A Retreat to Portugal? 

 

Don’t blink but it would appear that the first whisper of summer has arrived. Indeed we’ve even managed some days out in the garden. We’ve even have enough sun to get some gardening done!

I love the UK, it is my home and I’d never move abroad however the problem with this good old British summertime is that it doesn’t last two minutes. You sent the kids out to school in the morning in boots, with a coat buttoned up and a sun hat and sun cream in their back. Slightly unpredictable could be the understatement of the century.

While it doesn’t matter where you go and of course you can’t 100% predict the weather there are some places which offer a fairly good chance of sun and for those days where your luck runs out and the clouds, or worse the rain descends there are plenty of other wonders to see, experience and enjoy which don’t reply upon the goodwill of the weather. Portugal is one of these wonderful destinations.

I was talking to a friend of mine who thinks that there should be a special holiday option for mums (and dads of course) where you can simply disappear for a long weekend or more and recuperate from the almighty juggle that is being a parent, working, looking after a house and everything else. Doesn’t that sound magical? I think that if I could choose anywhere; a special retreat for myself I would probably choose a four day holiday in Portugal.

Why Portugal? I haven’t been there, it isn’t a hellishly long way to travel from my base in North Yorkshire and I’ve always been intrigued by the beauty and the history of the place. The coastline looks absolutely amazing, with gorgeous sandy beaches that stretch for miles and I like the idea of exploring the little villages which appear to be largely untouched by the touristy feel that other popular areas seem to fall victim to all too easily.

I’ve actually got it all planned out. I’d fly out on a Thursday (Leaving on the Monday after lunch), arriving in time to check into a gorgeous hotel with the most beautiful sea view. I’d eat at a local rustic eatery, take a stroll and retire to my room and sleep. I’d sleep for at least fourteen hours because I’m a Mum and I haven’t slept for fourteen hours since I was a teenager. I’d enjoy a leisurely bath, without rubber ducks or interruptions from little boys and then set out (after a lovely breakfast of course) to see museums, historical and cultural places of interest, local shops, the beach……

Back down to earth for a moment I’d miss the boys and Roy terribly and probably spend every five minutes on my phone checking that they were ok and what not. Perhaps a solo Mum retreat isn’t on the cards however Portugal is very much on our “hit list” for places to visit and enjoy.

Have you been? Is it as lovely as it sounds / looks online?