Travel Linkup – favourite things

The Sound of Music is my all-time favourite film, still – as I reach my mid-thirties!!  Imagine my delight when  Kelly, Emma and Rebecca and their lovely co-host Frankie, The Mischievous Mayfairy, announced this month’s travel link-up was about our favourite things.  Instantly I was humming the tune, followed swiftly by ‘Edelweiss’ which is my favourite.  I wondered as I started writing, how like Maria I am – do we share ‘favourite’ things?  Not so much…  “Raindrops on roses…” – I love splashing in puddles after the rain… “…warm woolen mittens” – there is something about autumn as the weather goes cold… “…schnitzel with noodles” – well with sweet potato, but who’s checking!

I’m not really a ‘thing’ person.  Admittedly I have a handbag habit (Mulberry and Hermes are a weakness) but I wouldn’t stop to pick them up if the house was on fire.  If the house was on fire I would reach for Mr P, my iPhone (!!) and the jewellery I love and wear every day.  My car would be outside and away from the flames so she would be safe too!  We have so many lovely things in the house, gifts from friends and family, wedding cards, a full box of paraphernalia that I collected over the years on my travels and adventures – whilst I love them all, they can be replaced and the best bit about all of them is the associated memories!  My photos are all saved online so whilst my favourites are on canvas (18 at last count) they too can be replaced.  What else do I love? A good cup of tea (and a cream tea before the days of dairyfree), my homemade baking, Yorkshire pudding, pancakes and pasties, my bed, my bath… I’m not sure I would hold your interest in these as there is little more to say…

So instead of my favourite things, here’s my favourite things to do, that make me happy and who I am… I  ‘don’t feel so bad‘ with these!

A remote staycation with Mr P

The easiest way to get away from it all without really having to go very far at all.  A long weekend is normally all that is needed to feel rejuvenated and there is plenty of choice within easy driving distance of home.  We’ve had some marvellous times in Cornwall, Cheshire, Cumbria, Pembrokeshire and even on our doorstep in the New Forest or on the south downs.  There is a buzz that comes from heading abroad on a long-planned trip, but there is something ever so relaxing about pottering off along the A31 or up the A34 in search of some good British R&R.

A luxurious treat

First things first, I don’t like surprises.  If I know a treat is being planned, I must be involved in planning it.  Now we have that clear, luxury getaways are something I adore as a special treat to mark an occasion – something deserved and hard-earnt.  We have had some incredible treats in recent years – flying first class, ticking off my first bucket-list hotel of The Chedi, staying on a private island, remote desert luxury, gastro-dining, and stately home stays.  We have been so lucky to stay in some incredible places, but the luxury of being able to travel and be inspired is my “luxury”.

Reading, fizz and sleeping

These favourites featured on a ‘guilty pleasures‘ post a while back, but I don’t feel any guilt about them, no travel is needed to enjoy them either – thank goodness as I am a little stir-crazy right now!  I love nothing better than having my nose in a book – I always have a few new books so I don’t run out.  A book can be well accompanied by a little glass of fizz, but I prefer this on a sunny afternoon or as a civilised aprés-sail activity.  And then I find myself snoozing in the sunshine or under a blanket on the sofa.  I am relaxed by these things!

Time offline on the water with friends

Did I mention I did a spot of sailing this summer and fell in love with the sport again? Only a few times!  We did an event in Sardinia last summer and it tickled my fancy and reminded me how much fun and laughter comes with it too. My Pinterest board captures something of how good it is to be out on the water – being at sea or by the sea is incredibly restorative, it puts things in persepctive.  I have sailed for longer than I can remember and still have lots to learn.  It is a fantastic sport – friends from all over, real camaraderie and support, enjoying some banter and making the most of fresh air and the raw elements. And we know how to party!

I’m sure I have missed something obvious, but these are definitely the things that matter to me – my favourite ‘things’.  I’ve even tried a little rhyme…

When the alarm sounds (every morning at 6am)
When the weekend ends (why oh why)
When I’m feeling sad 
I simply remember my favorite things
And then I don’t feel so bad