Yes, we’re home and it’s so good to be back. Sitting in the garden wearing a long loose dress while the smell of slow-roasting lamb wafts through the French windows. I can feel the sun and a gentle breeze and hear the birdsong - blackbirds, song thrushes, our resident robin and woodpecker, a wood pigeon and other tuneful sounds I need to look up.
The swelling in my ankles is going down and I feel incredibly relaxed. Lake Como was beautiful, and sometimes I need to leave my nest to appreciate what I have right here, but I do question whether holidays are actually good for my heart-health ... I could write a thesis on that!
Better go and put the roast potatoes and parsnips on! Love to all x
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Hilly22
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Hi hilly glad you had a lovely holiday !! Enjoy the birdsong and your lovely garden 😄 my grandchildren are here we have made pizza and iced some buns listening to radio 2 ! Perfect Sunday x
Loved your post Hilly22. I have been contemplating a holiday to Europe but wonder if I need the extra stress. The more I think about it the less it appeals to me. Having Permanent AF I cannot walk very far and get tired very quickly.
I suffer from swollen ankles and they can be very uncomfortable. Think I have talked myself into a stay at home holiday again this year. The garden has won. Enjoy the pleasures of wildlife.
Yes, and just think what you could do with the money you'd save. You could have a holiday from home with indulgent meals out, spa treatments, sunbathing in the garden, picnics in the countryside, everything at hand, and no packing! You could ignore the phone and let the post pile up just as it would if you were away.
Whatever you decide to do I hope you have a lovely time Maisie x
I am 66 and cannot believe Im saying this also. Going on trips is exciting but I am finding it is requiring more energy than I thought I had. I love sitting in our yard swing with my 4 legged friends and listening to the birds, watching our woodpecker roam around the tree tops and laughing at the squirrels and birds stealing dog food from our unsuspecting dogs!!
I just said that to my hubby. Yesterday I planned an all day outing with 3 grandkids, which I did and we had fun but I was beyond tired when we got home. My brain is more energetic than my body🤣
The only trips we go on are short tours into neighbouring départements on our motorbike. Any trip involving trains or even worse planes is out. Airports are abominable places these days with queues for everything and the need to be there hours in advance for security reasons plus the possibility your flight will end up cancelled due to some idiocy like drone sightings . Then if you don't actually like flying the stress of being cooped up in a metal cigar case with uncomfortable seats and vile "food" for several hours plus more queues for the toilet.
Glad to hear that the swelling in your ankles is going down, do you think that was caused by the heat?
It's nice to go away on holiday, but yes so lovely to come back to your own bed and home comforts. I've never felt sad when coming back from abroad, but dreadfully so when leaving North Wales and our lovely cottage there looking out on to the most wonderful scenery at the base of Cader Idris. First went there about 30 years ago and fell in love with the area. Still my favourite holiday place in the whole world. My daughter asked me recently where I'd most like to go and I said back there, her and her husband weren't too keen, so just me and my daughter going to Croatia in October instead.
Love the Italian lakes, Sicily and food there too. Just made myself a Greek salad and was actually thinking how much I missed the Greek islands, used to spend at least two weeks a year there.
Your roast dinner sounds lovely, I can almost smell it myself.
I wonder what other forum members favourite holiday destinations are?
I got AF when we were there in 1997 and righted it with PIP.
Haven’t been to North Wales for about 40 years but we have very fond memories of two holidays trying to cart two small children (both over 40 now) up to Cum Idwal”.
All that having been said we went away to the Isle of Wight a few weeks ago and as we only live 20 minutes from the Southampton-Cowes Ferry came home a day early as we were desperately home sick. Years ago would not have felt that way.
I've been to all those places Pete apart from New Zealand and that's the place I most want to visit. Friends have just come back after a 4 week visit and their photos look amazing.
We sang the Skye boat song as we crossed over the water to Skye. I think we were on one of the last boat crossings before they opened the bridge.
