Hong Kong, Amsterdam and Scotland – An Overseas Adventure. September 29 -October 28 2019

Miss Chatterbox and Her Adventures…………….

Please have a large coffee or a scotch malt whisky or a chardonnay ready before the long read ……… You might just get tired along the way .

I left Sydney at 955pm on Sunday night September 29 2019 on a Cathay Pacific flight CX 138 . My first destination was Hong Kong.

I had some reservations about Hong Kong due to the recent political unrest. I decided to go and not reschedule, as some people wanted me to do. I wanted to go to the Races, and I always enjoy visiting Hong Kong and its fast pace.

I arrived on Monday morning at 6am .Little luggage came off the plane, as most people were transferring to other flights. My travel agent had kindly booked drivers for me at all airport destinations –this was a wonderful help .I had a spinal operation in May 2015, and I needed to minimise the carrying of heavy luggage.

On the way to my hotel , the Eaton in Nathan Road, Kowloon the lovely female driver and I chatted about Hong Kong today and what I had seen on my previous visits. She told me twice –to be careful. I first stayed at the Eaton in late September 2008, then again in June 2013, so it was nice to be back again to a familiar hotel in Nathan Road, Kowloon.

On Monday September 30 ,2019 after arrival and a short rest , I again ate breakfast and then left for Jordan Station to check my 2013 Octopus Card. I was surprised to learn that I had $239 HK on it so I received a refund , and then bought an Elder Card for $100 HK. Elder Card – the guy did not ask if I needed this card, he gave it to me!

I walked to Star Ferry from Jordan Station, and caught the ferry across Victoria Harbour to Central. I then travelled by bus to Admiralty. I had arranged to have lunch with a former St George Girls student. Valerie graduated from St George in 2005, and now practices in copyright law and trademarks. She has worked in Hong Kong for 9 years and tells me that she works long hours in her office. We ate lunch at Ye Shanghai in the Pacific Place Shopping Mall, Admiralty. I highly recommended this lovely restaurant. In the afternoon, I visited some shops, before returning to Kowloon via the underground. I was tired from my Sydney to Hong Kong flight.

Tuesday was race day at Sha Tin Racecourse. It was Chinese National Day and the authorities feared violence. I had to meet the Tour guide at 11.15am at the YMCA Salisbury Hotel, near the Star Ferry. The journey to the Racecourse did not take long; some roads had been blocked by the Police and there were few cars on the road. Most Hong Kong people had decided to stay at home as it was a holiday.

We were a party of nine – eight Victorians and I was the lone Sydney sider.Six of the Melbournians owned horses and the other gentleman had been the Racecourse Manager at Moonee Valley and was now at Kilmore. We had a great day with lots of laughs, fine food and drinks and plenty of bets. The international buffet was wonderful –I had so much to eat that I could not eat dinner!

One of the Melbourne ladies also owned a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel , so we compared photos of our dogs, Bella and Harry and how we spoilt them. The poor men could not understand our love and devotion to our Cavaliers.

Three of the ladies joined me when the tour guide took us to the parade ring for the preliminaries to Race 5 .The owners , trainers and jockeys chatted before the jockeys mounted their horses; no doubt the trainers were giving last minute instructions. The four of us were leaning against the mounting yard fence. Zac Purton, Australian jockey went by on his mount and looked at me and said “hello “. This made my day! I have since contacted Zac in Hong Kong, and he replied to my email – I was impressed as he is a busy jockey.

We then went to the finishing line area and took some more photos. Outside the grand stand one can observe the number of high rise buildings built near the racecourse.

The coach driver drove us back to our hotels for our safety. We then learned that there had been a large protest in front of the hotel and the windows of the Starbucks Café had been smashed.

Wednesday morning, I visited the Maritime Museum which was wonderful. It highlighted Hong Kong’s role in maritime history, which is fascinating. At 5pm, Wednesday afternoon, I transferred to the Regal Airport Hotel ,as my flight to Amsterdam left at 12.15am on Friday morning, and I did not want to get stuck if there were more protests. I noticed the new terminal, which is currently being built at the airport.

