We have a few days to scratch the surface of this amazing city. Below are a few of the places we decide to visit. It’s going to be different from now on. If your partner has dementia you’re going to have to think for the two of you. Search the motorhome forums online. They can give you both the hope and strength to travel so that motorhoming can remain an enjoyable and shared way of life for some time to come. An imposing landmark on the city’s skyline, it’s central Europe’s largest intact fortress and one of the best places for a panoramic view of the city. The fortress dates to 1077 and was built to protect the archbishops from hostile troops. We took the funicular to the top and strolled amongst the courtyards and fortress walls. Also, for those interested in Salzburg’s history don’t miss its many museums; the Marrionette Museum, Museums of the Rainer Regiment and the Princes’ Chambers. None of us know what the future will bring. My dream for a long time has been to travel and so if you are sitting there with a dream too, if you really want it, you can get there too. If you find yourself saying “I’d love to do this or that someday” or “I wish I did this when I was younger”, then think again. Hoping to do something someday doesn’t work. Someday may never come. Start doing small things that will get you nearer to realising your dream today.

Mozart moved to the ‘Dance Master’s House’ with his family, aged 17 where he lived for 7 years, before settling in Vienna. This museum is dedicated to Mozart’s father, himself a famous composer, violin teacher and author of one of the most important Violin textbooks ever written. We learn that Leopold Mozart was a very modern guy, a marketing genius, with progressive ideas who dedicated his life to further his son (and daughter’s) musical careers. The family travelled extensively across Europe, even making it to London. Admission includes an audio guide which is beautifully illustrated with Mozart’s wonderful music. Stories and legends, just like our language and landscape help to define our identities as a nation. And now as we leave Slovenia with its caves, castles, lakes and legends and head North into Austria, I can’t help but feel that there is so much more to explore in this small and beautiful country. I will definitely return to Slovenia and next time I will be donning my walking boots and cycle helmet and heading to the hills and forests to discover more of its stories and legends. And who knows as I walk through the forest, amongst the brown bears, wolves and wild boars I might even stumble across a dragon! But an early diagnosis really does give you the chance to prepare for and delay the symptoms of dementia and allow a period of adjustment for you both. The thing to hold forefront of your mind is this: a diagnosis of dementia does not mean the end of a meaningful and useful life. It is a normal reaction to feel that this is not fair – because it isn’t fair! You may resent that you are having to alter your future plans due to the dementia. But it is what it is. You’ll find yourself saying that a lot as you struggle with acceptance. Before I know it, we are sitting outside our van and it’s our last evening before starting our journey home. I reflect on what a wonderful year this has been. I have been truly privileged to have had this opportunity to travel in our wonderful world. We started our journey in India last November and have voyaged in all directions of the compass. Now I am now looking forward to spending quality time with our family and friends.

And when you’re on the road, don’t be embarrassed to explain – if you need to – that your passenger has dementia. People genuinely understand these days…and if they don’t, move on! From the village a trip on the funicular 360 meters above its rooftops there is a spectacular viewing platform, the ‘Skywalk’ ……… what a view. Alzheimer’s Research– the UK’s leading dementia research charity, dedicated to causes, diagnosis, prevention, treatment and cure. When emotions become aroused – and they will – it’s a good idea to find a way to safely contain them or distract yourself, all the while remembering to breathe! This is where meditation and mindfulness can play an important role in managing your own emotions.

Maybe you or your partner has known for some time that “something” is wrong. But what are the first clues that point toward the possibility of dementia? Of course, a diagnosis could initially result in feelings of fear, disappointment, anger, resignation and depression. Your partner may not want to go out in the motorhome if it compromises their need to feel safe and secure. Vultures constitute a natural animal disposal system, feeding on animal carcasses preventing the spread of deadly bacteria and fungus into the ground and water as unlike other scavengers, the vulture’s metabolism is a true “dead-end” for pathogens. I remember hearing a story about the impact of the vulture decline in India when we were in New Delhi. Many cows are thrown into the rivers as only a very small proportion of cow meat is eaten in India. In the 1980s there were 40 million vultures in India, but now only 100,000 vultures remain, representing the fastest decline of any species in the world. The cause seems to have been due to the use of diclofenac in farming which remained in animal carcasses, causing kidney failure in the Vulture populations. The carcasses formerly eaten by vulture’s now rot in village fields leading to contaminated drinking water and the population of other scavengers, not as efficient as vultures and linked to the spread of rabies, have grown. Studies have shown a direct relationship between the decline of vultures in India and the spread of deadly diseases like rabies. So, as I stand in awe of the Griffon Vultures in the Monfrag ũe National park, I reflect on how there is more to these magnificent birds than meets the eye. As they say, ‘Never judge a book by its cover.’ This architectural complex comprising the Cathedral, Residenz (the centre of the Prince-Archbishops power) and the Benedictine St Peters Abbey, houses 5 separate museums, so give yourself plenty of time to wander through and soak up Salzburg’s Baroque history and culture. The highlight for me was the Cathedral’s Organ Loft, which gives a unique perspective of the Cathedral itself. Our brains are frazzled with facts by the time we leave the museum so a coffee and apple strudel in the impressive Residenceplatz, the historic centre of the city, is well overdue. There is a young musician on a piano in the square, treating us to some Mozart as we watch the horse drawn tourist carriages gracefully trot round the square. Being Austria, very clean and efficient, somebody is left to clear up the whoopsies after the horses have done their business. And so, there are many “Municipal Equine Cleansing Operators” on bicycle also frequenting the square. In Glasgow they would be better known as “the pedalling shit shovellers”.

House Sitting

Indeed, as the condition develops, you may need to limit your travel so that week-long road trips become ‘day drives’ instead. This can be just as rewarding.