My leg was getting scratched from the undergrowth surrounding us. I called again to the stranger operating the parking brake of the car.
“Now, now,” – and then I heaved all my body weight into the car, hurtling it forward.
Well, not quite hurtling, perhaps more shuffling.
Either way the hire car was causing me more trauma.
Don’t get me wrong. I am having the most fantabulous holiday. But the whole driving thing is a little distressing. Everytime we get in the car I have to identify the child on my right and repeat the following ten times…
“Owen on my right, the line on my left…..”
Why can’t everyone just get along and drive on the same fecking side of the road?
Then today we had the most magical day. We left the sanctuary of our villa and headed for Palmitos Park. I managed to drive on mountain roads without falling off the cliff and enjoyed a day surrounded by birds, turtles and snakes. The highlight being when we whacked out the euros and paid to have a dolphin experience.
I bloody love dolphins, and today I got to kiss one, stroke one, and made him sing and dance. My life was enriched, and I think the kids enjoyed it too.
Then the whole affair was soured as we headed back to the car park, I failed to work out how to get my sparkling white Citroen into reverse, nearly sent the whole family over a cliff edge and ended up begging someone to work the brake whilst I shoved the car back into the car park.
For the second time this holiday I sobbed at the wheel.
I am a pansy.
You will be pleased to know, reverse was eventually found, and I made it back to the villa safe.
We may never leave again.
If they could just get a dolphin in the pool…..
Our villa is immense…
So many of my beautiful friends have texted to see how we are getting on, being on holiday, just me and three kids.
They don’t mention it, but they are asking if I am coping without a man…
I thought I would feel like the odd one out, just me and three kids, no significant other in sight.
The truth is, we are having a ball. My children are good company, mad as loons admittedly, but tremendous fun to be around. I feel like I fit in perfectly, as I am smiling as much as everyone else.
Salobre Golf (our resort), keeps us busy, with our own private pool, plus several others, we have so many swimming options. The kids club is on hand for when I need a break. Yesterday, Owen and Libby-Sue went for two hours and Molly and I just lay on sun beds and chatted. I burnt, she didn’t. I took this as a parental win.
We pop up to the Sunset bar in the evening, and watch the sun bend down to kiss the sea and tuck itself in for the night. The kids have a rare 7Up, I treat myself to a cocktail. We chat about the day, exchange stories about the best bits.
We also ate in the Sheraton Hotel yesterday, which is based in the resort, both breakfast and dinner. Holy smokes! The food is to die for and the choice limitless. Serenity was mine as I chowed down on everything that came my way.
It is hard to write funny when you feel so happy.
But for now, I will take being happy.
A very wise, very lovely friend recently told me, ‘happiness is a journey, not a destination’.
I am enjoying the journey….
Enormous thanks to James Villa’s for allowing us to visit this half term….
Info about James Villas.
James Villas is part of Wyndham Vacation Rentals, the world’s largest professionally managed vacation rentals company.
Wyndham Vacation Rentals provides access to more than 100,000 vacation rental properties in approximately 600 unique destinations worldwide. That amounts to 10 million rental nights booked each year.
In Europe, guests can choose from a variety of experiences including cottages, villas, camping holidays, skiing trips, boating, lodge parks and city apartments. In the U.S., Wyndham Vacation Rentals offers properties in some of the most sought-after beach, ski, mountain, theme park, golf and tennis resort destinations.
For more information visit www.WyndhamVacationRentals.com which features properties from its more than 25 vacation rental brands, including James Villas.
So glad you’re enjoying your holiday so much – that there is a kids club and you’re getting to drink cocktails! X
No man questions, just envy from me! Take me next time. I love dolphins too and can drive on the wrong side as well as the right side!
Ah so glad it’s going well. Apart from the car. You’re a warrior all on your own! And a brilliant one. Love to the kids 🙂
It looks absolutely amazing there. I would have the fear driving abroad even though we lived abroad for years. That chocolate fountain looks so good.
Oh I love going away on my own with the kids. The dynamics are so different from home and we have a fabulous time. The whole experience is helped, probably, by me dropping in to bed from exhaustion at 10pm on most nights.
Did you master that left hand drive in the end?