Nothing better, when you’re divorced and still dealing with loads of stressy stuff to escape for a minute somewhere hot and lovely for a weekend sans enfant (NOT annoyingly where Builder Bloke’s sister has just flown to – Mnemba Island – a private island near Zanzibar to stay in the most stunning place ever).
We, instead went to Portugal for the weekend for a bit of R & R and it’s easy, because it doesn’t take long to get there (and because BB had some family out there). The restorative powers of sun, sea, sand and a few other things that start with “S” are just perfect for a couple of jaded old divorcees with financial battles back home……we spent most of the time simply marvelling at how much cheaper everything was when you weren’t having to times everything by nine.
We had such a lovely time. Eating prawns and sitting about wasting time – I even went jet skiing for the first time – BB gave me a lesson and for a speed freak he drove incredibly carefully so as not to scare me and then when it was my turn to have a go I drove like a mad thing – full pelt, flying over the waves, loving every minute even though I was shitting myself because I was scarily out of control. Very exhilarating – although today I can’t walk.
We drove around a bit, found new places to explore and discovered some new coves:-
We sat about admiring a few sunsets:-
And we went to a rave:-
I know. The rave doesn’t look very “ravey” I have to agree. Empty in fact. Two years ago we were there for the exact same “end of the season” rave in the coolest beach bar (called Canico’s) that I have ever been to. We were fresh divorcees with extraordinary powers of resistance – we danced until dawn on the sand (without falling over), drinking cocktails and feeling uber cool and young and we had two hours sleep before getting on a plane to fly home.
This year, we were looking forward to the event enormously. Live music (electronic saxophone), very cool DJ, lights beamed out to sea, laser twinkly lights all over the sand and the moon reflected on water with stars – just the most romantic setting imaginable. We had dinner and strolled up there about 11.30pm only to find that we were the first to arrive. Even worse was that they were still getting ready, lighting candles and checking sound systems. We had a drink and debated our options:- go to bed for two hours, set the alarm and come back at 3am with the party in full swing? Hang on in there for three more hours until a few more people trickled in? Bury ourselves in the sand for a bit of a snooze? Drink loads in an effort to stay awake? Go for a swim to wake up? We weren’t sure what to do until BB got blinded by a laser beam and couldn’t see anything and we decided that perhaps it would be best to accept that we are sad old f*ckers who really should be in bed because we’ve got an early plane to catch and are frankly WAY too old to join all the gorgeous young things…..WHY CAN’T THEY START RAVING ABOUT AT 8PM LIKE NORMAL PEOPLE?
Getting old. HOW BORING
Anyway. Home now. Kids seem so LOUD. Shouting almost. Or is it just because of all that peace and quiet we’ve just had? (v pleased to see them all btw).
Expat Mum
September 21, 2010I always start my raves at 8pm so will let you know when the next one is!
And BTW – you jet ski like I snow ski – silently screaming SH-I-I-T-T!! all the while!
Family Affairs
September 21, 2010Exactly right – although not sol silently with snow skiing – I love it but I’m terrified Lx
TheMadHouse
September 21, 2010That sea looks wonderful, oh and the last time I was on a jet ski I broke my ankle!
Family Affairs
September 21, 2010YOU”RE KIDDING? BB told me it was impossible to hurt myself. Lx
Dulwich divorcee
September 21, 2010God, it looks gorgeous! Isn’t 8pm a bit late for a rave to start? I’d say 7pm is my latest ….x
Family Affairs
September 21, 2010Yes, a bit, but I was trying to be cool Lx
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September 21, 2010That sea looks blissful…..but the trouble with you youngsters is you have no stamina!….now think back, what would we have done in the past?; disco nap, very large vodka, a couple of pills and we’d still be ‘throwing shapes’ as we got on the plane…! tsk!
Family Affairs
September 21, 2010I KNOW!! We didn’t pace ourselves. Should have had huge sleep in middle of day OR not got up till 3pm. Just rubbish. I’m v disappointed with myself Lx