INTERESTING TIME

 

My typewriter is more or less, behaving in a fashion of it's own. So I will try to carry on where I left off yesterday, after the fiasco of the rooms.

As we had arrived a day early, my husband and I set off up the street to investigate the village. We were accompanied by a wasp out on manoeuvres, to dodge it we jitterbugged up the road, till it found someone more interesting to follow. 

Walking in a more relaxed manner, we made our way to the seafront and a pond where the children were having great fun sailing their boats. A young dog barked wanting to join in.

Hunger pangs soon sent us in search of somewhere nice to eat. Accompanied by the strident seagull cries and their low above-head swoops, we found just the right place and had a delicious meal, quietly by ourselves.

Back at the hotel, I took the lift, while my husband ordered a paper for the morning. Leaving the lift, I found myself in the staff quarters and could see no way out. I re-entered the lift and went back up to him. He looked at me with an amused expression. I said 'I thought I would come back for you in case you manage to get lost.'

The next day the rest of our friends joined us, to complete our sad mission, laying our dear friend to rest, in a nearby village. It was a beautiful day and everything went according to plan.

On our return to the hotel, we split up into two groups there were thirteen of us and set off for a walk. It allowed us to catch up on news, before returning to change for dinner. It was a very nice meal with good company, after which we retired to bed.

A lovely time was had by one and all. Not quite true, as the road outside the hotel was a one-way street, with cars parked along one side of it. 

Some late-arriving guests had the misfortune to have a breakdown on the free road. They had attempted to move the car the night before to no avail. A recovery van had been sent. In the meantime, no one could move the cars which they had parked there.

The decision to have breakfast was taken, and we had such a hilarious time, that none of us noticed the car being dragged back to the main road.

Soon it was time to say goodbye, see you soon have a safe journey. In beautiful weather my husband and I set off for home, only to be held up for ages at the Dartford Crossing.

Eventually, we made it and had a nice cup of tea while we sat and reviewed the extended weekend.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

TRAVELLERS TALE

 

Well, this half of this journey has been fairly uneventful so far. A few things to amuse, one with serious consequences.

My husband drew my attention to the marvellous amount of legroom at the beginning of the economy section. I laughed to myself, then whispered back I thought you had to be fit to sit near the emergency exits. 

That gentleman does not look fit enough to do a heroic life-saving leap and twist to open the door. To speedily empty the plane. He was rather portly and snugly attached to his seat, with the added encumbrance of a neck brace. Glad we were in another section of the plane and hoping no one would need to put his prowess to the test.

Talking to two very tall Kiwis in a lounge in Hong Kong, sharing this story with them. One of them laughed saying, 'It is very cold by the doors, we have to wear double socks when we sit there.' So watch out what looks inviting might not be all that comfortable.

We were on a new aircraft, which had a few peculiarities that baffled even frequent flyers. I fought to put my headphone connection into the socket in my chair, to no avail. On closer inspection discovered one of it's prongs was bent at an odd angle, making it useless.

The first toilet stop, once we were airborne was uneventful. Not so the next. My husband and I paraded to the toilet section together. Helpful as I was unsteady on my feet at times and did not want to fall into someone's lap in an ungainly heap. There was a queue as one toilet was out of action. When I finally entered the seat was very wet, as was the floor with it's decoration of bits of discarded toilet paper.

Empty cardboard toilet rolls, stood upright, trying to make up for the lack of paper. Thank goodness I had a cold and had tissues stuffed up my sleeves. The final indignity, as I washed my hands, was there were no paper towels, and the dirty water was reluctant to leave the bowl.

As I moved back to my seat I warned my husband and gave him a tissue. I accosted the first stewardess I met and rattled off all the missing items, necessary for an essential service on an aircraft, especially long distance.

Our eight-hour stay in the lounge in Hong Kong was very pleasant, we particularly enjoyed our noodles in the noodle bar. Between people watching, sipping coffee and tea, with the odd snooze, the 8-hour stopover was managed very well.

