So… DH and I have friends from America who visit us every year and are our usual travelling buddies. D & E and I went all through school together and have been friends since 1st grade. The three of us all turn 65 this year and have planned to celebrate by taking a really nice trip.
We booked a 10 day Edinburgh, Highlands & Islands trip through Great Rail Journeys. We paid £995 per person which includes hotels, rail journeys and breakfast and dinners each day. We have added a night in Edinburgh and another night in Kendal to the end of the trip, which takes our holiday to Wednesday, 11th May.
We have been looking forward to this for months now.
Now for the sad news - Our friends’ daughter-in-law passed away Saturday morning. She has been ill for a long time but this has come rather unexpectedly, to say the least. No one thought she would pass at such a young age, in her late 30’s with a 9 year old son.
D&E were expected to arrive here next Wednesday and we were to leave early Saturday morning, stop overnight in Kendal and then carry on to Edinburgh to for evening meal on Sunday and meet up with the rest of our tour group. Understandably, they are not coming.
They did not have cancellation insurance (only health ins) and it is too late to get a refund. DH and I are going on the trip as planned. D&E’s tickets can be transferred to someone else for £30 each admin fee.
Our dilemma is finding two people who can get away on such short notice. We have been trying all week-end to find someone to use the trip.
I have asked several folks we are friends with here but no one can go at such short notice. I asked a couple in NJ but they can’t swing the air fare.
D&E are not looking for any money for the trip itself.
I never thought it would be this hard to give away a £2000 holiday for two.
Is anyone out there in Expat land adventurous?
Hey - I'm 65 but young in the heart and soul! We love younger friends!!
Need to know in by 5pm today - I really don't want to see this trip go to waste!!!
