“Travel makes one modest.
You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”
―
This week for only the second time, I met a blogging buddy face to face.
Way back in September 2013 I met Sallyann of Photographic Memories and we had a great day in Oxford, together with my sister. We saw things that visitors would not normally see and had a great time.
In case you missed it, or are like me and can’t really remember back seven years, here’s the link – https://growingyoungereachday.wordpress.com/2013/09/18/the-oxford-adventure/
And this week, Lois from Write Along With Me, came to Wellington on a cruise ship. We had a very little time together but how nice just to sit, two ancient ladies, chatting about our lives, so different and in many ways, so alike. Here’s her latest post – https://loisroelofs.com/2020/03/13/sailing-on-the-high-seas/.
We discussed whether to meet beforehand and decided that because she hadn’t been anywhere there were concerns about Covid 19, we would meet. When were we ever going to be both in the same city again? The likelihood was pretty remote if not non-existent.
So on a beautiful Wellington Tuesday, I picked her up and though we had little time we had a drive around the bays that ring our beautiful city. She admired our pristine and deserted beaches and commented on the fact that the beach was so close to our capital city. While driving around we chatted like two old friends. The cafe I took her to was closed, so we went to my favourite place for lunch. But Lois had been eating a lot on the ship and so it was decided Coke and cake for her, tea and cake for me.
Then a Tiki Tour back to where the shuttle bus would pick her up to go back to the ship. And we were lucky. The next day our Prime Minister declared New Zealand closed to all cruise ships until at least June 30.
When Lois left here they were going to the South Island and then on to Australia. I have heard from her that they weren’t allowed to disembark in Tasmania, so waiting to hear where to next; she is having a real adventure.
I choose how I will spend the rest of my life 
That’s marvelous that you met a blogger face to face. A few weeks ago we drove to Connecticut to spend an evening with a blogger I’d followed for a couple of years. She was at Yale University taking a course. How glad I am we saw her when we did! She went back to India for spring break and could not return because of the Corona virus.
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Timing is everything and now Lois doesn’t know where they will go next and where they will disembark.
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Wow… How wonderful… You are still the only one of my blogging buddies who I’ve had a real live hot coffee with. 😊 😊 😊
I still remember your visit to Oxford so well… How we laughed the day away.
A very fond memory indeed. 😊 😊
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Hi Sallyann, wasn’t that a fun day. Can you believe it was seven years ago!
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Seven years… Time has really flown… We must have had some fun. 😂 🤣
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How wonderful to have met a blogging friend, and just in the nick of time too. Stay safe and healthy my friend. xo
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Perfect timing. A couple of days later and it could not have happened.
Wishes are reciprocated during this worrying time.xx
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I am so glad you posted JB! I have left a message for Lois also. Chat soon!
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Thanks, friend. Maybe one day, if all the stars are in alignment and one of us wins the lottery, we too may meet. xx
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What a treat for you both! And she had local guide. It was good that you got to meet – safe travels for her. And stay well yourself!
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Hi JoNell. Weren’t we lucky? A couple of days later and the opportunity would have been missed. You look after yourself and your husband in this trying time.
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Oh, what FUN!! I’d love to meet my blogging buddies in real life — I expect it would be every bit as delightful. You were blessed to have this opportunity … before everything basically shut down.
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Yes, Debbie. A small window of opportunity that we took. In later life that may well have been one of my “if onlys”
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I’m finally home, Judith, but not awake yet! My body is not liking the time change. I am grateful we were able to meet. And I’m happy you were able to schedule your day around my cruise schedule. I will hold the memory dear of spotting you waiting for me at the gate to the Parliament building! The trip helped me see, once again, how traveling is a necessary way to keep one’s small place in the universe in perspective. Meeting you in person helped broaden mine! It was a delight!
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Well, Lois. That was almost 2 years ago. Hard to believe isn’t it? And apologies. I don’t know how I missed your comment.
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That’s so cute calling yourselves ancient!!
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