Until I went to use the facilities successfully and brushed my teeth. I had one of those very handy travelling fold-up toothbrushes in a plastic case. 

Once extended for use it refused to retract back into it's case. I pulled and struggled with it to the amusement of others in the facility. Finally, it gave in! I have concluded, I could keep a film crew fully occupied for most of the week with things happening to us.

Just about to start the next leg of our journey, watch this space. Again it all went well till after mealtime when I was given an extra glass of iced Coke.

I took two sips and then, fell asleep rudely awoken by the ice-cold fluid everywhere. It helped my shingles and not much else. What a mess!

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

ENTERED IN ERROR

 

Our hotel cleaning lady knocked on the door.

"Hola, may I clean your room?" 

We replied: "Can you give us ten minutes more please," in rather poor Spanish.

As we were getting ready for a swim.

One and a half hours later, we returned to see her doing our room.

On rushing in, my husband said "We have extra pillows."

Surprised I looked at the bed and was about to say "This is not our room."

When my husband said "And new bed covers."

I shouted "This is not our room," several times as he was hard of hearing.

"Come on quickly we have to leave."

On entering our own room next door, we burst into laughter as ours was still not done.

However, we did gain two extra pillows, as a reward from the whole experience.

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

THE HIDDEN BUS STOP

 

I do not think we have ever had so much trouble finding the bus stop, as we did in Fuerteventura.

On the first inquiry, we were told to go to the roundabout on the main road.

Off we set, none the wiser as to which was the main road.

There were several likely contenders with ornamental roundabouts, but no bus stop.

The next day, we made the second attempt we asked for firmer directions to the bus stop.

“Go up that road to the wooden house.”

Believe it or not, this was no help as several dwellings could pass as wooden houses. 

Still no sign of the bus stop.

After yet another set of directions, we eventually found the bus stop.

The wooden House was the bus stop itself,

© 2024 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License 

A HOLIDAY SEA RIDE

 

I hope the sea is calm and the sky is blue.

I hope the food is deliciously scrumptious.

I hope the ties of friendship, reach out and include you.

I hope the music moves you, to gather memories all brand new.

I hope the sunset fading lulls you, to sleep ready for the dawn.

I just hope you enjoy each of the next eight days while you are gone.

© 2024 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License 

MADEIRA ISLAND

 

Oh, Madeira, of dark sparkling diamante breast mists gently swirling, clinging, caressing your face with tenderness.

I've longed from memories of past childhood journeys, to explore your dark luxurious, folded, sea-dipped dress.

As I silently, admiringly, slip past your feet dipped in the ocean.

In ships bound for more exotic and distant shores.

In times past ancient mariners have sought with thanks-giving your protection and reprovision from food grown on your precipitous slopes.

A lifesaver you have been to many, standing proud, secure, welcoming the cold, wet, sick and shaking from the wild Atlantic sea.

Now times are changing you might need help from many like me.

Your population's exploding, buildings are eroding parts of your surface of its luxurious greenery.

Rain clouds are reluctant now, to keep colliding with your mountain tops to set their rain cascading free.

So visitors such as I, must help preserve and protect you for future generations to see with pleasure and retentive, reflective memory.

© 2024 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License 

TRAVEL

 

With travel comes an understanding of how we all live. 

The basic needs are the same, how we achieve them can be very different. 

Friendship made on the journeys can be a mixed bag, but on the whole are a delight, and can be lifelong. 

2024 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

LANZAROTE

 

We lunched in Lanzarote at a place called Arrieta in a small white restaurant called El Largo on a sun-drenched patio.

The Atlantic provided the music and umbrellas flared their skirts in the breeze and performed colourful dancing displays.

The waves marched in, in long sparkling columns, tops tumbling white arising from the azure and inky blue sea.

Their strength dying in pounding thunder on lumps of black lava, twisting and frothing, then reluctantly sucked and drawn away.

Swishing backwards, scooping up particles of lava and froth to scatter out into the bay.

