As yet another grey British summer season draws to a close; it would appear that the diverse chattering groups to which I belong are divided into the dissatisfied and the smug.The conversations are, and have all summer, been united inagreement about freefalling British house prices and rising property values inBrazil, Panama, France or Egypt.
However, back in the dark and distant days of June the current dissatisfied were smugly expounding the virtues of holidaying at home to save money during these troubled economic times.They were going to rediscover the pleasures of days out and about in old Blighty, eat tasty British cuisine and drink lashings of ginger beer!
Alas and alak the unremitting miserable weather appears to have spoiled nearly everybody’s well earned break. The former smugs are outdoing themselves in offering tales of holiday nightmare. One of the main gripes amongst these dissatisfied would appear to be how much money they ended up having to spend on dubious entertainments and the mediocre food in unwelcoming cafes where they were forced to shelter from the elements. Most of them have calculated out that their “cheap” stress-filled holiday in the rain has probably ended up costing them nearly as much, if not more, than their customary, enjoyable, sun- washed break overseas.
The current smugs however are those who experienced just those pleasures. To save money many of them it would appear drank more of the local vino than expensive wines and enjoyed seeking out local cheeses and hams in the colourful markets for picnics on the beach. Eating out most nights gave way to leisurely barbecues with family and friends. None of these “sacrifices” however seemed to lessen the pleasure of the annual break.
I suspect next year few will want to revisit the great British Holiday Experience!