“Flying with Emirates was out of this world. Their airport made Gatwick look like a garage.”
A 98-year-old resident at Lake View Lodge care home in Halling has been looking back on a memorable family holiday to Dubai as part of Crystal Care Collection’s Postcards from the Past campaign.
Postcards from the Past celebrates the travel memories, adventures and life experiences of care home residents.
Ivy Ayres, known as Jon to family and friends, travelled to Dubai in 2023 with her granddaughter Sarah, Sarah’s husband Rob, their daughters Evie and Maddison, and family friends.
For Jon, the trip was memorable from the moment it began. Jon said,
“Flying with Emirates was out of this world. Their airport made Gatwick look like a garage. The flight itself was an experience.”
An unexpected booking issue turned out to be a blessing in disguise when the family arrived. Jon added,
“Emirates messed up our booking, but because of it we were each given a suite in a luxury hotel with a private pool. We couldn’t believe it. It was just an amazing place to visit, everything felt so grand and impressive.”
Jon also discovered that travelling with a wheelchair came with a few unexpected advantages, saying,
“Being in a wheelchair definitely had its benefits. We were always allowed in first wherever we went, and that meant the whole family came with me. Of course, they were all happy to give me their bags to carry too.”
One incident in the hotel provided plenty of laughs. In her luxury bathroom, Jon noticed a hose positioned next to the toilet and assumed it was intended for washing hair. Jon explained,
“I thought, ‘Oh, that’s handy’, but when I turned it on there was an almighty whoosh. Water went everywhere, all over the mirror, and knocked everything off the shelf.”
Later that evening, Jon mentioned the powerful “shower hose” to her family over dinner.
“My granddaughter’s husband just roared with laughter before explaining what it was actually for.”
The Dubai trip is just one of many adventures Jon has enjoyed with her family over the years. She says her granddaughter Sarah has taken her to destinations including America and Egypt, creating memories they continue to treasure together.
Now 98 years young, Jon says she would happily return to Dubai if given the chance.
You can find out more about Crystal Care Collection’s care homes across England and North Wales at www.crystalcarecollection.co.uk.
