Well, The Boeing Dream Liner (787-9) had more seat room than the 737. I was almost able to stretch out but 14 hours in a plane seat is always going to be a challenge. I think I got about 2 hours sleep, Margaret thought she may have got 4 or 5. Watched the Movie Pele which was surprisingly good and read my book. Arrived Abu Dhabi around 5:30 off the plane and onto a bus to the terminal. My glasses fogged up immediately I was outside the plane, 33 degrees at that time of the morning. We were straight out through immigration and customs to meet a guy with our name on a tablet. Our Limo arrived, well a black van anyway to whisk us off to the Grand Millenium, Al Wahda where we got settled into our room on the 22nd floor and headed down to breakfast. A beautiful Bacon & Egg breakfast. Turkish bacon which was strange as when we were in Turkey we only saw bacon at one hotel. 

 We were that tired we headed back to our room for a couple of hours sleep before venturing out.
The largest mall in Abu Dhabi was attached to our hotel so that was our first stop. Everything was very quiet, no eating places open, we were starting to get a feeling of what Ramadam means. We were later to find out what the “Last” day of Ramadam meant. Some pretty flash shops but we were really just looking for a coffee, not to be. We grab a cab and headed for the Heritage village down on the water front, actually maybe past the water front as it was out on a isthmus. Everywhere was absolutely deserted. Nobody on the beaches, the village was closed and just really a few cars running around. We took a couple of photos out there and our cab driver suggested the Grand Mosque ensuring us it would be open. Right at the other end of Abu Dhabi. Shut and deserted as well. Being outside was extremely energy sapping and we were absolutely tired so headed back to our hotel via a supermarket to pick up some drink and nibbles. We had good intentions of heading down to the local outside market after Ramadam (8 oclockish) but woke up about 10 and in sleep mode unfortunately decided to give it a miss.

Wednesday 6 July – A big breakfast before packing our bags and heading for the airport. Three out of three, I am picked again to be checked for drugs. Fortunately no rubber gloves. Our plane is an Airbus A346 and I end up with a window seat which is fantastic as the whole eight hour trip is in daylight finishing up with a trip up the Thames, very impressive. The line through immigration took forever, I think Margaret was regretting giving up her English passport. Black mark for Tracy we could have registered on line and used the UK queue. Customs was virtually non-existent. We landed at terminal 4 and used the train to get to terminal 3 and the bus to our hotel. The Thistle London Heathrow, very tired. We decided to head out for a walk and found a local pub, The White Horse (built 16th century) where we had a feed, Margaret an Omlete and me Haddock and chips and a beer. A huge meal I couldn’t finish. Back to the hotel and bed. Wales had just lost to Portugal in the football.

Thursday 7 July – A bit of a sleep in at 8am and a late breakfast, This time we caught a Pod, (a driverless capsule) which took us over to Terminal 5 where we were picking up a car. We pick up a Citroen C4, 1.6l diesel. A really nice car in which we head off down the M4. Thank goodness for another Sweetie. One stop for toilets and a coffee and back on the road. A spin around Chepstow before Margaret’s Aunty Joan in Lydney. Fish & chips for tea and a big catch-up. I pick up a local SIM card from Tisco’s (+44 7732181959 if you want to contact me till 21 July)

Friday 8 July – A relaxed day we head up to a nursing home to see Aunty Joan’s sister, Pam who unfortunately had a bad stroke about 3 years ago. Difficult to communicate but she definitely knew us. Mid afternoon saw us heading to Cardiff to catch up with my nephew Martin. It is his wedding that got us over here.  This was the afternoon that the Welsh football team returned home to a hero’s welcome which came with a local feel and increase in traffic.  We went for a wander down and around Albany street while waiting for Martin to finish work.  Chloe & Nola were already in France but it was great catching up.  Out for a curry for tea.

Saturday 9 July – We are up with croissants for breakfasts before heading to a local market for a coffee and veggies,  Picked up a couple of craft beers for later.  Martin and I headed off for Cwmcarn Mountain Bike Park in the hills of south Wales about half an hour out of Cardiff. Fantastic rocky single track.  I am on a almost suspension less Marin and although light was hard work with the rocky surface.  Should note it was also raining.  There were a lot of people out and the large car park was full.  A really good set-up with a bike shop, changing rooms, hot showers.  Most things at a cost,  My bike was 32 quid for half a day.  No injuries no falling off so a successful day. Martin showed his culinary skills and served up really great home made pizza’s and red wine. mmmmmm yummy a very enjoyable evening.  Martin has been a great host

Sunday 10 July – A bit of a sleep in and Bacon & egg for breakfast. I used Chloe’s bike and had a bit of a ride around the area to the ATM machine, quite enjoyable on a quiet Sunday morning.  We bid Martin farewell and start heading back to Lydney.  At Monmouth we head off the motorway and into town.  Monmouth used to be the gateway to Wales and was a market city.  We spent quite some time strolling around there discovering that it was the home of Mr Rolls of Rolls Royce fame and Rockford recording studios.  We were looking for a backroad back to Lydney and ended up with a fantastic drive through the Forrest of Dean,  the narrow country roads much of the which had trees right across and everything was so green made it a very beautiful. We came across this huge old church in Newlands which we had a wander around.  It was built around the 13 century.  More narrow roads and through the village of Bream and we are suddenly back in Lydney,  Watched Andy Murray win at Wimbleton to give the Brits something to cheers about.  After a lovely tea of Gammon (boiled bacon) and new potatoes before sitting down and watched Portugal win the European cup in extra time.

Monday 11 July – After breakfast Margaret and I went for a stroll through Lydney.  Had a really horrible coffee talked to a BT cable jointer who was working on copper.  Then headed up to see and say goodbye to Pam before going for a drive back in the Forest of Dean.  I really loved it in there with the  green trees covering even the roads in most parts.  We parked and walked over the old disused railway bridge to The Boat, a really nice hotel on the side of the Wye river.  I had a Ploughmans lunch and a non alcoholic beer while the girls drunk wine.  The day was a bit overcast and rainy.  Tea tonight was aCornish Pasties, Strawberries, Cornish Ice Cream and cream, decitcant but so yummy.