Thursday morning, I swam in the indoor heated pool and then had a massage. I met a lovely young Indian air hostess in the pool change room. We chatted and she told me where she flies to ; she dislikes going to Saudia Arabia , as she has to cover up and not talk to men. Friday, public transport was shut down in Hong Kong so I left Hong Kong in good time.

I checked in at 7pm for my 12 hour flight to Amsterdam on Cathay Pacific CX 271, which was to arrive in Amsterdam at 6am.I had last been to Schiphol Airport in mid – January 1980,when I flew British Airways from London for a few days in Amsterdam, and bought my infamous purple leather trousers in Amsterdam. It is a huge Airport, and capacity is to be again increased with a new terminal which is currently being built.

It was cold and wet –the jumper was on and the Katmandu jacket went on very quickly. My driver, Dwight Valies arrived to collect me to take me to the Mercure Hotel at 10 Joan Muyskenweg Amsterdam. Jorg checked me in and gave me room 7001 – “ah, James Bond “ he said “ but I am not Joanna Lumley I replied ! “ Jorg was very helpful to me during my stay.

I caught the Metro to the City at the nearby station , Overamstel . I walked from Central Station to Dam Square,and then to De Bijenkorf Department store, where I had lunch in the bistro in the dome on the top floor. Over lunch, I chatted to a lady who, was a teacher, and asked her for ideas for day trips to the countryside. I was tired, so then returned to the hotel.

I had to again get used to the copious number of bicycles on the road, and the speed at which some of these bikes were ridden. I had to remember to look the other way, as the Europeans ride /drive on the other side of the road. I had quite a few near misses.

Saturday morning, October 5 at At the Mercure Hotel in Amsterdam (10 Joan Muyskenweg) I met with a 90 year old Australian lady, and her daughter. She had a connection to Maurice McCarten,a former Moorefield jockey and later horse trainer.

She located me in February 2016 through my web site. A letter was sent to me care of Kogarah Historical Society, who then passed on the letter.

Saturday afternoon, I went to the Central Station to add Euros to my transport card, Ov- chickaart. This card can be used on all transport: trams, metro and inter- city trains and is very convenient. My card is now valid until 2024!

I then walked and walked looking at the shops. I bought a recent book release – Dutch Girl Audrey Hepburn and World War 2 by Robert Matzen- a fascinating book on Audrey’s early life. A late friend of mine, who was a hotel concierge, and during the 1990’s World President of Les Clef D’Or, had met Audrey on a number of occasions-. Audrey was his favourite Hollywood star. Along the way, I noticed an interesting street performance of rap dancers. New legs were needed by day’s end……

A canal was behind the hotel and I could have commuted by boat on this canal in the mornings to Amsterdam. A container yard fortunately was behind the canal, as I had to dry my coloured Bonds undies and vests along the window sill- there was nowhere else to hang them. Fortunately, the container yard was closed on the weekend! I was a good advertisement for Bonds Australia …….

Sunday October 6, I decided to take the train to Delft for the day. On the way to Delft, a lady sitting opposite me had a phone, which was incessantly giving her messages. I wondered whether this would happen the whole journey! The man sitting directly opposite me soon told her off in Dutch. When she got off the train, she gave him a very dirty look-a comedy scene in the making.

I enjoyed lunch in Delft in a wonderful little café. The building was built in the 1500’s, although changes had been made to the interior. I enjoyed some lovely ham and cheese on a roll, and coffee and chatted to the owner about his building. It was not a good day weather wise, as it was windy and wet. I walked some distance to Royal Delft and purchased some gifts , but took the Council provided covered taxi back to the station- a fee of 3 euros, as it was too wet to walk . I noticed the huge bicycle parking racks at Delft Station.

