Like David Cameron, I have packed a selection of light reading (though not trashy!), 
for my holiday which starts tomorrow.
It includes the works of two new authors for me, Justin Cartwright and A. L. Kennedy, as well as The Great Lover, by Jill Dawson – a novel about my adored Grantchester poet Rupert Brooke. I’ve bumped into Jill in my gym in Ely a couple of times and went to her book launch. I’m not sure how I will feel reading about this wonderful poet in a fictionalised way as I am a purist. But I am inspired by the great reviews it has had and look forward to reading about his failed love affair; a happy ending does not have the makings of a best seller!
We have taken the plunge and are going on a cruise around the Med, calling at Venice, Croatia and the Greek Islands, so it is pretty special. We are travelling with the same lovely friends we first cruised with three years. I wrote about that trip here and the amazing people I met. Lucky son David will be spending his 19th birthday at a beach barbecue in Corfu and swimming around its glorious coves.
My only complaint about our last cruise was that I never saw my two sons; they instantly made friends, went off midnight swimming and dancing – and whatever else teenage boys get up to. I was lucky if I bumped into them at all. 🙁
Whatever you are doing, I hope you have a lovely summer… 🙂
Ciao!!!
Hope you have a fantastic time…Are you sons going? Or is David going to corfu and James coming with you??
I love my boys, but if I was on holiday , we both need space, that is what it is all about??
Yes, we are all going, but we are stopping off at Corfu on David’s birthday. The boys are going to a really fun excursion which includes a beach barbecue and swim around the coves, while mum and dad do “The Best of Corfu” tour! (I didn’t want to cramp their style 😉 ).So we do get to have our space, but I do like us to at least have dinner together.
This is why cruises are so great, because there is something for every generation. I have heard of five generations travelling together this way and having a wonderful holiday.
Although a cruise would not be for me…. I could not bare the thought of being stuck on a ship But I do hope you have a fantastic time and enjoy the rest. See you when you get back 🙂
Well, what can i say? We are all equally as excited as you are….and are so pleased that we are all going together too. I share the same sentiments about the children, up and off doing what they enjoy doing but am also happy because they have such a fantastic time. Cruising is the perfect holiday for us…..see you tomorrow for a glass of champagne at ‘sailaway’!
Sally, I used to think that too because I have always enjoyed adventurous holidays – and still do, given the chance. This, however, is a holiday where you purely relax and are pampered. You can do as much or as little as you like. We are sailing on The Venturer, the new P & O ship which I have heard has the most amazing gym which I can’t wait to try out. I know I will be there most days when we are at sea.
Liz, hi shipmate, see you tomorrow 🙂 And yes, I will most certainly join you for a glass of ‘sailaway’ champagne.
I must now get on with my packing.
Have a great time.
I’m not impressed with Cameron. I’m not sure that his reading has helped him.
‘Twitter’ and ‘twit’ would have been a far more sensible and statemanly juxtaposition. To lie that he didn’t know that he’d sworn means that he could do with a long LONG holiday.
Kevin, I detest swearing at all times, so it was not my favourite moment as far as Cameron is concerned. But I am positive the other work he is doing in leading us towards winning the next general election.
Another bonus about cruising, btw, is that there is no luggage restriction. I seem to have packed three outfits for each day – with shoes to match 🙂
Have a fantastic holiday, Ellie. I have been to Venice and think it’s a wonderful place.
Have a wonderful trip Ellee. Nothing wrong with trashy light reading on occasion.
It all sounds wonderful, I hope you have a great time 🙂
No flirting now.
Enjoy the break Ellee, it is refreshing to see families still doing things together.
Hope you are having a fabulous time, Ellee.
this trip sounds magical for real! Enjoy 100% Frankly I could not think of anything better!!
Bonnes vacances, Ellee! I’ve just finished the latest John le Carre which was gripping.
Have a brilliant trip and enjoy your family – every moment is so very precious. Enjoy!
Is so nice when all can travel around a nice places, I was one time too in a trip with my kids they was not so older but any way they was in another world was really nice for my husband and me and I really want to do that again. Nice writing … you make me remember nice things of my past !!!
Can’t wait to hear all about it upon your return, Ellee. I’ll also be interested to see what you think about the Brooke novel.
Have a great time Ellee – I couldnt get on with that novel about Rupert B but Ive been having trouble reading recently!
Sailing will always be fun, especially when friends and family are there to enjoy it too. Happy summer..