Mandyworld

The Other Brits Abroad.

So we've been back a week and yes, it already seems like a distant memory. We had a great time though, except for the weather not being all that good. Apparently Cyprus was unbelievably scorching in April then the week before we arrived they had really bad thunder storms. We just caught the tail end of this with a few overcast days and the odd shower. It made me worry more about climate change though (I kept an eye on the shore in case the water got sucked out!!).
The Munchkin was really good. I bought a book with jigsaws in the pages which went down really well and kept her busy on the plane. (Of course I nearly went demented doing the same jigsaws over and over again for 4 hours but heyho!) She also loved the creche and I have to say I was totally impressed with Powder Byrne. The staff and facilities were excellent and we will definately be using them again.
Weird thing. There was a guy at the hotel who looked remarkably like someone I went to school with, Simon Hall. We were quite good friends at one point I seem to remember but I wouldn't have seen him for about 15 years. I kept looking at him trying to figure out if it was him, he probably thought I was nuts and I dread to think what his wife thought, but I just couldn't decide. I thought his voice sounded too different. (I was listening too!) The thing is why didn't I just go and ask him? It's strange but at a hotel like that (mainly British couples and young families) no one really talks to each other. We did talk to one couple on the beach, only after I offered them a dry nappy for their baby, but apart from that it was just the staff at the hotel. I'm just as bad as anyone else by the way. J is much better he'll talk to anyone but I don't know, when everyone is in couples in a romantic setting you feel like your intruding or interrupting or something. We decided its a British thing. Americans for instance seem much more open. We've met some lovely people when we've been on holiday in the Caribbean. I don't know why but the British seem stiff abroad, its a bit like being on the tube, everyone together, separately.  So my resolution is to be more friendly, and in this way at least a little less British!
Meanwhile I never did find out if it was him or not and now I am destined to spend the rest of my life wondering. Oh well!

Farewell

We're off on holiday. You will find me here. My apologies to anyone flying on the same plane as me, you're probably going to get my cold (it still hasn't gone!).  I see it as payback for all the times I have been infected on flights. I also feel it is my duty to give your immune system a work out. You'll be stronger for it in the long run.
I intend to lie in the sun, drink cocktails at the swim up bar and visit the spa. The munchkin is booked into the childrens club which I'm hoping will be a success. We also have a babysitter booked for the evenings, needless to say we will not be leaving her unattended at any time.

Ardnamurchan

We got back from Scotland late last night. It's a really long drive, but well worth it. We had a great time, I just wish we'd had a few more days. As it happened I wasn't well prepared at all and spent the whole journey up remembering stuff I'd forgotten to pack, despite the car being stuffed full. We managed anyway!
We went to a house that belongs to a friend of ours. It is in the most gorgeous setting, completely remote and wildly beautiful as so much of Scotland is. The house was built in the sixties (I think they must have shipped everything in by boat) and it is a bit like stepping back in time. There are even loads of old books there. I found a biography of Pat Smythe who was the first British female Olympic showjumper back in the 50's. It was a fascinating read. The sport has changed so much since and become so technical. Back then the British were unbeatable. At the last Olympics we didn't even qualify a team! Anyway I digress..
Emma was really good and I was so proud of her. Actually both the children were. They played really nicely and I think became quite fond of each other. We went to the beach and collected shells and built sandcastles, sometimes in the rain but it didn't matter. In the evenings we sat around a lovely open fire and drank and ate ourselves silly. Perfect!
We also had a close encounter with the local wildlife who came to rummage through our bins. I have to admit that at first we didn't know what they were. They have cat bodies, with badger feet and weasel faces! It was Cath who identified them as pine martens and I wasn't sure but after checking on the net today she was absolutely right. Apparently they're quite rare, but this little chap wasn't very shy!

Anyway a great time was had by all, it was just the break that James and I needed. Thanks guys!

BYe Bye

We're off to Scotland today! Yipee, it feels like we haven't had a holiday in ages. I'm packing wellies, waterproofs, suntan lotion, hats, insect repellent, warm clothes, cool clothes...I feel I'm prepared for any eventuality. We'll see, byeee!