The inaugural 3-generation continental trip ended according to plan 2 days ago, as I saw Danni & Mia off into Security at Girona airport.
Practicalities first. Everything logistics-wise worked and it was certainly the best decision to rent an air-conditioned apartment with breakfast rather than stay on a campsite and self-cater all food. The temperature has reached almost 30 degs every day, and it has been great to be able to come back to a cool space. The little apartment was also safe and a good size for Mia who’s not quite walking unaided, as were the communal spaces and dining room. The hotel was within 300m of a beautiful beach with crystal-clear water, as well as supermarket, cafes, restaurants etc, but also had a swimming & toddler pool which was very welcome to come back to each day.
Palamos is a smallish town, but busy with mainly Spanish holiday-makers in this still high season, with different beaches to be able to walk to, so we did pack-horse wise including parasol, beach tent, water/sun protection stuff for Mia, snacks to keep her distracted at fractious moments – usually when she wanted to be not restricted to the pram – to Playa La Fosca and Sant Antoni. Whilst we had the travel pram which was great to be able to fold down and carry with one hand, it was not robust enough like my memories of our trusty McClaren to contain a baby and load all the bags onto it. So we drove to Calella de Palafrugell, and another day to Playa de Castell, which I had come across by chance 5 years ago. We also spent an incredibly hot afternoon inland at Girona, certainly worth a re-visit with more time and less heat, and then the last day before the flight at Tossa de Mar.
The van had to be parked 10 mins away for free in the Palamos football stadium car park, so there was always an underlying concern that each visit to it would uncover some damage. This did not materialise, and other motorhomes staying overnight provided reassurance.
Mia got used to the sea, eventually bobbing about confidently in an inflatable ring in which she’s tipped forward for a more swimming position. Bucket and spade equipment was also engaged with.
There were some successes with her managing to have naps in the beach tent, but generally she definitely had fomo :).
We only had to deal with one major pooping incident in her reusable swim nappy. Presume this has now been put in the washing machine for a thorough going-over.
Overall emotions – absolutely knackering, but a reasonable sleep for most nights brought renewed energy to share in Mia’s delight as she wanted to walk and run, chase birdies, look at doggies, watch ball games, all bent over double and I must mention again, in the heat. She loved the breakfasts and I would say had an adult portion of everything each day.
Bedtime would come at 7.30pm, with the 2 carers then slumped most evenings, only capable of watching episodes of Celebrity Race Across the World, and Freddie Flintoff’s Preston cricket team, rather than joining our Spanish holiday-maker peers out and about all evening. We did make the effort to have a shower and put glad-rags on rather than pyjamas for the last evening which was also my birthday and saunter along the front to find some kind of nice restaurant, but most of these only started serving food at 8pm. All life was happening – walking, cycling, scootering, swimming & playing in the sea, and needless to say, Mia wanted to embrace her inner Spanish child and join in. We managed to enjoy a sangria and churros, before having a burger and chips in relay activity.
Grateful for good health and wherewithall for precious time and memories. I had to swallow a lump in my throat as they disappeared into an airport lift and I waved goodbye.
