Thursday, May 15, 2025

Immigrant Mom Tours

I didn't increase the course fee for this travel course, because we had a surplus in 2023 (it's every other year). But gosh, it has been a challenge with the way the dollar is doing and things generally being more expensive in the U.K. anyway and because of Brexit.

Things worked out because I booked and arranged every bit of this trip myself to stay within budget, comparison shopping for the best prices like the immigrant mom I am. Ironically, Big A does all the other travel arrangements in my life, so I don't have a ton of experience. I'm so glad all our reservations worked! 

Today we used our final reservation to head out to St. Martin in the Fields to hear Edward Picton-Tuberville and Harriet Burns in concert.  The acoustics were ethereal, the performers were excellent, + they were so young, they gave me Sally Rooney vibes. 

A bit of drama in the morning as there'd been a tornado warning back home, and Nu had gone to the basement with Max and Huck after Big A had headed off to work. And then we lost touch with Nu, and I began imagining my babies were trapped under a pile of rubble. It was the middle of the night, and we couldn't rouse At or any of our neighbors, so I finally called the police station for a wellness check. I probably got on their nerves by telling them repeatedly that Max and Huck would be noisy because they would be taken by surprise. But IYKYK, I guess. I did not want my babies to become a part of the 10,000 pet dogs U.S. police officers shoot every year. (Everyone was fine. We'd lost power and Nu had fallen asleep--it was the middle of the night, after all.)

Pic: We couldn't get near Trafalgar Square on the day we did the London tour because it was VE Day and there was a parade. But I love Landseer's lions, probably because they look like dogs, and wanted a photo of the class with one. I didn't want to be in the picture because I didn't want to pass my germs on. But people insisted, so here I am skulking, looking like a Darth Vader wannabe. I'm actually smiling behind my mask!

13 comments:

Jeanie said...

Isn't a concert at St. Martin's wonderful? We've heard classical in the church proper and classical guitar in the Crypt and both have exquisite sound. This sounds like an amazing concert.

I'm glad Nu was OK. I can see why you were worried. It was indeed a tornado -- in fact, there were several confirmed ones in the greater region and one had quite an impact in Grosbeck where I live. Our neighborhood looked like it had been bombed yesterday -- massive trees down (including a huge chunk of one on Rick's roof) and no power. I think he is still out and not due to be back till next Wednesday; mine came on the next morning. If you've had time to look at FB, you may have seen photos -- they even closed Grand River in parts and 496 with so many power lines and trees down. I hope all was well on your property -- you have so many trees. But I THINK it skirted your area.

Lisa's Yarns said...

Wow from Jeanie’s comment it sounds like you were right to worry. Yikes. I am glad that Nu was ok! I hope the flight home goes smoothly!

Nicole said...

I was smiling to myself about the immigrant mom checking all the prices and making arrangements, then I got to the part about the tornado! Aieee! I'm glad everyone is okay, but yikes. That's so scary.

Nance said...

Wow! Scary weather back home. Good for Nu, being smart to grab the pups and heading to safety. What a thing to have to think about while you're so far away.

You really worked hard to put this trip together. You did an incredible job!

Gillian said...

Take care.

maya said...

I just saw your updates, Jeanie. I'm glad you're ok too. I had no idea the tornado caused such significant damage. I think there was a tree down, it could have been worse.

maya said...

Clearly, I wasn't worried enough! The pictures I've seen since were horrific and I'm glad I didn't see them before I knew everyone was alright. Thanks for the travel wishes, Lisa!

maya said...

It could have been much worse, Nicole. I hadn't even imagined the worst because a lot of times tornado warnings are just nothing burgers... but this one was serious.

maya said...

All's well, I suppose, Nance.

And thank you for saying that! It feels good to hear! <3

maya said...

Thanks!

StephLove said...

I'm glad everyone's ok at home.

maya said...

That was such a relief, Steph!

Anonymous said...

So glad that any and Max are okay!! My friend was in Missouri for her nephew graduation, and she couldn’t wait to get home to “boring” NJ, her words, not mine.

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