Tuesday 7 April 2009

Travel and relaxation? In the same sentence?

Holiday (noun) : a time, often one or two weeks, when someone does not go to work or school but is free to do what they want, such as travel or relax

The word 'holiday' (or vacation to some of you) doesn't mean the same as it did pre children.

I can remember a time when a holiday involved a sunbed and a book ... not sharing a sunbed with a soggy child whilst trying to get sand out of a swim nappy and shouting across a crowded beach to the husband that child number two needs a poo.

Pre children we packed a bag, got in the car and drove to France. We didn't book anything, we took a chance. Husband and I spent a leisurely week taking in the sights. We slept in a different hotel in a different town every night ... apart from one night when we slept in the car (not through choice). We ate great food, drank excellent wine and it was an adventure.

We went to Barcelona, ate tapas, drank too much, laughed even more and mooched. Perfect.

We went to the Edinburgh Fringe. Took in some street theatre, some comedy shows, more drinking, mooching and some afternoon naps back at the B&B. Aaaah, bliss.

Since having the children we have had a variety of holidays ... all lovely but not much relaxing involved. Just because you are sleeping in a different bed at night and smothering yourself in suncream by day does not mean that your children will suddenly need less attention.

If I'm not dreaming that the children are drowning in the swimming pool (is it just me?) then I'm listening to them whine because they are too hot or watching them flick sand in each others eyes.

And, how many times can a headstrong toddler take off their sun hat in the blazing sunshine?

Then there's the travel. Fly, drive, sail ... take your pick. It's almost guaranteed to give you palpitations at regular intervals.

Don't get me wrong, there have been some marvellous moments during our holidays, but the stress levels needed to get to that point are, well, high.

I'm sure as they get older it will become easier. For one, when they can both swim I can stop having the drowning in the pool dream, right?

Anyway, I have been given an opportunity. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity for a few reasons;

1. I'm going away without the kids

2. I'm going away without the husband

3. I'm going somewhere that husband would, in his own words, rather gargle with razor blades than visit

All in the name of research

I can't wait, in a matter of weeks I shall be ...

... I can't say anymore for fear of jinxing my freedom.

In time my pretties, in time.

15 comments:

Stephanie said...

Your pre children vacations sound like the vacation of my dreams! (if you are sensing a little jealousy from this very cold Canadian you would be right) Sigh
It does get easier! Sunscreen is applied faster thanks to spray cans of the stuff, they can be reasoned with to leave their hats on and I can now sit on the beach with a corona in my hand and watch my babes jump in the surf --only up to their knees!--but I can watch. Bliss

Mrs. C. said...

I'm with you there, Hon. Having a vacation with children guaran-damn-tees that you will require a vaction WITHOUT children after arriving home...

Can't wait to hear where you are going!

DKC said...

Wonderful for you! Those moments of freedom are sweet indeed.

On Friday I embark with the 5.5yr old and 2.5yr old. In an airplane. By myself. I hope my parents bring a flask when they pick us up at the airport. I'm sure I'll need it!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness, I can almost taste the excitement! Take me with you.... TAKE ME WITH YOU!!!

Mum Gone Mad said...

Away, without them? Grab it and run! Hopefully they will all suddenly realise that they can't cope without you and then you get an added bonus of appreciation :)

Anonymous said...

Report back!

Can't wait for the details.

GG

Catharine Withenay said...

Enjoy your time of freedom ... I mean, research. I bet you'll miss them all!

Maternal Tales said...

I almost cried with nostalgia at your pre-children holidays. Oh for a bit of spontaneity...

No chance. Agree that holidays with children are not exactly 'holidays' - especially if you try to read a book on a sunlounger. Trick is not even to try. It's just too upsetting when you can't get past the first page!

Am mad with jealousy that you're going away without the children. Hope you have a fantastic time. I went to a friend's wedding for 5 days without the children once and I knew that it would have to last me at least 3 years...

family affairs said...

I MIGHT know where you're going...love your blog, will be back to catch up - I don't think those are "back boobs" I think they are wings!! Lx

moonmamma said...

you have a fabulous blog award!

http://lifeandtimesofmrsb.blogspot.com/

b said...

Loving the post. I managed to fly home on my own yesterday and it felt so strange walking around the airport, with no child whinging to go in the shops, for food etc and not worrying where they are every two mins, I also managed to kip on the plane for a little while...bliss, so enjoy your freedom even though you will miss them lots

AGuidingLife said...

oh yes - I am in there with you. It does get easier and the fun grows but beware there is a sense of loss when the demand dies down and they really don't need you so much anymore. So in amongst the manic-ness and desire to have a few days of freedom look at what you have and savour it for a second, then go off and regain your sanity and sense of self - ALONE - enjoy it :0)
(I really enjoy your blog - thank you)

Working Mum said...

Sounds like bliss! Even if it is in the name of research. I agree entirely with your observations of holidays with children - I remember The Maldives ... ah, those were the days!

Dorset Dispatches said...

We have a long weekend booked in New York in May without children - a close school friends wedding. 5 days. No kids. Lots of friends, parties, shopping (even my shopphobic husband has agreed that NYC would be the best place to get a whole bunch of stuff that he needs). I thought I couldn't get any more excited. But I think you might be topping that extremely high level. Oh have a wonderful time. Report back soon!

Erica said...

'I know where you're go-ing' (add childish playground chant) :)