I'm really looking forward to our camping holiday (tomorrow!), but more than that, I'm looking forward to being able to nip off for a weekend here and there when dh is away - just me, the kids and some midge repellent - fab!!
Quote: Originally posted by jual on 04/7/2008
We got quite a few comments when both our children were away for 3 nights and we gleefully got out the tent and took ourselves off to an adult campsite in the Cotswolds. They assumed I'd get my husband to book a 'nice hotel' and couldn't understand why not. They had a hope! We got so chilled out and relaxed that raising ourselves off the camp chairs was a feat in itself!
my idea of heaven as well
------------- Annie :)
Its better to regret things you've done than things you have never tried
Have just converted OH to the idea of camping and have had two weekends away so far - what can I say, we were all relaxed comfortable and loved it, even the second time when it rained all weekend, though having EHU and fan heater made up for that. Compare this to our holiday in May, becuase we live in the back of beyond, we started off with a through the night drive to the airport for a 3am check in, cramped flight, and horendous journey at the other end. We then had a week of maily rain followed by another horendous journey home with the added advantage of having had a card cloned whilst away. Total travelling time their and back 28 hours - to Majorca! Total time spent loving camping - two weekends! Cannot wait till next time, and got to work on the idea of going away for longer than a weekend!!!!
They think we're mad anyway so we play up to it all the more.
Last week at sports day when all the others were trying to out do each other with the size of the villa, private pool, or the little handyman called Pepe who would be at their beck and call... we dropped the bomb that, yes, we were camping again ( their stress on the again, not mine) and that while we'd booked the eurotunnel and the dog into kennels, beyond that we've got the tent stuff, a big book of campsites, a map of Europe and a picnic! You'd have thought I'd dropped my pants in front of the five year olds doing the egg and spoon ..or laid the egg myself!
It's about freedom for us. The freedom to just pick up and go where we fancy when we fancy and not two weeks feeling miserable because the villa turns out to be next door to a sewage farm or the hotel only serves breakfast between 6 and 7.30 which is about an hour after the very loud disco has closed.....and then being stuck there for two weeks fuming because you've paid a fortune and the reps won't move you..
The kids love the idea that we really are going on an adventure ... we have some very happy and funny memories that sustain us on long car journeys and many times their friends have said they wished that their mums and dads were as "exciting" "cool" and "fun" as us..
It would be churlish of me to report this back to the villa/pool Pepe brigade
Val, I've tried to read all this thread which I've just spotted I think I've got the drift!
I think your "friends" slumming it comments would have met with derisive laughter.
In a previous job I travelled all over Europe. In this one I've spent time away the odd week and several overnighters. The minimum level for us is 3* (similar to other posters).
I've also towed a van all over the UK, Spain, Portugal and France.
I know which I prefer to be doing and I know where I get the best nights sleep and feel the most relaxed....and spend less dosh
They think we're mad anyway so we play up to it all the more.
Last week at sports day when all the others were trying to out do each other with the size of the villa, private pool, or the little handyman called Pepe who would be at their beck and call... we dropped the bomb that, yes, we were camping again ( their stress on the again, not mine) and that while we'd booked the eurotunnel and the dog into kennels, beyond that we've got the tent stuff, a big book of campsites, a map of Europe and a picnic! You'd have thought I'd dropped my pants in front of the five year olds doing the egg and spoon ..or laid the egg myself!
It's about freedom for us. The freedom to just pick up and go where we fancy when we fancy and not two weeks feeling miserable because the villa turns out to be next door to a sewage farm or the hotel only serves breakfast between 6 and 7.30 which is about an hour after the very loud disco has closed.....and then being stuck there for two weeks fuming because you've paid a fortune and the reps won't move you..
The kids love the idea that we really are going on an adventure ... we have some very happy and funny memories that sustain us on long car journeys and many times their friends have said they wished that their mums and dads were as "exciting" "cool" and "fun" as us..
It would be churlish of me to report this back to the villa/pool Pepe brigade
IMG]forum_images/smiley36.gif[/IMG]
great post,
I am quite envious, I dream of doing that. just need to convice OH that camping is really his "thing"
------------- Annie :)
Its better to regret things you've done than things you have never tried
Lots of posts, so only read a few of them, but me and OH have already done the package holiday scene and for us, it was the regiment of getting up for breakfast and then getting back in time for dinner if we went half board, Don't even get me into the hassle of trying to get out of your hotel room (or appartment as we tried SC too) in time for the cleaner to come and clean....
We've also got terribly bored on holidays....we're not sunbathers and often, you have to hire a car or a deathtrap moped (yes we've done that too without helmets...don't tell me mom!!) and you don't want to cart yourself in a car every day...OH has to drive a long way to work every day, so the last thing we want to do on hols is get back in the car again!
So...relaxing camping, my time, my rules, we eat when we want to, sleep when we want to...generally lots of walks to great villages etc right on your doorstep...blessed with a bit of good weather, it can't be beaten....in fact I have slept better camping than I have in any strange bed on hols. And been the most chilled ever!
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Yes, that conversation again...
Cannot wait till next time, and got to work on the idea of going away for longer than a weekend!!!!
