Earlier this evening, our daughter Frances "facetimed" us from Changi Airport in Singapore. They had a four hour layover to endure. And there was Phoebe, bouncing on a trampoline in the children's play area. "Look at me Grandpa!" as Margot staggered around looking very pleased with herself.
Where there is good WiFi, family and friends can communicate with each other from anywhere in the world. Not just exchanging words but seeing each other on little phone-camera screens too. It is almost beyond belief.
The first time I encountered "Facetime" it was twelve years ago in the back of a taxi in Bangkok. My friend and teaching colleague Jennifer was talking to her mother back in England. It seemed quite surreal.
So yes. There the girls were in Singapore. They should be back in Sheffield early on Monday afternoon. I hope that their father drives them all safely home. It's one thing picking up your car after a three hour flight from Portugal but after almost a full day of travelling from Perth, Western Australia - well that is a different kettle of fish entirely. It would be so easy for any driver to succumb to tiredness.
My fingers are already crossed for their safe return.
I am sure they are all safely home by now and reacquainting themselves with favourite things and they will visit and tell you all about their trip and maybe show you photos too.
ReplyDeleteI hope they get back safely. Technology has been developing very rapidly in our lifetime.
ReplyDeleteDid the family facetime with you during their weeks away, too? My sister and I usually facetime with our Mum on the first day after our arrival in Ripon, and take her on a tour of the cottage so that she can see our home away from home.
ReplyDeleteI suppose facetime will be everywhere in the future. Be it talking through a camera on your phone or computer monitor, television or even to use a bank account. It's the future and it's not garlic bread!
ReplyDeleteFace time is brilliant, we use it all the time, often to our grandchildren who live just 20 minutes drive away.
ReplyDeleteShame they couldn't have arranged an overnight stay at Heathrow to rest before driving all that way home. The jetlag from Oz is fearsome.
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of smartphones makes the world a smaller place. I can well understand your concern for your family's return from Heathrow. I worry about Kay in the same way, especially when she is driving home from a night shift at work . I hate motorways with a passion and always want to know when she arrives somewhere safely.
ReplyDeleteWIshing everyone safely home. We started using Google video chat back in 2008, it was a lifeline during the 30 weeks a year that our jobs had us 500 miles apart.
ReplyDeleteI am sure they will all arrive safely home, jetlagged and tired with wonderful tales to tell. Always worry when my family take to the roads or sky and breath a sigh of relief once they arrive safely.
ReplyDeleteIf I had children and grandchildren, I'd no doubt use video calls more. I've been using Skype with my brother at Christmas, but I see now that they're closing that app, so I guess we'll have to figure out how to switch to another one...
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet reunion you will have. Or have had already.
ReplyDeleteI remember the "olden days" when we would have to write letters or postcards if we were far away and it would take quite a while for those to get to our family or friends. I'm sure they are home safe and sound (and tired)!
ReplyDeleteIt is miraculous how well we can communicate these days. It's sometimes hard to remember how difficult it used to be, sending postcards and writing letters and making very expensive long-distance landline calls.
ReplyDeleteIt’s a lazy world
DeleteI remember having to book overseas calls!
ReplyDeleteFaceTime amazes me! I FaceTimed with my son in the Netherlands a couple of weeks ago and I got to see his new apartment. I hope this comment finds your son and his family home safely. Being jet lagged and driving is not something I would want to do!
ReplyDeletefacetime is like the future that was described to us on Tomorrow's World or something..... bizarre when fiction becomes fact.... and you can hold it in your hand..... it's not long since a computer less powwerful than your phone would have filled a very large room.... and i should know.... i've operated one of them!!
ReplyDelete