Madeira the day we went up into the mountains there was low cloud but we managed to walk one of the levadas. Had afternoon tea at Reid's Palace too and it was such a lovely setting looking out from the balcony. Also visited the gardens and slid down the roads on one of those wicker basket chair things. Ours didn't go very fast!
Being at home is lovely though, so I can understand you both getting homesick. I think as we age, being at home with it's comforts and security can sometimes be more enticing than going away.
Thanks Jean. I think the swelling is a combination of heat, traveling and medication.
Ahh, North Wales, love it. When I was a child we spent a couple of weeks every summer in a cottage halfway up a mountain overlooking the sea on the Lleyn peninsula. No electricity, no running water (got it from a mountain stream), no sewage system (won't go into it!). Evenings were spent doing jigsaws by oil lamp! I loved that place but alas heard recently that it has now been bought (and modernised!) by the actor Rupert Davies ... lucky fella!
My favourite Greek island destination is a hidden gem in south east Crete. No package tours go there so I have to organise flights etc. myself, but it's well worth it. A blue flag beach with crystal clear water, a little harbour, and a very long sandy beach with tavernas that serve the best food in Crete. Hoping to go back there soon if I can tear myself away from our garden x
Your childhood holidays in South Wales must have been a real novelty for you. Remind me what Rupert Davies used to be in on tv?
Hmm now you've got me thinking what part of Crete that is. We went once to Hersonissos and then loads of times down to Plakias in the south. I've probably driven through the area where you holiday as have been around the whole of that eastern area, but not the west so much. Have such lovely memories of being there and still have contact with friends who live near me that we used to go with, some others we made while there we arranged to meet in Plakias every year. My goodness didn't we do some walking! Have you done the Samaria Gorge?
Oh no, Rupert Davies isn't so lucky after all ... just seen that he died ages ago. I spoke to the local farmer recently who told me Rupert Davies had bought it, but It must belong to his family now. He played Maigret amongst other things. The cottage was near Nefyn in North Wales.
I haven't been to the Samaria gorge but this little place I've mentioned has a gorge nearby which is beautiful if you don't mind heights x
It’s still a great place for that Pete. The harbour area has changed since I first went in 1985. At that time there was only one taverna at the harbour but now there are quite a few to choose from, more tavernas and food shops along the main street too. But it’s still relatively unspoiled by tourism, no high rise buildings etc. and still reasonably priced accommodation and eateries. Great place to relax and be a beach bum! Let me know if you ever go back and I’ll let you know a good place to stay right on the beach, and what I found was the best taverna 😋
- Lincolnshire countryside to visit my husband's family
- Finland - such a lovely country. Helsinki is amazing.
- San Diego - when I can't stand our winter weather any longer
- Hope that New Zealand will be on this list after we visit next winter!
Would love to spend more time in the UK and explore more places. This summer will be London, Brighton, Lincolnshire, Budapest and Finland. Jean, hope you'll share you Croatia trip here! That's high on my list.
Will do and hope you enjoy your holiday. Have been to Dallas, Texas three times as my sister lives there, but nowhere else in the US. Did touch down in North Carolina once en route to Dallas.
New Zealand is the one place I really want to visit, but it would have to be for a month or two.
You need to book a few stopovers on those flights to Dallas! And definitely a month or two in NZ. I couldn't quite convince my husband to do 2 months, but I have stretched it to 5 weeks. My retirement present to myself!
Mine is s a little hamlet in North Wales , Llandynwg. It is nested at the foot of mountains running down to the sea,near Harlech. No promenade,no donkeys no nothing but beauty. For years and years we rented a stone cottage there,and my parents came down as well,sometimes a month in the school holidays..card games at night,children asleep upstairs...and now they are grown up...they both return every year for at least a weekend. There is a 1,500 year old church right on the beach,half my ashes are going there.....
We always stayed near Dolgellau, which isn't too far from where you were. We'd drive to Harlech to go to the largish tearoom with the lovely views out over the sea, but must have travelled down every lane in the area where you were - so beautiful and wild. That's amazing a church that old, if I ever go back I'll have to visit that.
