I need to spend a week ALONE somewhere. Any suggestions?

[moondog]

I've spent far too much time with my kids and dh has spent far too much time without them and not enough time in sole charge so am orf.

I don't care about lying on beaches (just done that) but want something involving improving mind and/or body (no 'spas' frequented by vapid blonde 'therapists' called Debs bleating about exfoliation and dehydration, no yoga (shudder) and on no account no emotional workshops or 'group work'.

I am mysteriously drawn to bracing walking pilgrimages in North of Spain accompanied by tweedy spinsters or poss. breadmaking courses.

Any ideas?

you live in Wales, do you not, surely a drive in to it's epicentre would do the trick in terms of isolation.

go and have a look at the Paradores, the fabulous hotels all over spain, that's what I'd do if I was within spitting distance of Europe.

Hay on Wye.

Or canoeing down the Dordogne with one of those companies, can't remember the name, Exodus? Had a brillllllllliant time when i did it.

God lucky you

I have to try and do it mentally

Go on a cooking course, a week cooking would be good for your soul.

This place has some great courses and some excellent guest teachers.

like carmenere's ideas but I'd rather go somewhere like tuscany to do it!!! Lucky you!!!

Been to Dordogne.Ace but dunno if canoeing for me.Bit too 'desperate middle aged mum on outwood bound course.....'

That Irish place looks nice but of to ireland soon anyway.(Sorry sound horridly spolit but honestly,it has been a gruelling few years)

I'm all for Spain but want to do summat.
Re Wales,well isolation not what had in mind,more like stimulation.

And now am relaizing that me eyes hurt looking at the screen.

Bollocks.

Do I need glasses to complete sense of over the hilldom?

a buddhist retreat? or a silent retreat? my sis runs these in devon..

or long weekend at a festival? Glasto would be fun, no?

take your pick

They are all fabulous buildings, very naice and classy, great local food. Go and chill out and do whatever takes your fancy.

Allgone,can you do a link then?
Starangely drawn to idea of retreat but worried that will lose it on third day, sneak out to stock up on Special brew and tabs,get tanked up and stagger oround going 'Sfucking boring here. Where's the music?'

Thank oyu Suze.Will peruse.
I need activity too though.Would go mental if just lying about.

cant do links as am far too thick, but they must have a website..its called Buddafields..let me have a search..

yes you would do that, you know you would
go to spain and buy special strong ducados tabs and cheap vino tinto and get it out of your system.

You would be cocmplelled to yell out " What a load of WANK" on day 4 if you did a retreat and you know it. There must be loads to do in Spain.

White water rafting is great - very stimulating, and you really get away from it all. I went to the States with OARSwww.oars.com/ and did a solo travellers trip down Cateract canyon about 3 years ago. Only downside is the cost, but the exchange rate is great at the moment, and there are no costs except for a tip at the end if you like. If you want to get away from civilization it certainly hits the button.

]]www.buddhafield.com/RetreatDescr/Retreat8.html]]

Mention of Buddha slightly worrying though.Is it people by bearded wiry chaps from Hull formerly known as lle and Dave who now have monikers like Sreeemai Vash and Lakmai Sheesh>>

No offence mind.

sorry... its www.buddhafields.com

just had a look, theres a load of different types of retreats, its not all serious, my sis has a right old laugh there most of the time..
(dont fancy the nude retreat meself)

I may have to go and have a very cold shower now

Nooka that looks cool.
I expect thee is a lot of wooping,wearing of baseball caps and shouting 'Wayda go!!' though,no???

X-posted ! you dont have to be buddhist to go there, i will be going soon and am no way buddhist like!

Failing that, pony trekking on dartmoor?

A week in San Sebastian/Bilbao - culturally woow, food fantastic, great scenary and enough to do (why can't I go? I have to contend with four days with dp....)

Fucking hell Suze,now yer talking (as long as no Bourdain wannabees about)

Lol at nude retreat.
Will read more closley.

oh yes, San Sebastian, a quick train ride to St Jean de Luz in France, what bliss. And all that food.

is there something in particular you want to do? Or see? Is there a city you've always wanted to visit? What do you like?

Does it HAVE to be 'improving'? Can't it jsut be fun?

pony trekking??????

Get a grip!

I'm 40 not 11 and 3/4