Imagine sitting on a balcony, in the heat, with a book and a coffee

[BookCoverJudger]

Bloody hell, I miss going on holiday.

I miss going on holiday too. And I was lucky enough to be in Bavaria in September, not as long as many people have been since their last holiday.

restaurant on a boat.
Ooh @JMAngel1 that sounds wonderful!

I want to sein in the sea in Italy.
But appreciate how lucky I sm that I can gave s cup of tea on my boat in the sun on the Thames (this morning ) and sit in sun in the garden with a cup of coffee this afternoon.
Small pleasures

I miss a dip in the hotel pool an hour before it closes. Weve been out all day and feel all hit and sweaty. A dip before dinner is just lovely.

We have made the decision not to go abroad again this summer, not worth the risk for us if the rules change at the last minute and require self isolation for 2 weeks - dh is self employed and it’s just not worth the stress and hassle.
Disappointing but the right decision.
However I would sell a child right now for some hot sun on my face, a pool to dive into, a nice bar to go out to for dinner and drinks and to feel sand on my feet 😭 I’d possibly sell 2 of the children actually

For a precious few minutes before the children wake up? Haven't had a holiday like that for ages. Was about to go to Italy before the pandemic hit. Miss it loads.

I've just had to cancel our trip to Antibes in May

It's an apartment we have stayed in several times before, and it has a lovely balcony with a view of Cap d'Antibes. Many litres of chilled rosé have been consumed on that balcony!

It was originally booked in November 2019, and has already been postponed twice, but we are due to go on 8 May, and I just can't see it happening.

Painting my toenails the coral colour that only looks good with a tan, putting on sandals, realising my foundation is too pale and I don’t need it anyway because my skin looks so good, I can hear the music on the breeze and can I smell barbecue from the beach taverna?

@Taytocrisps the big question is, are you northern Tayto or Southern Tayto?!

Three things I would love to experience: the smell of jet fuel, that moment when the plane pushes back and then, when the door opens and you step out into dazzling light and hot air.

It is the dream.

Coffee? In the heat?

I don’t think so.

Wine on holiday.

Yes, this is what I miss. So many people keep whiffling on about taking UK holidays instead, and how there's loads of beautiful places in this country and all that nonsense. Holidays in this country are alright if you get decent weather - but only alright, because British people are generally miserable and we don't do customer service well. If you don't get decent weather, then they're utterly, irredeemably awful.

In my early 20s I did a summer season in Greece and had a brief relationship with a lovely young Greek man who wanted to marry me. I adore DH and our DC - but right now I regret not staying on Rhodes with Yani.

@GreeboIsMySpiritAnimal I think we all want to be on Rhodes with Yani right now. Perhaps he’s available as a timeshare?

Ooooh, that would be nice! He was such a sweet boy. Very handsome too!

I live in the Caribbean and I completely empathize and understand that yearning for warmth and holiday vibe! I'm yearning for the complete opposite right now.

Stepping into the arrivals hall at LHR, mug full of Yorkshire tea at my mum and dads house. Wandering around the aisles of major supermarkets, meandering through Horsham, browsing in Waterstones, a warm pastry from Greggs in my hands. Fresh crisp air and warm cozy houses.

Haven't seen my family in 2 years now and starting to daydream about the BA flight food...haven't left the island in a year and not looking likely to until 2022 😫

@WrongKindOfFace

I hate flying. Hate it. But right now I’d fly the bloody plane myself if it meant leaving this plague island and feeling the sun on my face.

In real life though I’ll probably just go to a different supermarket for a change of scene.

That made me proper laugh!

I also hate flying, but I'd be your co-pilot....😂

Ah. It's late afternoon. It's pleasantly warm, and still. We just got back to the villa after a day out, possibly a drive into the hinterland, maybe somewhere 'cultural', maybe via a trip down to the beach.

The boys (late teens) are in the pool. Infinity, of course. 😂.

DH has pulled together snacks, tapas-y things, and drinks. I'm either in the pool, or sitting looking at the panoramic view of the boy, spread out below, book in hand.

We'll snack, and have a couple of drinks as the lights start to twinkle on, in Altea, down below.

The sun has set in bands of orange and red, as the stars begin to shine.

We'll shower, then head out for dinner, possibly down in Altea.

I hadn't realised how much I miss all this til now when a) we can't go, and b) are unlikely to be able to afford it any more.

Thanks, Covid; and thanks, Brexit.

I would like to revisit a beautiful hotel on the banks of Lake Como, sitting on the balcony, with a glass of red wine, a plate of antipasti and my kindle. I would feel the sun on my face and be at peace, watching the boats and the water skiiers go past.

That’s a high bar. My standards are extremely low right now. I’m more imagining the smell of chlorine in the municipal pool. I’m going to work my way up to actual holidays.

@CallforHecate

The sea that you can float in so easily (because the salt content is so high) ... and it’s so clear. Anyone else ever do a later flight back, so after you check out you’ve still got time to have one last lunch and a swim? Getting off the plane in the evening with damp hair still smelling of the sea ... god I miss it so much.

Oh yes - we went to Cyprus in 2019 and our flight wasn't until 6pm. We were heading to the airport super early having had to leave the villa then we thought... This is stupid. So we rang up and extended the hire car, and headed to the nearest beach for a paddle. When we got there we decided it would be a waste not to swim so we dug our swimming stuff out of our suitcases and had a lovely hour on the beach. We will definitely plan for that next time

@JeffTheOracle some hotels do day access packages so you can shower and change before heading to the airport for an evening flight. Worth looking into!

I'm missing the beautiful Greek village where I've spent many happy holidays with my parents. Our friends, the beautiful food, drinking cocktails together at 3 am and laughing like drains. My Dad is seriously ill with cancer and the thought that he might never again see this place that he has loved for nearly 40 years, or get to share it with my baby DD is breaking my heart

We're going back to Malta at the first opportunity (school holidays allowing) as that was our last abroad holiday and it was amazing. I want to sit by the pool with a fanta lemon or a 'sweetheart' baileys cocktail and soak in the warmth. Then go on a boat trip and snorkel in the blue lagoon on Comino.

Just beautiful.

I'll settle this year for Devon in May, Pembrokeshire in Aug (sunny, please!) and hope to make our Spain short trip in Oct that was moved from last Oct.

I agree with those that say it has to be abroad. I’m half lizard I reckon. I need that blast of heat as the plane door opens and the unfamiliar smells.
Love eating outdoors in the evening and not even needing a cardi. Love waking up and not having to wonder whether it will be cold rainy again!

I’ve not lost hope for this summer. I’ll book last minute if needs be. The weather here is too unreliable. We have three days in the Lake District booked in August booked and I fully expect expect it to rain and be cold.

Hate paying ££ for holidays in the summer in U.K. They’re even more expensive this year.

Ooh yes- that feeling of warm air on your face as your climb down the airplane steps. Like a hairdryer on its lowest setting. Knowing you've got all this time ahead of you. Somehow savouring your envy that people actually live in this place, and it's real.