I’ve just come back from a week in Spain

The idea was to get away from it all, take a break, step away from the computer and enjoy some sunshine.  It sounds idyllic doesn’t it, but it’s not a holiday as we know it.

My problem with Spain isn’t the country, it’s beautiful and in season glorious, out of season it has less charm.  Although it has to be said compared to England with freak snow in April it was very warm.  We have been going to Spain for the past 35 years and for the last 31 to our apartment on the coast.  Of course it’s wonderful to have your own place in another country but with it comes the same amount of work as at home.

There’s still the shopping and cleaning to be done, none of that luxury you have in a hotel, jumping out of bed and leaving someone else to make it.  Breakfast is only served if you serve it, and no one is going to pick up the towels from the bathroom floor unless you do, oh and then don’t forget to pop them in the washing machine.

Although I said step away from the computer, that was the PC, of course the laptop came with me as well as the usual pile of technology that goes with it.  With a list of deadlines the idea was to have some peace and quiet to write while I was away, I wish I could say that I completed half of my list, the days went just as quickly as they do at home.

This trip made me realise how few times I’ve actually got away from it all.  I’ve only ever left the country twice by myself which is quite shocking for someone of almost 56.  One holiday in Florida where for once I wasn’t Stewart’s wife or Charlotte and Chris’ mother and last year on a wonderful press trip to Alderney where I only had myself to consider.

Was it the time that was different or was it me.  In the 70s I couldn’t afford to take holidays by myself and in the 80s I was too intent on working before getting married and having children.  I missed out on those care free days of being single, of gap years and travelling alone.  Maybe I’ll take a gap year as a very mature student.

On the journey back I read about a woman who took a house in the Outer Hebrides for two years so she could get away from it all and write her first book.  She went for days without seeing anyone, with only her thoughts for company; she said it was the most enlightening experience. 

How do you get away from it all when technology means you are always in touch, my father would find it unthinkable not to know exactly what I am doing every day and that’s at my age.  Social media gives you a glimpse into everyone’s life at any moment of the day and satellite navigation means you can never lose yourself. 

Does it really mean we have to go to the Outer Hebrides to get away from it all?

Have you ever managed to get away from it all, I would love to know how you did it!