The only really clever thing to do when stressed out and concerned about all the stuff flying around in one's life is to go away and attempt to forget about it all, if only for a while.
However, I am a realist and know that this is rarely possible. I have, at least, done the going away part of the process and so I'm in Ravenscar with TL. It's a cheery little village right on the coast, half way between Whitby and Scarborough.
We're staying at the Raven Hall hotel, a delightful place whose mere three stars seem inexplicable until you actually come and stay here.
It offers Lama trekking. Sounds great, eh? Pity the Lamas, you might think? Not a bit of it. The trekkers (75 quid per person) walk /alongside/ their Lamas. Some may say (and I will own up to being a fully paid-up member of this group) that this is a lot to pay for a packed lunch and the opportunity to be spat at by a potentially disgruntled Lama. I'm not sure I ever saw a gruntled one.
So what's hiking.... person trekking? Is this a whole new market?
Whitby is just up the coast from where we are. It has the happy knack of looking good.
Unfair picture, perhaps. TL is not nearly as p^$$&d off as she looks. I'm not sure anyone should look unhappy when eating freshly made doughnuts.
Why include this picture? Well, it's the doughnut-eating view. Fancy a cup of TAS anyone?
Just to the left of the doughnut-eating position they landed some live crabs. Quite a lot of live crabs.
Weird buskers. God bless 'em. They were playing the blues. Perfect.
A long hunt brought us to the Market square and the Holy grail of decent coffee. I pleaded for the most evil and indulgent coffee available.
It was fun, pointing myself at TL and waiting to see what she would do for me. I suppose laughter was inevitable.
At the end of the day, I can honestly say that we enjoyed a helmet full of pleasure.
The shops were great, we bought interesting things:
Like an ancient map of Northumberland, reprinted onto parchment. It shows Newbiggin clearly.
Like a couple of Russian Dolls, with many many little Russian Doll-ettes inside.
Like a new puzzle game called Tantrix. It has web site.
Like an amazing poster, soon to be framed, ready for our new house.
Like other things which I have forgotten or are more boring, even, than what I have mentioned already. Suffice it to say, it was was fun.
It's been a good break already, and it ain't over. Maybe this strategy /is/ working, after all?
I hope so.
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* This refers to our condition after the food and the walking of the day.
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Lovingly posted with Ecto and my amazing and smashing Treo650
It may be a cop out but I like blogs with pictures. Indeed - I have come to expect them. I want it all and I want it now - well it may be a tad late for the gargantuan coffee but the helmet full of love looks/sounds like a treat :-) Am glad for you both. Really I am.
Posted by: Jac | November 21, 2005 at 09:46 PM
Thanks Jac - you're almost certainly the nicest person in Seaham.
Posted by: AndyC | November 22, 2005 at 03:20 AM
The Liz?
Posted by: Louise | November 22, 2005 at 08:50 PM