We are retired so enjoying the chance to have holidays. This year a family ski trip (me relaxing and spectating) a cruise to Norway and a river cruise in France.
But the highlight was our family holiday in the Dom Rep, which was declared by our 8 year old grandson to be the best holiday ever in the world and all the others had a great time too.
The ‘others’ were DS1, DS2 plus partner, DGS 22 and DGD 20, and DH and me.
We have stayed at the hotel, Hilton La Romana in the Dominican Republic for many family summer holidays and it is great for all ages. Excellent beach and accommodation, bars, restaurants and staff, many of whom have become much loved friends.
There have been some additions to the hotel recently, so as well as the on-site waterpark there is now a Sports Bar, the kids liked that, we fogies did not visit, also pickleball courts which were very popular with the youngsters, DS2 took the kids out on the Hobbicats without drowning them and he and DGS liked the Batting cage.
But what really made the holiday absolutely delightful was the way they all got on so well and appreciated every minute. No quarrels, no sulking no temper.
However the resort is quite spread out, quite a walk to get from one end to the other. Normally we would spend most of our time on the ‘Preferred’
Family beach. ‘Preferred’ means access to certain facilities for those happy to pay extra. Now I am 81 I found walking down to the beach more of a challenge than formerly plus hard to keep balance going in or out of the water, hence we tended to use the Family Preferred Pool instead. It’s a lovely pool, beautiful landscaping and not at all crowded. A few strides across the lawn to our rooms, except DH’s and mine which included a short toddle across stone paving.
I thought this was fine, also some restaurants needed a bit of a stroll along paved marble walkways but I walked carefully if slowly, then it turned out when we got home that sons were terrified that I would fall and end up in a Dom Rep hospital with a broken hip.
They seemed to think that I only put up with a holiday which required my aged wandering in order to please them.
So wrong!
I thought it was a brilliantly happy holiday largely because they were all so thoughtful and kind and funny while we were there.
Anyway I have tried to convince them I am not totally decrepit. They have been sending adverts for fancy walking sticks. Very thoughtful.
I now have acquired a fancy walking stick so maybe they will stop worrying.