Recording one’s own History: Off to London

This is a travel diary meant to record my trip. I have an old letter from my great aunt about her travels to Europe, along with the diary of my great grandmother so apologies to those who are looking strictly for genealogy.

Tuesday May 6th, 2025
Woke at 3 AM PST. That was appropriate as I had been going to bed early and waking early to prepare for my trip to England. Trying to trick my body into jumping ahead 8 hours. Fairly succesful at this as the jet lag exhaustion was front ended, by the time I landed about 10:30 AM London time I felt quite refreshed. 

This was supposed to be my travel mate’s first trip to England. I lost track of how many times I have been. When my son was getting his doctorate at University of Southampton I began coming and had kept it up after his return to the states 5 years later. That was twenty years ago when my first trip was to meet my first grandchild.

As an avid gardener, genealogist and history buff England has many magnets pulling me towards her. I do feel quite at home here, for a foreigner. And over the twenty years I have learned the English language from the English. “Well done. Right you are, ” said the British reservationist on my first trip.

I have had some trepidation upon setting out solo, as my travel companion and friend from kindergarten, who was to travel with me took ill. I have traveled alone before, but always meeting up with some family or friends for at least part of the journey. So part of the trip was familiar, but I was also to have the experience of traveling alone as a 70 year old woman.

As usual I had begun my planning nearly a year ahead and researching minute details of places to go and things to see. I never do EVERYTHING on my Itinerary but instead it gives me a buffet of things to choose from.

Last minute brisk walk and watering of my garden and was ready ahead of schedule. Driving to the airport is 1-2 hours plus 3 hoyrs early for International flight. Target was 11 AM. I was ready by 10 so off we went. Over the years I travel with just a carry-on and a pursue. (Still manage to pack more than I need!)

Arrived at the airport about 4 hours ahead of schedule only to tack on another 20 minutes for a flight delay.

Flew through security and arrived at gate just after the previous departure. So had the area largely to myself. Plenty of available USB ports to keep my phone juiced. The lounge was one of those downstairs and this was the art to which I faced.

Boarding was quick and well organized with Virgin using two doors to admit passengers (Priority and normal). Didn’t need to check ticket or passport as they check you in via biometrics. The UK began with that many years ago. The plane was fairly full in First Class and Business Class. We had paid $37 extra for priority seats: one window and one aisle. So as it worked out I had the whole row to sleep on!

Awoke about 7:30 AM local time and had an opportunity to watch a movie, “Across the River and Into the Trees” which seemed apropriate.

I had expected an overcast day so was delighted with some sunshine. To my delight I caught a glimpse of  Windsor Castle lit by the morning sun as we were coming into Heathrow Airport.

To be continued…

Kelly Wheaton copyright All Rights Reserved