Upon my return to Central Station in Amsterdam, I walked past the Talent Circle, which has a piano. Commuters are free to play and a crowd usually builds up. A very good looking young man,aged maybe in his late 20’s,was playing the piano and singing superbly in English . He had a suitcase next to the piano, so he was obviously travelling somewhere. A very talented young man, and I stayed for some time to enjoy his wonderful music.

Monday , October 7

I took a 2 hour canal trip courtesy of my travel agent, and enjoyed the canals and scenery of Amsterdam. I chatted to 2 American guys from Idaho, who were sitting opposite me on the cruise. They had recently come from Octoberfest in Munich, and were going onto Ireland for their friend’s wedding. They intended to then tour Ireland by car.

Late lunch at De Bijenkorf, Amsterdam’s top Department Store, was followed by my search for the 9 streets. I walked past a beautiful scarf store -I checked the scarves in the window.(next time a visit to check the scarves inside the shop ) I returned to the Department store for a welcome serving of apple pie and a cup of tea as my afternoon tea, and then bought a ticket for the Rijk Museum to avoid a queue. It was also convenient to eat in the Department Store, as they had free toilets. In the Netherlands you pay to go to the toilet. I concluded that the Dutch must have well trained bladders!

The Dutch love their dogs-they take them on public transport and into shops. Today, on my way to Dam Square ,I noticed two young women in their early twenties with their dog in a pram! I couldn’t visualise my Harry in a pram, as he wants to be part of the action .

Tuesday October 8

I caught the tram to the Rijk Museum arriving at 11am. I managed to view Level 1 and Level 2, but after many hours my legs were giving up. I stopped for a lunch break, and chatted to the Dutch girl sitting opposite me at lunch. She was from The Hague, and was in Amsterdam to attend a music concert that night.

It is always a great pleasure to see Rembrant’s Night Watch painting, which is currently being restored using modern technology. School groups were enjoying a day out at the Rijk with their teachers, as well as countless other people, many of whom were from other countries. My eye specialist was coincidentally in Amsterdam the same time as I was visiting! I left the Rijk Museum at 430pm, and caught the tram back to Central .I was proud of myself for navigating the Dutch train and tram system .

Wednesday October 9

I said goodbye to Jorg and thanked him for his help and left the Mercure Hotel at 11am for the Airport . Jorg took my letter to post to Topsy. My driver, Van Ommeren asked me what I had done whilst in Amsterdam. I told him what I had managed to do , and indicated that I had unfortunately missed the Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam Museum , Anne Frank’s House, and I would have loved to see a top football match . He told me he supported PSV Eindhoven.My to do list for the next time…….

I had lunch at the Airport, which was finished with coffee and a Belgian chocolate. The waitress told me how to savour the Belgian chocolate, and reminded me to get some when through the Airport again.

Security at the Airport checked my hair gel .My KLM flight to Glasgow was due out at 3.35pm but was delayed due to a late flight from Warsaw, Poland as a result of poor weather. We left at 3.53pm. The flight to Glasgow is just over one hour in duration. This was the first time I had flown KLM.

I chatted to a young lady from Nuremburg in Germany , whilst we waited on our flight. She produced films, and was on her way with her mother to holiday in Scotland for 2 weeks. We met again by chance a few days later in The Willows Tea Rooms in Buchanan Street, Glasgow.

When were getting out of the plane the elderly Scottish lady in front of me said “raining in Amsterdam , and raining in Glasgow .” I said to her “but it is sunshine in Australia.”

I chatted to the KLM purser during the flight, and he told me his daughter was currently back packing in Broome ,Western Australia and was loving it. When I was getting off the flight he called out to me, “enjoy Scotland.”

My driver, Abrar Ali, who had a Glaswegian accent, took me to my Hotel, the Marriott . We chatted on the way to the Hotel about my plans for my stay in Glasgow. I rang my relatives, James and Moira to confirm our arrangements to meet, and got to have a swim in the Hotel pool.