I was sorry when the meal was over and I had to say my goodbyes.

I hope one day, I will find another El Largo to tastefully ease my hunger and please my heart and eye.

Leaving me with warm happy memories to pull out when I'm feeling down, on cold, wet, windy, depressing days.

NOTE: 

Part of a collection written while cruising on the Black Prince. 

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

VISUALLY AMAZING

 

We turned a corner, a gasp I had to give!

There were large helium balloons with their dangling baskets at different stages of take-off.

All shapes and sizes floating by on mass, with blasts of hot air forcing them upwards assisting the lift.

A few more, blasts before silently you arose like giant dandelion seeds, dwindling in size.

Floating off in one’s, and two’s filling the brilliant sky.

The artistry of colour decorated the balloons as you floated by. Giving us a glimpse of entering an artist's attic.

It would be hard to choose the best, as they rose dipped and swayed.Till the competition had run its course.

Landings were not always neat, but laughter and help were there at hand.

To flatten and roll your balloon canopy into its basket, after a brilliant out this World experience.

We tucked the whole vision, into our memory chest to be pulled on a miserable day, as we drove our way home.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

TO THE DESERT

 

Desert of deadly heat and freezing cold, entices to trap you there.

Where if unlucky, your where about’s may never be told.

Yet within these extremes, life still goes on from the tiniest creature to the big and strong.

Your beauty has captivated poets, writers, singers of songs.

As spectacular coloured visions, appear at dawn and dusk to dazzle the eye.

With the wind playing music, carried in the sighing of shifting sand.

Painters, Photographers, Explorers have to risk life and limb to capture and write a truly lasting descriptive vision and love of you.

Though I have been to deserts before, seeking wonders I can no longer through age truly explore.

Tourism allows me to be transported to swelter in a tent in the heat of the day.

Night temperature drops freezing me wrapped in a blanket, as I stare upwards in wonder at the expanse of your star-studded amazing and thought-provoking black sky.

It is our duty as writers, to share our experiences with those adventurous hearts less able to travel.

Please keep your pens, stories, and information flowing in new books, to help less able thrill seekers' imaginations to keep going.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

THE FIRST PANORAMIC VIEW

 

The first panoramic view took my breath away.

I can hardly believe I am going to spend time here.

As I move towards the door, 

Scanning left and right breathing deeply.

Emptying my lungs of city air 

And brain from tackling difficult conversations 

Requiring answers I still do not have.

Just being there allows me to start to feel alive.

I am almost scared of opening the door 

And having feelings dashed.

Taking another look around at the view,

I turn the key and walk in.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

BOOKING PROBLEM

 

We started our few days, by being snarled up in an inch-by-inch traffic jam trying to cross the Thames at the Dartford tunnel. The result was I had to cancel our meeting with my adopted daughter in Norfolk. We were both very sad.

On arrival at the hotel, we had a booking problem, caused by having our two-night stay booked by two different well-meaning people. It meant we would have one night in one room and then be moved to another less expensive one for the next night, as it was a party booking. 

There was no way around it, not even by paying more as there were no upgraded rooms left. I was quite resigned to the outcome of a two-night downgrade into the cheaper tiny room. 

My husband was not amused until I said, 'You have to laugh. We rarely, go away these days and lashed out on the best in-house sea view room.

Now, look at us! Two nights tucked into a snug little room with gorgeous views of old colourful cottages, rooftops and a huge expanse of active sky. I think we have the perfect deal even if the price is different for each night in this room.

The giggles started, the laughter was unstoppable for a while. Eventually, We settled before setting off to explore. We are closing down for the night. 

I will try and tell you what happened next tomorrow.

2023 © Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

OUR CANARIES HOLIDAY

 

This has been the strangest holiday.

My husband started with the flu, two days before we left, I struggled with a one-sided sore throat on the plane. We both spent 4 days in a B&B in bed, coughing day and night, miserable.

We moved to a lovely small hotel where we were looked after very well. When our health improved enough we took the local sparse bus service, to some interesting places. 

