This lesson is one that we needed to remember rather than learn. Our beach holiday tradition started many years ago with a trip to Jamaica that set the bar for all other beach trips. To some extent,we have tried to create the same experience every time. Sometimes we are successful; sometimes we are not. But this trip has really highlighted the shortcomings in this approach and reminded us to just enjoy each experience for its own merits.
Let’s make one thing clear: this trip has been wonderful. It was not exactly what we were expecting but it was most enjoyable nonetheless. There were unexpected things – some pleasant surprises, others not – but nothing terrible. (Although Frank might have disagreed when the water stopped flowing while he was in the shower earlier this evening!) The resort is very nice and will be even better when the season starts and everything is open. We wanted an all inclusive on the beach and that is what we got. We didn’t appreciate that the included bits would be somewhat lacking. The local spirits are bogging! The beer is fine and the rosé is drinkable. The food is also fine but there has been no interest in catering to special diets. Wait – what’s not strictly true. There is a section of the buffet that has poached chicken, boiled potatoes, and steamed carrots. Not exactly gourmet but technically gluten free.
The beach is also fine – sand and pebble as advertised. The fact that we didn’t pack quite the right footwear to really be able to enjoy it fully is really on us. But we got to swim in the clear turquoise water of the Mediterranean. We have had a week of nonstop sunshine. We had plenty to eat and more than enough to drink. We got to sail on a very cheesy pirate ship and watch small children revel in loads of suds. We ventured inland to a canyon with a wealth of waterfalls and enjoyed the natural beauty of the place. We slept well in a bed that feels bigger than our first apartment. We watched people and made up stories about their lives. And we generally just relaxed which is really what this week is all about.
So today’s lesson children is really about counting your blessings. We are lucky enough to be able to have these experiences when there are so many others who cannot. I mean really – everyone should spend time on the beach with an international biker gang (club?) How else would you know you’ve actually lived?
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