Thursday October 10

I walked to the Mitchell Library to check out their resources on Hamilton , the area which my Grannie left in 1912 to emigrate to Sydney. I then walked to Sauchiehall Street to the John Lewis Department Store, House of Fraser, Debenhams and had afternoon tea in The Willows Tea Rooms in Buchanan Street – my favourite Glasgow Tea Rooms. I had tea and a piece of shortbread.

Then to Barclays Bank, and to have a pedicure to assist my very weary feet. New legs were definitely needed !

Each morning, Peter and William from the young Hotel reception staff, would check on what I had done the previous day , and what I planned to do that day. I had to seek advice on directions, and they were both very helpful. Although I have visited Glasgow a number of times since 1975, my memory needed refreshing.

Friday October 11

I caught the train to Larkhall Station to meet my cousin, James. We visited Hamilton Museum and then had lunch . After the Museum, we visited Chatelherault Park, which is where the Duke of Hamilton kept his dogs and horses. It is now a wedding reception venue. A wedding was taking place whilst we were there, and a piper was present to pipe the happy couple.

James invited me for dinner and I returned to my hotel at 830pm. It had rained heavily , and I had water all over my glasses . “Stop, said the receptionist – I am cleaning your glasses.”

Over lunch and dinner, James and I chatted about many things. James had been an marine engineer on the Clyde in Glasgow and came to Australia a few times by ship . He was the only family member that my Grannie saw in her time in Australia.

On his first trip,the Suez Canal was closed due to the Suez Crisis, so they called in at Durban ,South Africa then onto Freemantle, Melbourne and Sydney. Other trips were made through the Suez Canal, then straight to Freemantle and onto Sydney.

On one occasion, James’s ship had to take wheat to Ceylon .Ships normally had to wait 4 weeks for a berth as it was a busy port. As wheat was a priority, the ship did manage to get into port in a couple of days.

James did remind me that on one occasion my mother and I went to Sydney to visit him , and we were allowed on the ship . I was sick all over the table! James could not always get leave to go to Newcastle to see my Grannie, so my mother and i went to Sydney.

I have a photo taken with James , my Grannie and my parents, in possibly late 1958, at our house in Newcastle. I am holding a Scottish doll, which James brought me as a gift-I still have this doll .

Saturday October 12

I caught the train to Partick Station and walked to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum to see the Linda McCartney photographic exhibition. Next time, I need to revisit to see the excellent gallery.

I then caught the train to Rutherglen , and had a quick lunch; then the taxi to cousin Moira and Jim’s place in Fernhill. James drove me to a pet place, Pets at Home, in East Kilbride to see if they had any tartan dog jackets for Harry. I was out of luck.

I stayed for dinner with Moira and Jim . Jim dropped me at Rutherglen Station , Glasgow and came in with me to make sure that I got on the train to return to the Antipodes! The station assistant had a wry smile on his face. I arrived at my hotel at 8pm.

Sunday October 13 I decided to visit the Peoples Palace Museum to see how Glasgow people lived in the past. I had lunch there and chatted to a young man from Finland over lunch . I returned to the City to go to Radisson Blu to check when the Tour Guide would be in and then went to St Enoch Centre to have my nails done.

The young man who did my nails was of Vietnamese background , born in the Czech Republic and educated in Sweden . He came to Glasgow to work in his uncle’s salon , as he wanted to go to university in Glasgow. Globalisation ……..

Monday October 14

I checked out of the Marriott Hotel in Argyle Street at 11am and caught a taxi to the Radison Blu, which was further down Argyle Street. My tour was to start from here. Peter told me to come back and see him again when I next return to Glasgow. I indicated that as I have my Grannie’s research to do, that I will be back again, and will call in to say hello.

I took the opportunity to write and then mail 8 cards to Australia and to then have lunch in my favourite eating venue, The Willows Tea Rooms in Buchanan Street –mince and tatties, Xmas cake type of dessert with custard and tea. My lunch was delicious.

