I feel like a child the night before Christmas, I keep making myself feel sick I am getting so excited and I can’t stop looking at various photos and reviews. My holiday for my 30th birthday is booked!
To be honest until I get all the paperwork in the post I don’t think I’m going to fully believe it, after all the drama with the travel company we used and suspicions over their situation and the service received from our contact. Although I’ve got to give it to the guy he’s found us some lovely places to stay.
I decided quite a while back I wanted to do something different to celebrate my 30th and not follow the crowd with a party. Once you get to this age there seem to be so many issues within your various friendship groups that quite frankly I couldn’t be bothered with all the dramas and I can go out and get drunk and dance any time. No, I wanted to have memories to treasure (and perhaps also to distract me from the fact of how old I am getting!)
After talking for months about going away and wanting to ride an elephant for my 30th I am relieved it is now arranged and I can look forward and count down to it! 7 weeks and 1 day in case you wondered…
So what do I have planned? Well, after getting my east and west muddled up (don’t ask!) I realised the east side of the islands was going to be the best place to go as August is in monsoon season in Thailand. I also knew I wanted a mixture of a bit of a culture and some good old fashioned relaxation.
The result? A few nights in buzzing Bangkok where we are booked into a pretty smart hotel close to transport links and not far from places we want to visit. We plan to visit a floating market, some temples, traditional Thai buildings/museums , ride on the old canals and have a trip in a Tuk Tuk. And if my boyfriend has anything to do with it we’ll also check out a ‘ping pong’ show and some Thai boxing. Next up is a luxurious stay in a spa resort at the end of Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui for relaxing, maybe some treatments (although I feel local Thai massage people on the beach etc will be better value!) and a chance to go on an elephant ride. Finally we arrive at Salad Beach, for a cosy but slightly less pampered stay where we will just unwind, relax, sunbathe and eat dinners on the beach – and where I will actually turn 30.
I. Can’t. Wait
I’ll be going to somewhere I’ve never been –it’s going to be completely different and I’m going to be spending it with my boyfriend so if at times things might panic me I know he’ll look after me!
Of course – as per with me – I am now starting a slight panic – primarily at present regarding my weight. I have 7 weeks effectively to somehow transform into a body worthy of the beach and summer clothes. This is going to be hard work! And of course I don’t want to miss out on Summer (whenever it decides to arrive in the UK!) and be a bore and not eat or drink for the whole of July and the rest of June. I have three family birthdays during that time too.
I’m also conscious of being away from my family for my birthday, as a small family we make a big fuss of birthdays and tend to spend them together, so I feel almost mean going away for my 30th like this. However, rest assured I will make sure I celebrate with them and in turn with my friends when I return. Plus 2 days after we get back me and my boyfriend will have been together 7 years so we need to celebrate that somehow too!
For now I’ll continue to daydream of white sand, beautiful waters, hot sun, gorgeous food and lots more. Well, until I get home and then start my manic list-writing of all the things to sort – ferries, vaccinations, travel insurance, currency, packing, transport to and from the airport, getting into shape. Hm maybe I better get writing that list now…
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label holiday. Show all posts
Friday, 15 June 2012
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Moroccan memories
The aroma of spices wafts across the room
A tagine bubbling in the corner, to be feasted on soon
Dark mysterious eyes behind a clothed body and covered face
A pointy hooded cloak and leather slippered feet, wandering at a leisurely pace
Skin dark like cocoa from the bright beating sun
Soft to the touch, thanks to Argan oil, so many products made from just one
Cinammon, sugar, saffron and meat
Rich dips, doughy bread, so many biscuits and pastries, all delicious to eat
People so friendly, always wanting to be helpful
Keen to make friends, and of your life learn it all
Making friends and haggling in the souk
So many sights and sounds you could fill a book
Everyone wants you to "come talk to me"
Sit down and chat, over a hot glass of mint tea
Trays packed full of all types of fish
In the local market, pick a stall and just sit down to enjoy a dish
Soft supple slippers, carpets, jewellery and scarves
Endless rows of gifts, they don't do markets by halves
Early each morning locals come to run on the beach
Arabic couples taking walks on the promenade as boats bob on the sea
Men full of compliments for the female tourists, "so beautiful"
Offerings of camels add to the magic of it all
A host of animals, birds and fountains in bird valley
You'll soon find your way, to help guide you the locals are more than happy
Being made to feel like one of the family in souks in the Berber community
'God country king#', the nearby hill tells of the history
