Just the two of us…

Prior to going to Nicaragua I am having a couple of weeks of doing very little. After 7 months, I have finished work. I cannot believe how quickly the time has gone. The cards and gifts had me a little emotional!

A few days ago Mum and I went on a little holiday together. This was fantastic, as I have been working full time with long hours. I’ve often been away at the weekends, seeing Ben in Leeds or visiting friends. It is rare Mum and I get quality time together just the two of us, especially now I’m in my twenties, as we both like to keep ourselves busy. She really is wonderful company. Mum and I both share a love of the countryside, gardens, food and quintessential Englishness, and this holiday could not have been more perfect.

We drove to Daylesford Organics in Gloustershire last Sunday where we enjoyed a yoga day, massages and lots of moseying around the farm shop. We stayed at the Wild Rabbit in Kingham, the nearby village, which is an incredibly luxurious pub with rooms. The food at the Wild Rabbit was indescribable, with produce grown locally and in season. The first night we both had Lancashire hotpot with locally pressed cider. The following evening we had a three-course meal and a lot of prosecco (even the prosecco was made down the road!). I went to bed very full and very happy. Mornings were spent jogging through picturesque villages, bike rides, reading newspapers over long breakfasts and drinking cider in leather armchairs by the fire. The staff at Daylesford and the Wild Rabbit were so lovely, I couldn’t find a fault if I tried.

Mum is the best date; she is so funny and kind. It was a very memorable few days. Mum and I first went on holiday together to Sri Lanka. I told Mum I was going backpacking and she decided to come with me for the first week. My parent’s separation was still incredibly raw at this time so it was an opportunity for healing and bonding for the both of us. Moreover, we agreed she needed a holiday. I was very grateful for the bit of luxury at the start of my travels. I remember the worry on her face as she saw me onto the bus from Galle, making sure I’d packed tissues, with me thinking ‘for goodness sake I am twenty years old and I will not need tissues!’

In similar fashion, albeit the emotional farewell, Mum and I went separate ways from Gloustershire as I’m spending the next week in Devon whilst she’s in Nottingham. I have a feeling we will be returning to the Wild Rabbit. And there will definitely be another mother daughter holiday. We do them very well.

Imogen