The Perfect Holiday?

 Much to do about nothing...

This morning I was talking with a pair of holiday makers who are staying in a cottage in the vineyard. They come every year and book for six weeks at a time. Lovely. Stress free.

Throughout this time I have sporadically caught glimpses of them whilst I was mowing the lawn next door. They were enjoying the garden, sun gazing on appropriate loungers, reading a book or sitting at the table playing a round of cards. Idyllic.

At times I have seen the man take their elderly dog for a sedate turn about the vineyards but apart from that, not much more activity.

Well, today I had a nice chat with them, more than the usual friendly greetings. He told me how relaxed he was. She told me how wonderful the quietness of rural life was. Bliss compared to where they are from and isn't it funny how one takes things for granted until someone mentions the sheer magic of it.

A holiday without the constant running about, driving here and there just to see the various attractions on offer one thinks one ought to have a look at. Just thinking about driving around during a hot summer in order to peruse a castle or two is making me feel hot and bothered already.

With all the offers of cheap holiday packages all over the world being ubiquitous and almost obligatory- nice bit of advertising there - most of us have forgotten what a holiday is supposed to be. A time to unwind. A time to relax. A time to reconnect with our loved ones ( even though we live under the same roof ) and a time where a pair of jeans, a couple of t-shirts and slops suffice. 

Is it any wonder that so many are heading for burnout, heart attack or worse? Hardly anyone takes the time to sit still and de-stress in order to prepare for the next year. No, sadly with the advent of social media, holidays have become extra opportunities ( !! ) for people to show off exotic holidays, showing them off in minute details, such as every meal, every excursion and every shopping trip. That is far from normal, not to mention the permanent good moods displayed in these postings....

Biggi