At 5pm we met our tour guide, David for a Collette group meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel, and then went to the Pipers Centre for a tour and then dinner. The piper recognised my Glasgow tartan scarf , and asked where I got it .I told him that it was a gift from the Lord Provost, Tom Dingwall in early January 1996, when I had afternoon tea with him in his Lord Provost (Mayoral) Chamber in George Square, Glasgow.

There were 40 Americans , 2 Canadians and myself as the lone Australian on the Collette tour. Fortunately, I teamed up with 5 people from Ohio, as most people were with spouses or family members. Bill became my travel companion; he had recently retired as a Director of Horticulture in his city in Ohio. Bill, the 4 ladies and myself often shared a table at breakfast and dinner.

Tuesday October 15

We left Glasgow at 920am for the Glengoyne Whisky Distillery, where we were able to sample malt whiskey, watch a video of whisky being made, and then go on a tour of the distillery. Lunch was at Callendar and afternoon tea at The Green Welly Shop at Tyndrum. There was a photo stop at a loch, and then at Glencoe where the Campbells massacred 38 Macdonalds in 1692. It is an eerie place .Dinner was at the hotel, the Ballachulish Hotel, a quaint hotel, where we stayed for 2 nights.

Wednesday October 16

We left at 830am for the Isle of Skye. On the way we stopped for a photo opportunity at Eilean Donan Castle, the most photographed castle in Scotland . It is located 1km from the village of Dornie and is where 3 lochs meet-Loch Duich , Loch Long and Loch Aish.

We drove over the bridge at the Kyle of Lochalsh to Skye. This bridge previously had a toll of 15 pound on it, and this toll was removed in 1999, when the Scottish National Party was elected to Government.

On the Isle of Skye we visited Armadale Castle, museum and beautiful gardens. (Armidale NSW is named after Armadale, Isle of Skye ) I saw my first Cavalier sighting here at the castle -I gave the dog a pat .Lunch was in the tea rooms at the Castle, and we left Skye by ferry at 2.30pm for Mallaig. The bus drove onto the ferry!

We then drove, late afternoon, to see the Glenfinnan Memorial and the Viaduct, which was used in the Harry Potter movie. I would like to return to do the Jacobite Steam train trip from Fort William to Mallaig. Dinner was at the hotel . A piper entertained hotel guests after dinner, and a young lady performed some Highland dancing.

I sat at dinner with a lady from Alabama, who called me madam in her southern accent. She worked in defence and her husband was ex –army. Her job was to programme missiles .Trump she said “was good with business, but not with foreign policy.” She told me that” I was a pretty lady ! “I was flattered.

Thursday October 17

We left the hotel at about 830am , and stopped at Port Augustus to see how boats move into the lochs. I spotted a Cavalier in the distance-it was being carried to a car by its owner. Bill and I, chatted to an English couple, who were spending a week sailing the lochs. A relaxing holiday boating on the lochs.

Then, onto Urquhart Castle and Museum to be followed by a cruise on Loch Ness. Sadly, there was no Nessie. I have my red tartan Nessie, which Moira made for me as part of my 21st birthday present in 1975.

Our lunch stop was at The Clansman, where we could enjoy the view over Loch Ness. A comfort stop in the afternoon was at Brora. As we drove towards Thurso, you could see the extensive wind turbines off shore.

Bill and I, ate dinner at the Pentland Hotel, however we were free to dine elsewhere. The tour group stayed at the quaint Pentland Hotel, Thurso for 2 nights.

Friday October 18

We left at 8.15am for the ferry to the Orkneys –it was a one hour trip. Liz, our very capable coach driver backed the coach onto the ferry in wonderful style.

We had time to have a tour of the beautiful Italian Church, which was built by prisoners of war in WW2. A statue of St George and the Dragon was nearby. We had lunch, and then looked at the beautiful Cathedral in Kirkwall, after a funeral service had concluded . There was much Norwegian influence in the area’s history. At lunch, Bill and I chatted to 2 ladies from Manchester, who were staying in a cottage near Skara Brae for a week .An ideal way to see the area.

