Today I set off on my holiday to Croatia 🇭🇷. In fact I am currently somewhere above Mid-Europe I would imagine. Italy perhaps 🤷‍♂️!!

The anticipation has been building over the last few days. I finally feel like I’m ready for this break and that it will do me some good!

This has not always been the case and has most certainly not been the main feeling that I have experienced during the run up to this holiday!

The most resonating feeling has been one of apprehension. For a number of reasons really.

The first one, relates to this being the first time since the 15th of February that I will have spent more than two nights away from my dad and mum. I shall miss them and I hope that they enjoy their week. It’ll be made easier without me being a nuisance around the place.

The second, is that dad has chemo on Wednesday and I’d like to be around to help keep him up as much possible, as the Thursday to Saturday can be a tricky time for him. That said, it leaves the torch well and firmly in my mums hands. It could not be in safer hands I might add. However, I do worry about my old dear. She has been carrying an awful lot on those small shoulders of hers for some time now.

My mum has shouldered the responsibilities of keeping the household up and running. Cleaning, shopping, cooking, washing and organising. Now don’t get me wrong I help, but, I should do more to take some of the load from my mum.

I shall do that when I return.

This week will be used to have recharge and have some fun.

The final reason why I have been apprehensive about this trip is that I would be doing this type of thing with my previous partner. It’s not long ago that we split (ironic as that is my destination upon landing in Croatia). This is my first break/holiday without her.

I knew that certain aspects of the trip would be a touch tricky emotionally. Certain aspects have been a touch odd thus far. The journey to the airport, going into WHSmiths, having a drink before take off were all part of our pre-flight routine. So doing some of those things has left me feeling a touch wistful I guess.

Also, I will be sleeping on a boat for 8 nights, I have not slept on a boat before. So throw a new experience such as that into the mix and it heightens the feeling of apprehension.

A few weeks ago I was in such a place that I questioned this trip entirely. Was it a good idea?! What if I hate sleeping on the boat?! What if I’m just feeling down during the trip and I’m not in the right place for this type of thing?! Do I have the energy and the get up and go for such a trip at the present time?! Il miss dad (and mum) and wonder how he is! Doing the trip on my own will be odd!

All of those different thoughts ran through my mind consistently. I guess they were a reflection of where I was mentally and emotionally at the time. Don’t get me wrong some of those apprehensions are still there but I am approaching them with my old mind frame and mentality of it will be fine. Don’t worry about. Just do it and have a good time! That has always been my approach throughout life and it’s been the advice I’ve always given others when they’ve been worried about situations or new experiences etc. Therefore it’s a real positive for me that I am back in that place myself! I am looking forward to my trip now. Two weeks ago I most certainly was not!!

The old pair are venturing off for a few days today as well. Good move. Dads feeling better after bad week or so. Time to go and make the most of that before he has to go back for chemo on Wednesday!

Well it appears we have started our descent. Once that’s done its a cab ride into Split to my accommodation for the night. Out for a beer and a little explore before hitting the hay and getting ready to meet up with boat. There are 24 people on the tour, me included, the other 23. Are all Australians. 😂. It should be interesting at the very least!

The previous paragraphs were written on July 26th. I intended to finish off this post that evening or on the following morning. However, the rest of this post is written on August 3rd.

I am now on my way to the airport to return home after what has been a fantastic week in Croatia.

The trip had it all.

Beautiful places. Stunning vistas. Top Banter. Epic architecture. Great chats and Party hype.

My favourite places from a visual perspective were Dubrovnik, Mljet and Korcula. All very different but all stunning. Would recommend.

The Down-Under crew were exactly the company that I had hoped for and the type that I was worried about not having!!

The trip did have its struggles.

I did, as anticipated, have to remove myself from the group and certain situations on a couple of occasions. To work through emotions and feelings that came up at different time points.

Those emotions and feelings related to my dad and my previous partner. The reasons for this have been explained further up in this blog.

Also, the old boy was due to have chemo on the Wednesday but it got cancelled again due to his platelet count being too low. I struggled with that news as I have done previously when that has happened!

The Australians were wonderful with me at times. One of the nights I was struggling a bit emotionally and they did nothing but provide me with support and try to get me going again!

I am leaving Croatia feeling completely and utterly humbled by the experience and the kindness of those from Down-Under. I know that I have made friends that I will see again.

I have been told that couches, floors and other forms of accommodation await my arrival in The Land of Oz! Offers that I will most certainly be taking up. I have, of course reciprocated those offers.

Now though, it’s back to the fam. I’m looking forward to seeing them both and giving them a big hug as I have missed them!!