Arrived in Czech Republic, FET tomorrow, huge relief but eventful journey.

[Florencehill]

Hello all,

So as not to break tradition, Im writing from my hotel in Brno. Feels odd to be back. Almost identical room as last time except we have a balcony and a smaller bathroom. I think I would prefer it the other way round - I'll be spending more time in the bathroom as opposed to balcony as its below zero and very foggy. The cathedral is obliterated today by fog, but still as vocal - it shouts every quarter of and hour as well as hollering how many hours have passed. Nice touch in the daytime, but not at 4am after an 8 hour journey. Thank god for ear plugs!

The two hour drive on the motorway from Prague was scary at times - 90 mph with very little viasility due to thick patches of fog. But we made it thanks to our superb driver who by chance was the same guy we used last year! One of the hotel staff I'd been emailing since November had waited behind after her shift to greet us with prosecco! What a girl! I don't drink really but gladly necked that! The guy behind the desk remembered me too - he brought me hot milk last time when I couldn't sleep. They ordered a pizza to be delivered as it was after the 9pm curfew imposed by government.

Journey by plane went smoothly. As long as your paperwork is in order you can pass through . Uk Airport asked no questions, just wanted a date stamped covid test within last 3 days, Czech boarder control wanted the same plus passenger locator form and clinic letter. (took me a while to realise why the official was barking "Resident Permit, Visa!" at me. He was happy to let me through after I told him I was there for medical treatment and skimmed my letter.

Had a fitful sleep though. My mind was processing the journey and all the rude passengers who weren't wearing masks, a huge family holding up boarding from lack of priority boarding cards and all wore no masks until that point. Girl behind my partner I only saw wear a mask once for 10 seconds after asked to once by crew, rest of time it was just hooked over her ear. She spent most of the flight taking selfies and glossing up her inflated rubber lips! She had been sitting in a cordened off bit at airport - rules didnt apply to her apparently. She came unstuck though in Prague as she didn't have a passenger locator form and was interrupting the woman checking our paperwork paperwork saying "I didnt get one!" (no because you have to fill it out online) It was a joy to leave her behind scrambling away on her phone for something other than to take vanity shots! Oh and there was a guy in front of us in Manchester wearing a mermaid onesie, overcoat, no luggage, a theatrical red mask with hooked birds noese, and staring at me! He was, not surprisingly refused by RyanAir due to not having had a covid test.

A day of rest today. As usual the trip to nearby supermarket will be the highlight! Hahaha! 6 rooms occupied in a 72 room hotel. Medical / business guests. Are any of you going to be joining me for breakfast I wonder?

P. S More English TV than last time - League of Gentlemen was a welcome distraction last night, and a chance to read Czech subtitles translating the script.

Progesterone injection calls me, as does the bell! Bye for now!

[Sparklylife]

Aw, so well written! It was like I was there with you! And I know you are not travelling for travel reasons as such - so I hope I am not being insensitive, but it got me daydreaming about being able to get out in the world again! So this post made me smile for so many reasons - but very happy for you that you can do that for medical reasons! And it was just lovely to read how nice they were at the hotel for you! 🥰 I am glad you got there and get to start your treatment! Wishing you all the best - and really do hope for every success for you 🤞🥰

[Florencehill in reply to Sparklylife]

Thanks Sparlkylife. Glad to have brought a brief sparkle to your life. X

[Sparklylife in reply to Florencehill]

I do really wish you all the happiness and hope this is a successful transfer for you!

[LizzieBW]

Hi lovely,

As always and reiterating what Sparklylife said, beautiful to read.

I hope being away from home, despite the tremendous stress you've had preparing and getting there!, brings you some light escapism from the daily responsibilities at home. Enjoy not doing the same level of housework - woohoo! and enjoy any walks you & your partner are safely able to take, even in the cold! Sending positive thoughts your way & loads of luck for your FET. My transfer is in a few days time too, fresh 😊

Much love xx

[Florencehill in reply to LizzieBW]

Hello Lizzie. Thanks for the compliments. Yes had a walk this morning to look at old buildings and in shop windows. Change of scenery is very welcome but I can feel my anxiety rising. My sister asked me this morning what happens if my embryo doesn't thaw (thats happened on NHS ti me with non in reserve) and whether they could defrost another in time or I would have to go home empty handed as missed window to transfer....might try and email clinic. Im a bit of a worrier. Blow things out of proportion and get ahead of myself.Shocked to see some non essential shops open here such as florists, Tiger, shoe shop, souvenir / toy shop and book shops. Doesn't add up. Why have a state of emergency and curfew at night (when people are indoors anyway) and let people shop unnecessarily in the day?

Going to do some embroidery this afternoon and zone out. Thanks for your support and wishing you a smooth transfer tomorrow. Take Care xxx

[Shirazlover2013]

What a journey! So glad you arrived safely, especially as it sounds like a long journey. I can’t believe the other passengers on route not wearing masks etc so selfish!! But in contrast what lovely people you are finding at the hotel, makes such a difference to the experience a little bit of kindness 😍. Please keep us posted on your experience, it’s a pleasure to read your posts xx

[Florencehill in reply to Shirazlover2013]

Hi there. Good to hear from you. Ive found that on transport people pick and choose if they want to follow safety rules. Have had same experience on train in UK to my scan pre treatment. I think staff are afraid to confront people especially since there's no proof if they are exempt or not. Feel privileged to be here again and quite emotional to be hours from pressing the start button so to speak on the 2WW. Will keep writing, its cathartic. X

[ToughCOOKIE78]

You got an eye for the detail don’t you? 😃glad you made it safe to Brno, looks like you’re all settled (although with a smaller bathroom- agree, annoying!) and ready to get pregnant 😃😍I can totally relate when you say that the trip to the supermarket will be the ‘highlight’ of the day, it was the same for us in Russia 🙈thank god for Google translate 😂😂😂always hovering the phone on products packaging to find out what they were! Wishing you loads of luck hun 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻Xxx

[Florencehill in reply to ToughCOOKIE78]

Hi ToughCOOKIE78, yes, I get fixated on details sometimes too much! Surprisingly, and worryingly more than supermarkets are open here, but only a handful. Not sure how they can justify opening Tiger (mostly stationary) and florists? Tried to find some Lavender Oil to settle my nerves but chemist's don't sell it. Thanks for the well wishes. X

[ToughCOOKIE78 in reply to Florencehill]

Is Brno in lockdown? Maybe a candle would help? A nice scented one....I find candles very relaxing...and romantic 😃big breaths lovely, you got there which was a huge deal. Keep focussing on your well-being 🙏🏻and relax (I know it’s easier said than done!) we are all rooting for you! Xxx

[Florencehill in reply to ToughCOOKIE78]

That's a really good idea. Will see if the supermarket has any tomorrow. Thanks x

[Baypony]

Good luck 🤞

[Florencehill in reply to Baypony]

Thanks Baypony. Lovely to hear from you. You were one of the first people to message me last time I was here. Hope all is well with you? X

[Hidden]

Awww you are back!! Again beautifully written update. I really enjoy reading your journey (and think i might do this too in the future if we need to go abroad) you are super strong! Looking forward to next read x x x x x x all the best

[Florencehill in reply to Hidden]

Hello You! ☺️ I will write tomorrow. Had embryo transfer today. Had zero sleep last night. Must be the stress. Could not get comfortable either. Nevermind...x

[Hidden in reply to Florencehill]

Rest up lovely xxx