After lunch, we were off to Stenness and to Skara Brae, a fascinating Neolithic site which dates to 500O years ago .

The Orkneys had few trees due to its geographic location at 59 degrees north, and the landscape was unique. I bought a lovely piece of Orkney jewellery in Jenners in Edinburgh on October 24 2019. The Daisy at Dawn necklace was made by a well – known Orkney jeweller, Sheila Fleet OBE.

The sale of Sheilas’ daisies jewellery contribute to a charitable trust for young people in the Orkneys who are experiencing ill health or hardship. Sheila’s daisies were inspired by a photograph taken by her late husband, Rick called Daisies at Dawn. Sheila says “I hope your daisy brings a ray of sunshine into your life” Wearing it will remind me fondly of the Orkneys.

We returned to the mainland on the 4.50pm ferry –it was cold and windy. I had been warned to rug up with layers from people who had visited the Orkneys. I was wearing my alpaca jumper, my Katmandu vest, scarf , gloves and had my water proof Katmandu shoes on. Dinner that night was at the hotel.

I would like to return to the Orkneys for a longer time period. In summer, there are 19 hours of sunlight! The place is unique, and has a wonderful charm, and its history is amazing.

Saturday October 19

When we left at 8.45am, all of the Pentland Hotel staff came out to wave goodbye. On to Golspie to the stunning Dunrobin Castle and its wonderful gardens. We then visited Inverness for lunch – I was last here in February 1975.

Bill and I chatted to a gentleman over lunch – he was pro- Brexit, as he believed that Britain paid too much money to the EU. He had lived in London and then moved north to Inverness, where he lived with his family. I visited the Arran shop in the hope of buying Harry a white knitted Arran dog sweater – sadly they only had a large size.

After lunch in Inverness, we visited Culloden -I was last here on a cold winters day in February 1975. An impressive Interpretative Visitors Centre was built within the last decade. The site is as moving as I remember it to be.

The vote had taken place Saturday, October 19 in Westminster re Brexit. The right to advance the legislation to a reading was passed 322 to 306,but Boris was not given the short time to allow the material to be read –Parliament wanted longer to digest it. A possible early British election was looming ……

Dinner was at the Grant Arms Hotel in Grantham on Spey where we stayed for one night. Before dinner, the haggis was piped in with the usual traditional ceremony. We had some haggis with our evening meal.

Sunday October 20

Before breakfast, I chatted to a group of English guests about Brexit. “We won’t mention your rugby team” one said” as they got a thumping by England. “Then, another guest said “of course we won’t discuss the cricket.” Another said “my mother is Australian, she comes from Melbourne.” “I come from Sydney and yes, we do have rivalry between the cities.”

We left at 8.15am for a busy day. First stop was a border collie sheep dog demonstration at Leault Farm, not far from Aviemore. The farmer and his dogs put on an impressive display of rounding up the sheep. The farmer said that he daughter was an excellent shepherd. I had my photo taken with a gorgeous Border Collie pup.

Then on to Pitlochry for lunch – I was last here in early June 2013. Bill and I, had lunch at Hetties café, which is where I ate in early June 2013. On my previous visit, I bought a lovely pewter brooch, which I use to pin my scarves and to remind me of Pitlochry. Pitlochry is a lovely town and it is where our tour guide’s mother runs a B and B.

In the afternoon, we visited St Andrews, a university town, a famous golf course and where William met Kate. I had been here previously in 1975.

I photographed the golf course, and purchased some items at the golf shop for a golfing friend, saw the café where Wills had coffee with Kate, and walked to the town. We drove onto Edinburgh to the Radisson Blu Hotel, which was located in the Royal Mile.

