Holidays

I have just returned from a holiday as the photograph might have indicated. My holidays are normally not very different from every day life. I rise early, pull together an agenda for the day and achieve these objectives. It is just that holiday objectives are, well, more enjoyable than work objectives. Nonetheless I hare around - fitting in museums, galleries, exhibitions, - and return stuffed full of culture and a much better person for it I am sure. I am generally also stuffed full of food and wine and a much worse person for that.

This holiday was different. There was nothing to do. Having worked this out in advance I returned to childhood behaviour when I would take my bag of toys on any trip. My toys are different but they come with me all the same and now have the additional disadvantage of costing me excess baggage. So I headed off with books ( no I have not bought an e reader yet), embroidery, knitting, stationery, ipod, camera, gym kit (I hate the gym and don't go when not on holiday), swimming costume etc almost rigid with fear lest I pass a minute of the week not occupied in some way.

The hotel was wonderful and, due to a combination of low season, recession and volcanic ash, remarkably quiet. I found myself relaxing. I heard my heart rate slow down. I did play with all my toys but I also found that I didn't have to be achieving things every minute of every day. Almost every minute - but I could chill for quite a few minutes. It was a life lesson. It was one I hope to repeat. Soon.