Although we've had some rain, I've loved my time here
The friendly, scenic, mysterious but magical Moroccan area of Agadir
Written whilst in holiday in Agadir, November 2011
A tagine bubbling in the corner, to be feasted on soon
Dark mysterious eyes behind a clothed body and covered face
A pointy hooded cloak and leather slippered feet, wandering at a leisurely pace
Skin dark like cocoa from the bright beating sun
Soft to the touch, thanks to Argan oil, so many products made from just one
Cinammon, sugar, saffron and meat
Rich dips, doughy bread, so many biscuits and pastries, all delicious to eat
People so friendly, always wanting to be helpful
Keen to make friends, and of your life learn it all
Making friends and haggling in the souk
So many sights and sounds you could fill a book
Everyone wants you to "come talk to me"
Sit down and chat, over a hot glass of mint tea
Trays packed full of all types of fish
In the local market, pick a stall and just sit down to enjoy a dish
Soft supple slippers, carpets, jewellery and scarves
Endless rows of gifts, they don't do markets by halves
Early each morning locals come to run on the beach
Arabic couples taking walks on the promenade as boats bob on the sea
Men full of compliments for the female tourists, "so beautiful"
Offerings of camels add to the magic of it all
A host of animals, birds and fountains in bird valley
You'll soon find your way, to help guide you the locals are more than happy
Being made to feel like one of the family in souks in the Berber community
'God country king#', the nearby hill tells of the history
Although we've had some rain, I've loved my time here
The friendly, scenic, mysterious but magical Moroccan area of Agadir
Written whilst in holiday in Agadir, November 2011
Sunday, 13 November 2011
Mystery of Morocco
So as of the early hours of Monday morning, I will be off on a plane on my holidays! A much-needed week of sun, sand, nice food and a bit of booze.
I’ve decided I am going to see the local sights, walk along the never-ending beach, read some books and listen to music. As well as this I am going to leave my phone at home, so no social media, texting or calling for me. This is my way of trying to relax, however there is a downfall…
I love writing my blog and I have realised I won’t be blogging for a whole week. Granted, the 5* hotel I am going to probably has WiFi, but that kind of defeats the object of my relaxing without being surrounded by technology approach to things. So, I decided - as I explained to my boyfriend earlier when he teased me about this matter – I am going to take a notebook with me and use the old fashioned approach. I will write about my travels with a traditional pen and paper and then type them up and upload them when I get home.
I’m hoping that when I come back I will be able to share my experiences with you and perhaps I might get inspired to write a bit of poetry or a short story whilst I’m there too. You’ll have to wait and see.
So for this week while I’m off just try to imagine a big-mouthed Essex girl, who hasn’t had time to exercise and diet properly before donning a bikini and summerwear, trying to relax whilst sharing a hotel room with her parents and trying to last a week with said parents without arguments. Throw in the chance of the weather potentially not going as planned, the Moroccan waiters might lead to some ‘interesting’ experiences (as in their approach to women before you get any naughty thoughts, I AM attached remember!) and mine and Mum’s cases likely to be too over-filled and overweight at check-in and I’m sure that’ll keep you entertained for a fair few hours…
I’ve decided I am going to see the local sights, walk along the never-ending beach, read some books and listen to music. As well as this I am going to leave my phone at home, so no social media, texting or calling for me. This is my way of trying to relax, however there is a downfall…
I love writing my blog and I have realised I won’t be blogging for a whole week. Granted, the 5* hotel I am going to probably has WiFi, but that kind of defeats the object of my relaxing without being surrounded by technology approach to things. So, I decided - as I explained to my boyfriend earlier when he teased me about this matter – I am going to take a notebook with me and use the old fashioned approach. I will write about my travels with a traditional pen and paper and then type them up and upload them when I get home.
I’m hoping that when I come back I will be able to share my experiences with you and perhaps I might get inspired to write a bit of poetry or a short story whilst I’m there too. You’ll have to wait and see.
So for this week while I’m off just try to imagine a big-mouthed Essex girl, who hasn’t had time to exercise and diet properly before donning a bikini and summerwear, trying to relax whilst sharing a hotel room with her parents and trying to last a week with said parents without arguments. Throw in the chance of the weather potentially not going as planned, the Moroccan waiters might lead to some ‘interesting’ experiences (as in their approach to women before you get any naughty thoughts, I AM attached remember!) and mine and Mum’s cases likely to be too over-filled and overweight at check-in and I’m sure that’ll keep you entertained for a fair few hours…
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
Dr Foster went to Gloucester...
