Memories Are Made Of This.

My book about Kai, the mischievous and much loved beagle, contains many themes to explore with children and for this blog I am going to focus on two of them, which are interwoven, namely, journeys and memories.

Journeys because Kai made a journey from France to settle in England with his owners when he was a young dog. When we met him we were completely smitten by him and there is a Kai shaped hole in our hearts since he left us.

This Spring we completed a long journey to the Southern Hemisphere. We went to Singapore, Sydney and then on to our second home in Perth, Western Australia in time for Easter.

More recently we went on a train journey to the East coast of England, to the vibrant, historical City of Norwich. Despite living in England for over 65 years we have never ventured to this part of the country.

It was also an opportunity to meet with a friend who we have not seen for many years since she relocated to Cromer about 20 miles from Norwich. We were able to catch up on shared memories as well as current events in our lives. All the intervening years just fell away.

Memories, because all the journeys evoked memories of special people, special places and events which we often talk about. They are all connected to the past and present and are linked by the passing of time.

In particular, we have very fond and happy memories of times spent in Singapore on previous visits.

In Singapore, we stayed in the Clarke's Bay Area. After such a long time -37 years, there have been so many changes. Nonetheless, Singapore is still spotlessly clean, with a daily, warm, balmy temperature of 30--32 degrees. It is full of beautiful plants, shrubs, and trees, a gardener's delight. Their natural beauty is enhanced by coloured fountains and lights.

On our last visit the foundations were being laid for the MRT, Mass Transit Railway network. Now the 8 colourful lines and stations are fully operational, connecting the whole island as well as Sentosa.

So it was really easy for us to visit our old haunts and favourite places, like China town and Little India and the station near it named "Dhoby Ghaut".

When I was a very young child, my much-loved grandmother was teaching me to read, I have a vivid memory of her describing the letter "P" as the Dhoby carrying his bundle of clothes on his back!

The Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck was really amazing. The viewing platform is the size of four Airbus 380 aircraft side by side and the views across the island are stunning--especially the tops of the tall trees in the Garden By The Bay which are illuminated by constantly changing colourful lights. Everyone should visit Singapore before leaving the planet!

The next stage of our journey took us to Sydney. In all the years that we have been visiting Australia we have never been to Sydney. At last, we are able to tick this city off our bucket list.

We enjoyed the Rock Markets, Darling Harbour and of course, the Sydney Opera House as well as Queen Victoria shopping centre with its up market shops. The street Art was quirky and interesting too.

The Eastern States are very different from Western Australia, so we were pleased that our next stop was Perth with which we are very familiar.

In Perth we were able to meet up with family and friends and visit more of our favourite places again.

We also paid our respects to our close friend Betty, who we lost in August 2023, by visiting the Rose Garden in St Barnabas church where her ashes are buried. This was our first trip to Perth since her passing and it was bittersweet as we have so many happy memories of times spent with her and her large family. It was, however, comforting to meet with one of her daughters.

In all the trips to Perth over 49 years, I have searched for an Aboriginal painting. Finally, we found one and had it shipped home. It is now in pride of place in our lounge. It is a deeply spiritual work, painted by Roseanne Morton Pwerle. Since the recent passing of her mother, Gracie Morton Pwerle, she has become the custodian of the tradition. It's title is "Bush Plum Seeds" and it is connected with personal journeys, the changing of the seasons, as well as health--the seeds have medicinal benefits.

The acute observation and memory of the artist as well as links with Bush Plum Dreaming and Creation stories make the painting almost magical and one is transfixed by it.

As much as we enjoyed our long-haul trip we are finding the actual journey and all the checks, new technology at Border control and transit time very tiring and stressful. So on our return in April we decided that for the rest of this year would only make 'local 'trips.

At home in May, Sveta's twin grand daughters returned for a second visit. As usual, they brought so much joy and laughter into our lives. Now they are two years old and growing sweetly. They have embarked on pre--nursery sessions which they enjoy. They are already going on lots of journeys of their own, travelling on to Ireland after they left us, and becoming frequent flyers whilst building up memories to cherish.

In early September we set off, accompanied by Sveta, on a short journey to Norwich. We stayed at the oldest hotel in England, which due to its age did not have a lift on the side of the building where our rooms were located. So every time we ventured to the reception area or left the hotel we had to navigate 37 steps plus uneven corridors and worn carpets which took a toll on our knees and backs! The hotel is in a prime location, virtually next door to the Cathedral.

The Cathedral is one of the best we have visited. The Gothic Vault, peaceful Cloisters, the unusual copper Font, the Peace Globe where candles are lit, the Refectory cafe, and the extensive gardens, grounds, cottages, and Norwich School premises were interesting and a delight to explore. It was lovely to see the students as they went about their school activities--being an ex-teacher, I always did a quick head count and staff to student ratio check!

It was at the Refectory cafe that we met Anne, a very good friend and ex-colleague. We have known each other for 37 years. She provided invaluable support, help, and encouragement during both my headships. It was such a joy to meet up again and to be guided by her tips on things to do in Norwich.

Unfortunately, the famous Castle was closed for renovation but we were able to visit the market area, the charming cobbled streets of Wagon and Horses Lane and Elm Hill as well as Jarrolds--an incredible, old department store with amazing external architecture and an ultra modern interior which includes a food hall.

Focusing on two interconnected themes in my book has enabled me to reflect on what has happened in the last 10 months. In all that I I have seen and done and that has happened, there is one constant, silent, and invisible factor--Kai.

While I am determined not to be frozen in grief, he is never far from my thoughts and so many things trigger fond and treasured memories of him.

It is a true saying that one should never underestimate the power of a dog to impact one's life-----at the time and thereafter.

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