UK airports are closed for at least another day. So we’re going to get out and about today. Not sure where. I’ve heard there is another family stuck here who have a child in my son’s class so I might try and find them – he’d be very happy about that, he is the one struggling the most with the whole thing and keeps asking me questions about “exactly” when are we going to get home. Also he’s been looking at maps and planning routes: “mum, we could fly to France and then get on the ferry and then get Grandma and GF to pick us up and then we could stay with them OR what about Spain?”….
In the meantime whilst I have been worrying about my abandoned teenage son back home, I was thinking how great it has been that have been able to trust him to be at home without me. He’s been mostly staying with his dad but I’m not stupid enough to think that he wouldn’t have made full use of my empty house from time to time.
However, I got a text from my neighbours yesterday. I didn’t even know they had my mobile number. It said “we need to talk about the use of your garden and the noise and items that are being lobbed over the fence”.
I replied, explaining that I was stuck in Dubai and apologised on his behalf and then texted my son.
His reply was “mum, we’ve had a few BBQ’s. All I did was throw a half eaten burger into their garden. They really need to chill”.
Good grief. “REALLY NEED TO CHILL?” What is it with teenagers. How horrible to get a whole load of half eaten food in their garden.
N xxx
April 18, 2010Poor you! Thinking about you lots! I have texted BTW but you didn’t reply so thought you might be in a no-sig zone! Re teen parties – all quiet at the front of house- so it’s obviously all going on in the garden. Let me know how I can help – doesn’t seem to be bad at all so don’t worry! Just perhaps let son know that I’m there if he needs anything – subtle hint that BB is watching!! Missing u and willing winds to change.
fab feisty and fifty
April 18, 2010surely you need not worry, your son isnt abandoned, his father will step up here if he isnt dazzled by his wedding plans totally..
hope you can find something rewarding out of this debacle….
l wont tell you what some people are reporting about this cloud and how long it may disrupt things…you probably have read reports anyhow on the net….as you seem to be blogging away merrily….sans frontiers and all that…isnt the net a marvellous thing?
hope youre home soon..
saz x
Anne-Lise Pasch
April 18, 2010My best friend is stuck in Dubai at the Holiday Inn Express at the airport coming back from Brisbane, and we were looking at alternate routes also…
There is a cheap(ish) option: Emirates are still flying to Malta right now:
http://www.emirates.com/uk/english/about/operational_updates/operational_updates.aspx
And can exchange your UK ticket to a Malta ticket. From malta, there is a 23 Euro shuttle to Madrid:
http://www.edreams.com/flights/malta-madrid/
A shuttle bus from Madrid to Santander puts you in line for a ferry to Portsmouth or Plymouth, and costs £47 / car (Brittany Ferries) and are operating an emergency first-come/first-serve for non-booked passengers.
However, there has been news a couple hours ago that flight restrictions may be relaxed on Monday as many major airlines have performed test flights through the cloud:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8628323.stm
To be reviewed tomorrow. Although British Airways announced normal service may not resume until Thursday. My friend decided to wait ’til Tuesday morning for news before trying anything radical (But at least Emirates have agreed to pay her hotel bills(!))
Family Affairs
April 18, 2010Thanks so much that is really useful information. I have heard the same thing. So going to hang on in there for the moment and hope they lift the flight restrictions. Hope your friend is doing OK. Lx
Working Mum
April 18, 2010I wouldn’t worry about your son, I’m sure he isn’t breaking any laws and some flowers and an apology (from him) should sweeten the neighbours.
UK airports currently set to open at 1am tonight (Sun/Mon). Keeping fingers crossed for you.
My mad MIL and sister have decided to drive back from Italy and have hired a car – I dread to think where they will end up. Could make a good blog post!
Kelloggsville
April 18, 2010hmmmm – did you see the article about the teenage son that painted the 20 foot Penis on the roof of his parents house just before he went on a trip abroad. The parents were waiting for him to come home and make him clean it off himself!! Me thinks a bit of neighbourly gardening will be in order for your son when he gets back. They’re not bad kids, they just don’t think about how their actions make other people feel. That sort of cognative intelligence comes later in life (and to be frank some never get it).
Is Dubai starting to feel homely?!! hope you are surviving on more than one pair of pants!!!
Sx
Family Affairs
April 19, 2010Yes, I did a post about that huge penis – thought it was really funny. Yes, he’ll have to take round some flowers or something. Dubai feeling a lot less scary now thanks and yes, doing lots of washing of pants in the bath!! Lx
Chiselle Moore
April 19, 2010My son stole my ex-husbands car the last time he went away. Hope you hid the keys??????? Great site
Family Affairs
April 19, 2010Actually, I did hide my keys. He’s only just passed his test. I thought it would all be way too tempting for him. Problem is I’ve been away so long I don’t think I can remember where I’ve put them! Lx
szachy
April 20, 2010Thanks for good article. Hope to see more soon.
Arron Hoiness
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