No I’m not about to write my own nursery rhyme, I realised I still hadn’t got around to revealing all about our super mini break! A short poem seemed fitting (and also quicker to give you a brief rundown if I'm honest!)
Excited faces, all ready for a break
Laughing at how much the girls just had to take
A two hour journey turning into five
Getting bored and hot on the ride
Arrive at the hotel ready to relax and de-stress
On check-in we had some complaints and I got stroppy I confess
A quick freshen up and we’re ready for dinner
Fruit and games machines for the boys, Pinot for the girls – we’re on to a winner!
Shame someone forgot to teach the waitress how to smile
Though it didn’t stop us eating, drinking and staying a long while
After a few too many it was off to bed
Plans and ideas for tomorrow running through our head
The fan helping keep us cool in a very hot room
We’ll be back on the road to do sightseeing again very soon
A big cooked breakfast, cereal, crumpets and coffee
Then off for a drive through beautiful scenery
Rejuvenated after a dip in Bath’s spas
Looking round the authentic Roman historical sites for hours
A late lunch chewing on paninis in the sun
Then a bit of shopping to add to the fun
Dining in a super friendly gorgeous country pub
Girls makeup free from the day, but not worried when sampling the traditional and yummy grub
The boys getting us lost by not using the sat nav system
Us girls just getting accused of nagging them
The next day brings an earlier start and this time brekkie at Starbucks
Driving super fast through country roads, making me cross my fingers for luck!
Cheddar Gorge is the next stop, what a beautiful valley
Surprised at how all these places are such good value for money
An open-top tour bus, cave visits, a museum and lots of photos
A gorgeous cream tea, buying cider, cheese and fudge, we don’t want to go
The crystal cave character making me jump
Being made to ‘climb’ up some cliffs gave me the hump
An evening dining out in the local area
Although dubious at first we soon found a good place where we felt a bit safer
Perhaps a little too much indulging in the food and booze
Non-stop giggling in the car then hit the pillow and ready to snooze
The last day arrives, it makes us so sad
Thinking back on all the laughter and great times we’ve had
We pop by Bourton-on-the-water on our route home
An idyllic village, we solved the maze all on our own
A final pub meal, sitting by the water
Not wanting to leave, the weather just kept getting better
We say our goodbyes in the local car park
And then make our way home, hoping to arrive before dark
A superb weekend, one we all want to repeat as soon as we can
With two of my best friends and my wonderful man
Excited faces, all ready for a break
Laughing at how much the girls just had to take
A two hour journey turning into five
Getting bored and hot on the ride
Arrive at the hotel ready to relax and de-stress
On check-in we had some complaints and I got stroppy I confess
A quick freshen up and we’re ready for dinner
Fruit and games machines for the boys, Pinot for the girls – we’re on to a winner!
Shame someone forgot to teach the waitress how to smile
Though it didn’t stop us eating, drinking and staying a long while
After a few too many it was off to bed
Plans and ideas for tomorrow running through our head
The fan helping keep us cool in a very hot room
We’ll be back on the road to do sightseeing again very soon
A big cooked breakfast, cereal, crumpets and coffee
Then off for a drive through beautiful scenery
Rejuvenated after a dip in Bath’s spas
Looking round the authentic Roman historical sites for hours
A late lunch chewing on paninis in the sun
Then a bit of shopping to add to the fun
Dining in a super friendly gorgeous country pub
Girls makeup free from the day, but not worried when sampling the traditional and yummy grub
The boys getting us lost by not using the sat nav system
Us girls just getting accused of nagging them
The next day brings an earlier start and this time brekkie at Starbucks
Driving super fast through country roads, making me cross my fingers for luck!
Cheddar Gorge is the next stop, what a beautiful valley
Surprised at how all these places are such good value for money
An open-top tour bus, cave visits, a museum and lots of photos
A gorgeous cream tea, buying cider, cheese and fudge, we don’t want to go
The crystal cave character making me jump
Being made to ‘climb’ up some cliffs gave me the hump
An evening dining out in the local area
Although dubious at first we soon found a good place where we felt a bit safer
Perhaps a little too much indulging in the food and booze
Non-stop giggling in the car then hit the pillow and ready to snooze
The last day arrives, it makes us so sad
Thinking back on all the laughter and great times we’ve had
We pop by Bourton-on-the-water on our route home
An idyllic village, we solved the maze all on our own
A final pub meal, sitting by the water
Not wanting to leave, the weather just kept getting better
We say our goodbyes in the local car park
And then make our way home, hoping to arrive before dark
A superb weekend, one we all want to repeat as soon as we can
With two of my best friends and my wonderful man
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