Did you ever walk the Roman steps? Just stunning, we did many times. I really want to holiday there again, I don't think there's any countryside that's more beautiful than that area.
We went to Sicily about 10 years ago, it's beautiful and has lots of historic sites of interest to visit. I also love the countryside and beaches in Corsica. Haven't been to Austria, but would like to go as I've heard there's some lovely walks. Went to Switzerland aged 17 and stayed near Lake Lucerne which was lovely, but I don't think I had an eye for the beauty of the countryside back then.
Ah Jean,happy memories of The Plas cafe! Yes indeed the Roman Steps and area around Nant Col too. Lovely area. Yes ,you must go to Llandynwg,church has services once a month in candlelight and sometimes music events. Xx
Oh no Bob, I must've missed you!! I'm ashamed to say we had some wine with our meal (as it's Sunday!) and we both fell asleep. That's what Sunday afternoons have always been for in this house!!
Would absolutely love to try your wine so next time we'll do the food and you bring the wine 😜 x
It's lovely and you'll have the boats that will take you to other towns anywhere on the lake. so relaxing not to have to use roads. I did a day trip to Venice (amazing place) while there and also one up into the Dolomites (beautiful). I've stayed in Limone twice which is small but pretty. Would recommend going to Malcesine and going up the mountain in a cable car.
Please you had a good time Hilly. It`s always nice to return home though
I`m flying back to Bulgaria today. I`ll have a few days in Burgas relaxing then it`s time to get some work done. I only came back for my CV and have to return in around 4 or 5 weeks for follow up appointment.
Got to say I love travel. I`m lucky enough that I work online. As long as I have WiFi connection I can work anywhere in the world. This year Peru / Brazil and North Korea are on the hit list. Peru and Brazil for sure and North Korea if time allows.
One thing I have noticed since this afib malarkey is my health insurance has shot up. Last year I paid £25 for 12 months worldwide cover. This year it`s in the 100s.
Still travel is my absolute passion and it`s worth every penny IMO.
Passport and computer all ready to chuck in a bag and I`m off. The beach awaits !
Paul, being able to work anywhere in the world is an absolute dream for most people ... retirement is like that too I’m pleased to say!
I have a Bulgarian friend and the photos of her country lure me!
I know what you mean about health insurance and it’s one of the reasons that I think holidays can be bad for our health ... last year, before I was diagnosed I put off going to the GP about my arrhythmia because I had a holiday booked and consequently I suffered very badly during the holiday. Silly, I know.
I’ve been very lucky, visited dozens of countries and lived in Hong Kong for a year. Still not quite satisfied my wanderlust but enjoy coming home much more than I used to.
Glad you are happily home.......yes planning adventures is the great fun part......I must admit I’ve booked Australia a car trip in autumn and am planning now.....and do wonder about my energy levels....they just aren’t the same as befire my ablation......66 also, anyway bookedit so weregoung........off italy soon but it’s not far from here........
I do find coming home you see your home in a diferent light don’t you, it looked quite marvelous!
You live in one of the most beautiful parts of France so coming home must be extra lovely. I’m quite envious. My husband speaks fluent French and I get by with an ‘A’ level, so as a couple of Francophiles we’ve often talked about moving to France. Probably too late now but we still talk about it!
Australia, amazing experience, have a gorgeous time ... don’t overdo it, pace yourself and enjoy the scenery x
We moved to France 18 years ago. Never regretted it for one moment. We have not holidayed outside France since 2007. Luckily we applied for French citizenship ten years ago. We never dreamed Brexit would happen when we applied!
That was lucky Auriculaire. For me, France has everything - no need to cross the borders!
I have a niece living in Toulouse - works there, married there, had a baby there and has applied for citizenship there ... she's the only person I know who cried more than I did! x
We moved out here when I was sixty....I love it, I’m away from the world up here....but I’m lucky my grandkids and kids are all around here too......I speak French too, must admit all this afib stuff has stretched me trying to grasp what my cardio says with the jargon, he’s so fast.
