These are the ingredients I need for a week of peace and recharging:
A remote cottage in peaceful countryside
Some lovely country walks from my doorstep
A log fire to come back to and a husband to stoke it for me
A country pub that does good hearty lunches
A box of books I've been meaning to read for ages
Films to watch cuddled up to at night
A large comfy sofa with blankets to snuggle in
A crate of red wine
Candlelight, preferably deliciously scented
Last week in Devon I had all that and more (a fabulous bakery, a waterfall to admire on my walk, bowls of pasta, fresh soups, local cheeses and a special homemade onion bread, a big deep bath and huge soft bed).
In 1855 George Sand said "The important thing is not to travel, but rather to depart; who among us does not have some pain they wish to escape from, or some bondage they wish to break out of?" Her words are just as true today and we all need to get away from the carnival from time to time. It works too because when you know you can't do anything about all those things that are worrying you, since you're not at home to deal with them anyway, your mind relaxes and so it's not just your body that gets a rest, fresh air and exercise of a more gentle variety. By the time you get back home everything seems more manageable and less critical, after all its waited a week already!
So don't dismiss Britain as a place for a winter break, because not only are the cottages cheaper but the places are quieter, and if the weather is bad it gives you a great excuse just to stay by the fire.
Aw what a nice post- looks lovely! That fire looks so warm and cosy :) xx
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