We're taking the baby off on its first holiday tonight. I mention this because it will alert you to the fact that there won't be any posts for a few days and that it doesn't mean anything bad has happened but also, and more importantly, because it brings into sharp relief some of the changes that are going to happen to our lives.
Our last holiday, in January, was to Cuba and we went snorkelling and sailing and scuba diving during the days and sat around having a few rum-based bevies in the evenings. This holiday is to Cornwall, in the South Western most corner of the UK, famed for their worshiping of electricity. We're going to visit the bio-domes of the Eden Project and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. If we get really racey, we might go for a swim on the beach. Don't get me wrong, the Eden Project is a fascinating (and important) scientific endeavour and I'm looking forward to going. But it's not exactly \m/ RAWK \m/ is it? It's not even 'rock' spelt correctly, minus devil horns and in lower case.
Obviously, one of the factors in this jaunt is that we've already had a wonderful Caribbean holiday this year and we're not in the habit of taking loads of the things anyway! Also, with the best will in the world, K___'s in no condition to do 'action' holiday. Or indeed 'booze' holiday, and believe me, she's finding never being able to have a drink, not even one, is quite frustrating at times. I think it's that whole thing of not being able to go, 'Hey, let's get a couple of bottles of wine and kick back for the evening.' Of course, I haven't been drinking much either because it's a bit tragic drinking alone. I'll probably keel over next time I have two pints in a row!
We'll get to find this out the weekend after, when a whole bunch of our friends descend on the sleepy middle-England market town for L___'s BBQ weekend (basically a Bacchanalian celebration of hedonism that would put one of Marilyn Manson's orgies to shame**). In the past, we've always been happy to sleep on an airbed in the conservatory. This year we've had to request a bedroom because K___ may well slip into a baby-induced coma at about 9.30.
And what about the years to come? Foreign holidays? Not very likely for a few years. They'll be too expensive and most likely, too much hassle. L___'s BBQ weekend..? Well, hopefully the host and hostess would be happy for junior to come along, but they might not be. Even if they are, we won't be staying the night any more. More likely is that we'd stay for a few hours then have to come home. It's going to be safe and sedate for us for a bit. Holidays in England. Maybe get a bit risque and try Wales or Scotland...
If I sound resentful at all, I'm truly not. It's just this continuing revelation of things which were easy before but which won't be in future. Perhaps I'm particularly dumb. Maybe all the other parents-to-be get all of this off the bat. For me, it's a constant transition from 'vague notion about x that has no real weight or cost' to 'reality which really bloody does actually'.
* I get so many bonus points for getting a non-tenuous Marillion reference in the post title its untrue. Worship me.
** Obviously you've guessed it's actually quite civilised really and nothing like a 'Bacchanalian celebration of hedonism'. At least two of those present don't even drink, and this year a few of the others are going to drive back to their own places. How very \m/ RAWK \m/...
Can I just say that my holidays in Ireland and Northumberland are among the best I've ever had? Utterly beautiful countryside, fantastically fun times and lovely people everywhere. I would say France and Spain are doable, too, even with a tiny one.
ReplyDeleteIt's the inevitable demands for Disneyland later on I'd be scared of...
Have a lovely break and see you next week.