise - grab every opportunity while you are still able. My “travel time clock” is ticking and who knows what is around the corner – I am mobile at the moment but who knows what the future holds.

Now PLEASE don’t think I am boasting cos that is not my style – I merely wanted to share with you what I intend to do in the coming year. I have decided to live life to the full and go on 3 holidays. In November I shall be chasing tigers in India, as well as a trip to the Taj Mahal; in January I am going on a cruise to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands with an extended 4 day trip to the Amazonian Rainforest; and in May as you know I am doing the Alaska Cruise, with maybe a quick flying visit to Dragon and Drac, if my dates fit in with their very busy schedules.

Had I not been pressured into buying that cottage, I really don’t think I would have withdrawn this money, and I would not now be going on 3 wonderful holidays – so you see, every cloud has a silver lining!

[JKEerie]

Good for you, Rosy! Enjoy your holidays and your upcoming adventures! They sound very exciting!

[Diat60]

Got room for a little one? I promise not to be a nuisance. Tigers are my absolute favorite animal!

[LadyKestrel]

All this sounds wonderful, RB, and I agree with use it before you lose it! Have fun and bring us lots of pictures!

[draclvr]

I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to living vicariously through you on your trips, Rosaboobie! I am very excited for you and couldn't agree more with doing this while you are able.

[Val]

Good for you Rosaboobie! Enjoy it to the full. Take many photos and share with us, please!

[Rosaboobie]

Thank you for your kind thoughts - I do realise how fortunate I am to be able to do this. I was church poor my whole life until I sold my Jersey cottage in 2002, so it's nice to now have a little nest egg for my twilight years!

I forgot to mention that all these holidays are with Naturetrek who specialise in wildlife tours. And the Galapagos 20 day cruise is once again on a vessel with only 16 passengers/

[draclvr]

The Galapagos trip sounds like a dream come true!

[mbday630]

you lucky duck. that Galapagos trip sounds so wonderful! also, what a good attitude about everything. I guess things sometimes work out for the best, even if we don't know it at the time.

[Rosaboobie]

That is exactly what I am, mbday, a lucky duck!

A professional wildlife photographer has recently moved to Sanday, and I have enrolled on a photographic course with him, as I am only a point and click photographer lol.

[Winfrey]

WOW, how wonderful!!! .. I look forward to hearing and seeing your trips....so please keep us informed... and if you make it to Drac I may have to try real hard to drive up!

[Rosaboobie]

Well, I have spent the entire past 2 days trying to sort out flights and accommodation for my trip in November. Trying to get from Sanday to London Heathrow in Winter is not an easy project. The Government gives us "seniors" 2 free return trips on the Aberdeen ferry each year, but soon found out that was not an option, as the ferry from Orkney to Aberdeen only goes twice a week in Winter. So it has to be the plane and as it will be Winter, I have to go the day before I fly to India in case of fog/gales/breakdowns re the local ferry. So, it's the local ferry on the Monday, and then fly Kirkwall to Edinburgh, and Edinburgh to London.

On the way back home, I have to stay overnight in London once again. and because my plane leaves at 07.00, I need to be really close to the Airport. So I found this hotel called Thistle London - and OMG just look at what I have to travel in to get to the Airport!

http://www.thistle.com/hotels/united_ki ... _pods.html

Goodness knows where I will end up if I push the wrong button!

[mbday630]

You will be so busy. I would be nervous to do all that. I hope it works out well and you have the trip of your lifetime.

[Rosaboobie]

I am well used to travelling on my own, mbday, just a little worried about this driverless Pod ha ha!

[draclvr]

I want to ride in the Thistle! That would probably be the highlight of MY trip!