Today Sue collected Jenny and me and we drove to Shelbourne Hospital in High Wycombe.  Jenny was a little nervous but kept positive and Sue and I were glad we could stay with her until she was wheeled to surgery.   I was hugely impressed with the entire medical staff.  Several nurses came in to do various things and were super efficient, professional and friendly.  The anaesthetist explained in detail what would happen, then the surgeon did the same.   The surgeon it turns out is originally from South Africa.   Lastly his registrar came in to check that all was in order and then 2 hours after we arrived Jen was off to finally have all her problems sorted out!

Sue and Jen

Shelbourne Hospital Entrance

Jenny receiving excellent care

The doctor promised to call Sue as soon as Jen’s surgery was over and then Sue would call me.

It was almost 4 o’clock when Sue took me to High Wycombe Station.  She insisted on coming with me to get my ticket and find my way to the right platform.

High Wycombe Station

Chiltern Railway – Train

Fourteen pounds bought me a ticket from High Wycombe to St Pancras. Catching the train was really no problem at all.  It’s all so civilised in Britain.   No chance of missing your station as it called over the sound system as you arrive.  At Marylebone I got hold of a tube map but was surprised at how small the print was – I’m sure it wasn’t so difficult when I was here 16 years ago!   Or have my eyes dimmed somewhat.   Anyway I managed to work out where I was headed and finally got my self t St Pancrass and Kings Cross.   I found a Starbucks, had a sparkling water, bought more airtime from WH Smith and then called Nicholas to say I was ready to meet him.  10 minutes later after buying an Oyster card we were on our way to Neasden on the Underground. The card cost 5 pounds and the weekly cost for Zones 1,2 and 3 was 35 pounds. I now have the freedom to travel around London at will!

King’s Cross

Nicholas and I went for a curry supper at a genuine Indian Restaurant, Kadiri’s.  It was Halal – so no alcohol.  We had to settle for mineral water and coke. It was outstanding.  We started with pickles and poppadoms.  I loved the lime pickle best.  This was followed by Lamb Rogan Josh with Nam bread.   Totally delicious.  Almost as good as my friend, Niru’s cooking which is to die for, doll.   The cost – 32 pounds for the two of us.   A tad higher than one would pay in South Africa but one must not convert or one will not travel.

We were home by 7:30 and I was worried that I hadn’t heard anything from Sue.  But soon after I messaged her she phoned.  The surgery had been long and difficult but it had all been keyhole so no big wound to contend with.   The surgeon was confident that all will be well.   Such a relief.

As I blog Nicholas is sorting out our trip to Arras. We will be going across on the ferry on Monday 1 July and returning Wednesday 3 July.   It is going to be a real adventure – can’t wait!