I have never been one for top end luxury, fancy or super shiny things or receiving over the top gestures. I like simple comforts and I believe that experiences are worth a million times more at heart than physical gifts, because memories last longer and they embed themselves deeper in your heart and mind than any material items.
Image sources listed at the end
“Sometimes, the simple things are more fun and meaningful than all the banquets in the world”
The ideal weekend would require some cunning planning - I would plan it to be a surprise for my two favourite people - I would whisk them away to a destination not that far afield, maybe a two to three hour road trip. I'd make sure it was over a long weekend so we had an extra day and I'd have to convince them to keep the weekend a blank slate.
I wouldn't let them know any details of it and would pack all their favourite outdoor clothing secretly, the essentials and what we call "padkos" which is the South African term for road-trip snacks. Who doesn't love snacks on the road right?
It wouldn't need to be a super fancy 5 star, luxury place, it would be a cottage nestled in the wilds, a natural area with a hiking trail, a little way from the beach, maybe with an outdoor hot tub in a clearing where the stars will be visible at night.
I'd have sneakily put together a driving playlist of our favourite road trip songs, ones with significance that we shared together and we'd sing and jam to them while enjoying the scenery out of the windows as we left the city and headed out to the countryside.
He'd ask me time and again "Where are you taking us?" echoed from the back seat "Where we going Mom?" but I would just smile slyly and chuckle a bit. "Trust me, you'll both like it".
"Okay, can you at least tell me the travel time?" ; "Hmmm, less than 3hrs"
"Can I take guesses?" ; "You can"
"Will you tell me if I get it right?" ; "Maybe"
And there will be banter around destinations and some hints at the amenities. I'll end up laughing at his jokes as I always do. The atmosphere in the car will feel buoyant and lively with the realization that we're on a mini holiday, a tiny getaway from the norm, the open air and the open road stretching out before us.
Arriving before lunch time to a cabin that is tastefully yet simply decorated, with all the necessities to be comfortable, yet all the cozy off-griddiness that gives it that romantic touch. A fireplace in the lounge and main bedroom, no cellphone reception, gas appliances.
I'd have arranged a nice lunch before hand that I'd start to put together after we bring in our bags and hang up our hats. It would consist of all our favourite foods, because I love my people and I want this weekend to be special.
We would go outside and eat it on the veranda overlooking a vast valley. We'd have milktart and cheesecake and scones with jam and cream. Croissants with butter, cheeses and ham. Green salad with orange juice and coffee - and we'd watch the world go silently by around us. The stillness and calm would settle on our shoulders and the hustle and bustle of day to day busyness would fall away, replaced by the deep connection and awareness that we can simply be a part of the solace and serenity of the natural world. After lunch we would probably have a lie down with the sunlight streaming into the room kicking dustmotes up in the air, I'd watch them through heavy lashes, as we lull into a light afternoon snooze. In the late afternoon we would maybe go for a short hike, finding some wildlife and pretty plants, enjoying the colours of the landscape, the undulation of the mountain terrain, the reflection off the lake. We'd talk little and just enjoy the companionship while stretching our legs. We'd watch the sunset together and for supper we would braai, eating together with a big fire going inside. We'd talk about what we wanted to do the following day, there would be all sorts of options - swimming in the lake, kayaking, hiking, going to the beach a short drive away, eating out at the closest restaurant. We'd settle on options and when the yawning would start, we'd tuck Lory in and tell her an adventure story, say goodnight and then make some hot chocolate to take outside. With blankets around our shoulders, we'd smile at each other, walking hand in hand to lie under the stars. We'd not have to say much, just be in each other's company, feeling the earth steadfast beneath us, watching the few clouds passing over us silhouettes against the brightly starlit sky. Our days would be similar because we all enjoy the outdoors and we'd use the weekend to renew our spirit, breathe a bit easier and appreciate the time together. There would be breakfasts in bed and picnics, swimming in the lake and roasting of marshmallows. We would tell silly jokes, chase each other around playing tag and take funny-faced photos. In the evenings, we'd fall into a deep, content sleep under thick fluffy feather duvets and soft plump pillows. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, but I think it would be a nice weekend away. Thanks for taking the time to read this, I hope it inspired some other outdoor enthusiasts to surprise their loved ones with a weekend away. Original Image Sources for Collages:
Images are mine
Image sources listed at the end
Image sources listed below
Gosh, what a beautiful post. Can you take me? Sounds like my ideal weekend.
I would happily take you along, us peeps that love this kinda thing gotta stick together! 😘
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An amazing weekend to have indeed and to remember that for the rest of one's life.
In my mind, I always had a dream weekend to have that I planned with so much affection and care like you did little by little and I hope to bring that out through the words or by living that soon.
Thanks @minhajulmredol
I agree that it would be memorable. Simple and relaxing.
Hope you get to have a weekend getaway soon, I think everyone could do with one.
I hope so too.
I need padkos in my life. Even when I'm not on a read trip.
Want.
Ok, what you describe here is pretty legit if you ask me...Although you didn't ask me and I'm giving you my opinion anyway. (Care-factor zero).
You describe what I'd see as a perfectly amazing ideal weekend and whilst, if it was me there, the not knowing where I was going would drive me bonkers I guess I'd have to accept that as part of the adventure. (Not knowing where I'm going drives me bonkers in case you didn't pick up on that.)
A legit ideal weekend indeed and a great selection of images that punctuate the words perfectly.
Hi Galen
I always appreciate your opinion, even with zero care factor. Padkos is bonza. It just is and needs to remain as such.
Definitely up there as not a bad way to spend a weekend. I mean of course I would love to surprise them with a trip to Madagascar or Mozambique or somewhere more exotic than 2hrs drive, but with all the current travel restrictions, that is still a long way off I reckon.
You definitely need to know where you are going don't you? Don't know why, but I just got that impression from your comment 🤣
Thanks for the contest, it was good fun imagining it and putting it into writing.
Hope your weekend coming up is rad and you had a good break over Australia Day.
Cheers for now
Andy
The zero care factor was about the fact I was going you my unasked for opinion, not generally.
Padkos is certainly bonza, as would be a Mozambique weekend expedition. So I hope that can happen for the three of you.
Thanks for getting involved with this mid-week bit if fun and yeah, the G-dog needs to know where the G-dog is going. And, the G-dog someone talked about the G-dog in the third person. 😳🤪
Sounds like an idyllic weekend
Thanks @leelektrik
It was nice musing about it, now I want a weekend away lol.
Yeah - nothing like the real thing.