So pleased to read that you enjoy being at home. I thought I was being weird to so enjoy the peace and quiet of my garden and not longing to be off somewhere. The only place that really still calls to me is the beautiful Isles of Scilly where I have spent many wonderful holidays.
The Isles of Scilly is one place I haven’t been and must visit while I can still travel.
Yes, love our home with it’s peaceful garden (that’s crying out for a swimming pool 😂). I so hate all the traffic on the roads so always pleased to be back, even after a shopping trip! Enjoy x
Good grief !!!!! What a relief to read happy posts and, SO many of them!!!!!!!
New Zealand is good! But, make sure you stop off half way for a couple of days!!!!!! Don’t miss out on seeing other places on the way. It , apart from the obvious heart benefits , seems to prevent jet lag!
I go often as my son is a doctor in Whangarei.. everyone is incredibly sporty!!!!! Even the really aged!
When we went in 1997, on the way out we had 3 days in Honolulu and 3 days in Fiji at "Hideway Resort". Absolutely lovely and didn't feel the time difference going West.
On the way back did it in two straight flights but this time East to West. Got home 22nd December and had the most awful jet lag.
I’ve been to Whangarei Lulu! My daughter and her family live in Hawkes Bay - last time we visited we spent a week in the Coromandel and stopped off in Whangarei for lunch and a wander on our way back. It’s so beautiful around that area and the beaches are fabulous aren’t they?
Favourite inter flight stopping place was Lankawi. We once had a week there on the way home to help soothe my sadness at saying goodbye to family ... you’ll know what I mean.
What a lovely read! I recently cancelled a trip because I couldn't bear the thought of being away from home, purely because of the unpredictability of AF, but your words (and all your lovely responses) have really lifted my spirit and I have actually got the calendar out to pencil in another trip. We get one life and we have to grab every day. Hope the roast tasted as delicious as it sounded ☺
Oh, and my husband and I love Cornwall and Norfolk. The Greek Islands have my overseas vote. We visited Pefkos, Rhodes, many years ago, surrounded by pine trees - no street lights, donkeys for taxis, and the loveliest people. It has probably changed now but such lovely memories.
Thank you for your lovely response Sputnik. Do let me know where you decide to go. Your description of Pefkos is already whetting my appetite for another adventure 😊 x
Ah got you! You're from the USA right? When I say 'holidays' you need to read 'vacations'. I agree with what you say though, and it would apply to vacations too of course 😊
Wood pigeons are my favourite bird. We don't have them here in the US, so when I am in the Yookay, I sit and watch em in the parks while I eat a Cornish Pastie. A week or so before my first 'flutter' hit, we struggled back from Leeds to Heathrow to Chicago and then drove up to Wisconsin, dealing with the 6 hours jet lag at the same time.. two or three red wines on the plane and no water. I was totally zapped for 2 weeks and it's possible that exhaustion contributed to my 'flutter'..... The daffodils are only just starting here while they are dead in the yookay...but the good news is we are set for 5 months of 80 degree summer as in "turned out nice again"... We are in London and the South Coast next month, but its zero flight connections from Chicago, lots of water, and a nice Dreamliner instead of a 747... and a taxi instead of the tube from heathrow.... We afibbers need to be pampered...
We do indeed, need pampering that is. I do hope you enjoy your visit to good old Blighty, and that all goes smoothly with your journeys. Leeds is our nearest airport so I've experienced getting connections at Heathrow ... such a massive airport so quite exhausting!
Crossing my fingers that the weather forecast is right and that you get great weather x
Lol 😂 I suspected you were being a bit facetious, but didn’t want to assume.
True what you say about drinking alcohol - for me it’s Fridays and Sundays only, but I had an episode yesterday that lasted hours so might not touch the stuff for a while.
Now that I know you have a sense of humour, take a look at this YouTube video. Hope it makes you laugh. On second thoughts I’m going to send it in a private message!
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