Six of us had drinks that night at the Dome in George Street,Edinburgh; they were booked out for dinner. The building is majestic; it was previously a Scottish Bank and is well worth a visit. At Xmas time, a magnificent tree is placed inside the building. We had dinner at a nearby pub, and blended in with the locals.

Monday October 21

Our tour group did a quick tour of Edinburgh, and then went to Holyrood Palace, the Queen’s residence when in Edinburgh, and then to the majestic Castle. In the afternoon, we visited the Royal Britannia at Leith, and had afternoon tea on board. I would have loved to have had more time here.

Monday night was our farewell dinner. This was in the form of a Scottish cooking demonstration at a Cooking School and dinner was then provided.

Most people were flying out the next day; a few stayed on for additional days.

Tuesday October 22.

I continued to try to sort out my driver from Edinburgh to the Airport- finally resolved. The airport transport firm, Talixo had booked me in leaving from the Marriott in Glasgow to Glasgow Airport-someone transcribed the booking incorrectly!

I walked down the Royal Mile to locate shops selling the Princess Diana tartan. Then I had a lovely lunch in Jenners Department Store – quiche and salad, fruit tart, orange juice and coffee. I had a haircut, treatment and blow dry in Jenners with Elspeth at 330pm.-cost 56 pound. I then bought a scarf at Cashmere House in the Royal Mile.

I watched the vote in Westminster before joining Bill for dinner. He was leaving Edinburgh early on a flight into New York on Wednesday morning to connect with a plane to Columbus, Ohio. We exchanged addresses, and said we must visit each other in our respective countries. The US election is next November and I have always wanted to see a US election -maybe a possibility.

I rang James and Jim and Moira, my relatives to say goodbye. I had the opportunity to speak with Margaret and Billy Reid, who had been away on vacation and said we would catch up the next time.

I left for Edinburgh Airport at 915am with my driver, Islam Ahmed, who had migrated from Morocco 35 years ago. We drove past Murrayfield, the home of Scottish Rugby Union on the way to the Airport. I submitted my VAT forms to claim a refund on my purchases. My KLM flight was due to leave at 1.25pm, but was one hour late leaving.

I talked to a professional golfer, Russ Garner from Memphis, Tennessee in the check in queue and as we waited to board the plane. He, and 13 of his golfers from his Club, had been touring Scotland playing on various golf courses. I sadly lost my cough mixture and Swedish foot cream to airport security, as they were too big. It was a full flight, as many people were transferring to other flights in Amsterdam. Very little luggage came off in Amsterdam.

I arrived at Schiphol Airport, and had to find my way to where the Hotel courtesy coaches are located. I arrived at the Mercure Hotel at 6pm, after we had sat in peak hour traffic for some time. Schiphol Airport is so well organised, and the transport connections are wonderful. I could find my way around well on transport on a future visit.

Thursday October 24

My free day! I decided to catch the train to Utrecht instead of going to Zaanse Schans, a windmill village. I had texted Ken, a former teaching colleague, to say where I was going and what I planned to do –lunch in Winkel van Sinkel a very old building, a canal ride and then shopping. Ken told me that a mutual friend, Manuel had lived in Utrecht many years ago, and he had visited here one January school holiday. He said “I am about to go to bed – you have a much better day ahead. I am envious!”

Utrecht was a delightful city, wonderful history, great shops and not so busy with tourists as Amsterdam always is. A city to revisit……

I had a lovely lunch in Winkel van Sinkel, a building which was built in 1824 and later became an upmarket Department Store. It then became a bank, and in 1995 it was restored and became a restaurant. A leisurely one hour cruise on the canal followed and then I headed off to shop. I bought a lovely dress in De Bijenkorf Department Store, which had a sale on, so I saved 26 euros. I planned to wear this dress at a luncheon on Melbourne Cup day, November 5 2019.

Time was moving on, and I thought that I should return to my Airport Hotel. I was waiting to cross the road in peak hour, a tram was stationary, and lots of bike riders were waiting to move (sprint away). They sat on their bikes with arms folded –quite a comedy scene.

