TRIP of a LIFETIME
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About 10 yrs ago, I entered a radio competition to win a flight to anywhere in the world.
My husband's first marriage had ended in Australia, and came back to England with his 2 young daughters.
However, in unfortunate circumstances, the 2 girls were taken to live in Oz. 24 years on, this competition
was perhaps a chance for him to see them again. Of course, I never thought I would win!! What a shock it was when I received the phone call!!
Stewart didn't know I had entered the competition, and the most worrying fact was that I had never been on a plane before, nor had any intention of ever doing so.
What a surprise it was for him when the radio staion called him at work, linked up to me at home and his daughters in Oz, and all was revealed on air!
Before I go any further, I must tell you about one little episode---I was adamant that I couldn't go, and everyone was saying I must not miss such a wonderful opportunity. But that didn't help!
So, a friend got in touch with British Airways and told them about my fears. They told my friend to take me to Manchester airport, where we were met by a representative. I was given VIP treatment,
and taken onboard 3 planes, meeting the Captains and stewardesses. They even changed my seat number (no way did I want to look out of the window! and have you seen the size of those jumbos!!)
So, there we were, with tickets booked, and a first-ever flight of 21 hrs ahead of us....
| And..... |  | ....off we went" |
Have you ever been frisked at Bangkok airport?? Does the film Bangkok Hilton spring to mind??
"Reunited"
"Where we stayed"
"Can you spot me under the tree?"
How could I ever have thought of missing a chance to see such a beautiful country, or for Stewart to see his daughters and 5 grandchildren?
On our visit, Heather became a citizen of Australia, and we were able to see the ceremony.
What an experience it was, and there are so many photos I would like to share with you. I hope you enjoy the next few.
"These rosellas fly free at a place called Wilson's Promontory, the most southerly part of Australia, where we went camping"
"Squeaky Beach" with it's white sand
"Outside Melbourne National Gallery"
"The Wombat and the Dingo"
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"The Tasmanian Devil"
"What a handful!......as they were"
"....and as they are now"
One month later, having met lots of people, with great hospitality, it was time to say our goodbyes.
....and so, 
home we went.
It's amazing what you can get for the price of a first class stamp!!
Update in 2003
In July, Stewart's eldest grandaughter, Hollie, now 19yrs old,
came to visit. She and her friend, Jess, stayed for 6 weeks
Hollie and Jess with my son Stuart and his wife Joanna
Since Hollie came to visit, she has now had a baby daughter, Ella,
a first great-grandaughter
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