They turned out to be quite a bit of fun, one way and another.

Next, we went south to the Hotel Esmeralda, a much larger modern hotel. The rooms are spacious and welcoming. Lots of free-movement areas inside and out. Several swimming pools, hope to, try one out today.

However my hair became a mess, my usual hairdresser had left and the new one was given a free hand. It was entirely my fault because I was so tired I did not pay attention to what she was doing. She cut it so badly that I will have to wait for it to grow back. It looks like a bush.

Then a rash of spots started on my nose increasing it's size and colour turning it bright red. My front tooth lost it's filling. Reduced smiling and caused a sore tongue from the rough tooth. Due to partaking in a copious amount of food, with not much holiday self-control, my waistline expanded.

So putting all this together, the only good thing I can see is, I would only need a gin bottle, to be ready for a part as the old hag in a historical play. No makeup or wig is needed. 

Does anyone have a part?

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

A CLOSE ENCOUNTER

 

After taking delivery of our hire car, on holiday in Spain, my husband and I set off for the day. 

He had to immediately accustom himself to manual gears, new road signs and driving on the opposite side of the road. I had to become the fastest navigator imaginable. 

Needless to say, the atmosphere was fraught for the first few hours. At last, we stopped for lunch and normality returned. 

After lunch we felt better, only a short while later to have our confidence destroyed by losing a wing mirror, passing badly parked cars on a very narrow road.

It took us several days before we could manage to get a replacement mirror, but somehow we did, before returning home.

© 2023 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen

Photo: Pixabay License

CANADIAN ARRIVAL

 

We safely crossed the Canadian border and after arranging things for the night went straight into a night thunderstorm. At first, it was just dramatic thunder and lightning, dashing about in all directions. Both catch our fear, exhilaration and imagination with the drama.

The deluge followed crashing on our new mobile home's roof, I lay in my bed at the back, snuggly tucked in watching the performance. Suddenly a drop of water hit my face off the window ledge, then another, and another, quickly becoming a flow. 

I called out to my friends at the other end of the mobile, “I am being flooded bring a bucket and some towels please.” With the lights on it was plain to see the flood was coming out of a metal-studded seam in the roof's connection to the wall.

I said, “I will take a look outside and see what is going on, my raincoat is nearer and I am the tallest of us, to be able to reach the roof and see if we can do anything.” They agreed, then out into the tempest torch in hand, I carried out my inspection. The cause was plain to see a roof drain stopped short of the seam down my bedroom wall, sending a cascade of water directly into it.

What to do was the next problem? A flash of inspiration chewing gum, which my friends seem to have in copious amounts. My next instruction was for us all to start chewing, till I had enough to block the seam and construct a longer drain. Then out into the tempest once more, two of us this time, one to hold the torch, the other to be chewing gum plasterer applicator untrained. The third member of the team had to report from my bedroom if our efforts were effective and to keep chewing gum for more supplies.

After hard, wet, arm and Jaw aching work, a shout of triumph, it is stopping. Thank goodness for that, as we cast off soaking clothing and went to inspect the bedroom wall. The flood had dwindled to a slight ooze, enough to be handled by folded towels till morning.

Needless to say, sleep was in short supply and at the first light of dawn, cups of tea were in order, to ease aching jaws after the chewing gum marathon. To add insult to injury the sun rose brilliantly, not a storm cloud in sight. Just soaking wet towels and clothing as evidence of the Shenanigans in the night.

Our next stop was a mobile home repair shop to see what could be done as a temporary fix till the end of our journey and before having to make our way home.

One of many unforgettable trips I made with my friends Audrey and Collin Wallace. They have taken their final journal, one of which I have yet to travel. Sleep well and thank you for your wonderful hospitality and friendship. 

Every two years over a six year period I went to them for a months holiday and was shown large swathes of America, a bit of Canada, and a bit of Mexico. It was extremely generous of them and I retain the memories forever.

© 2022 Penny Wobbly of WobblingPen 

Photo: Pixabay License