I returned to Schiphol on a through train and caught the courtesy bus to the Hotel. I rang Petronella to say goodbye to Topsy and herself, as I was leaving on Friday for Hong Kong .Petronella was off to Oxfordshire for the weekend.

Friday October 25

Cathay Pacific flight CX 270 left at 1pm .I left the Mercure Hotel at 930am to go to the Airport. The hotel receptionist kindly gave me a small jar of honey, as they have bees at the rear of the Hotel property.

My driver to the Airport said to me “only you?” “yes” i said “ Where are you off to ?” I replied “ Hong Kong, and then soon home to Australia .” “ You are brave travelling alone “. “I always travel alone –I have done so since late 1974. We are hardy souls, us Australians.”

“I used to be a Recycling Manager, but 6 years ago I was caught for 2 hours in a lift in Spain .My phone did not work, and the emergency button did not work in the lift. I became claustrophobic. I cannot ride in a train either, only a car, as i can get out easily. I am getting older, i am 51 and it is harder to get a job.” “I am 65, so I understand. You have however to work to earn a living. “

“I came from a village near the Belgian border –it is too quiet there. I tell my mother that I have to go back to Amsterdam, as there is more to do.”

“So you aren’t travelling with a husband “. “No, my gentleman died in 2011 of cancer .”“ European women usually travel with their husband, partner or friends. This means then that you are single and available does it? “

By this time, we had reached Schiphol Airport, as it was only 10 minutes in good traffic conditions from the Mercure Hotel. I thanked my driver for his chat; he collected a trolley for me and put my luggage on it. He said to me “I will see you on your next visit!” I went to check in for my 12 hour flight to Hong Kong. I also had to claim my tax back on my purchases in the Netherlands.

Saturday October 26

I arrived in Hong Kong at 6am and went straight to my hotel at the Airport to have a short rest. Then, I caught the Airport Express to the City and topped up my Octopus card. I visited my tailor, Taipan Row in IFC Building. I admired the beautiful men’s jackets –a highly recommended tailor. In early October 2008, I had a beautiful three quarter length jacket made; the fabric has since developed rust marks, so I wanted to talk to the tailor about this . They had me on file, but had no record of the fabric they had used. I was instructed to photograph the fabric and email it back to them.

Then to lunch in IFC, and then I jumped on the tram to Happy Valley. I wandered around for a little while, and returned on the tram to the City for afternoon tea. I saw another Cavalier, and gave the dog a pat. Then I caught the fast Airport Express back to the Airport Hotel.

Sunday October 27

I had late breakfast then a massage and final packing took place. My flight, Cathay Pacific CX 111 was due out at 7pm; however, it was delayed to 9pm due to technical problems .The couple behind me in the queue had been to the World Cup in Japan. I arrived in Sydney at almost 9am Monday October 28 .The weary traveller was collected at Sydney Airport at 930am.

My month’s adventure was over – how could it go so fast ………..

You might have gathered that I talked a lot, ate a lot, walked a lot, and stayed in wonderful hotels. I met some interesting people from around the world, and saw some wonderful Scottish scenery.

Highlights-not in any order.

Ticked the Orkneys and Isle of Skye off my bucket list

Meeting up with Topsy and Petronella in Amsterdam on October 5

Seeing James on October 11 and Moira and Jim on October 12 in Glasgow

Going to the races on October 1 at Sha Tin, Hong Kong

Navigating my way around Amsterdam on public transport

My day in Utrecht

Seeing the beautiful Scottish countryside and the historical sites.

Visiting the Rijk Museum again and my canal trip in Amsterdam.

Enjoying the beautiful buildings in Amsterdam and in Scotland.

Chatting to a people from different backgrounds from around the world

Special thanks to my trustworthy Katmandu jacket, Katmandu waterproof shoes and my alpaca jumper for keeping me both warm and dry.