Al’s Saudi Adventure

Scarlett, Frankie and I waved Joan off as she headed back to Enniskillen for a few days of work that couldn't be avoided, and headed back to the tent to plan out what the next few days had in store for us, we needn't have worried as the next few days were pretty much the same as the first week had been - lots of pool time and some rapidly growing independence from our 5 and 7 year olds. They were more than happy to go off to kids club and the bravery only grew stronger as Scarlett became our minimarket shopper, taking herself off with a bag and some cash in the mornings to buy bread, milk and other essentials and then after going down to the shower block that was a 5 minute walk from the tent, that had a brand new shower area just for kids rather than the one 30 seconds from the tent , with a couple of Dutch friends - the girls now decided that they would be showering there and were more than happy to head down by themselves while Dad sat and waited to catch a glimpse of them returning so my blood pressure could return to normal - ha ha.

We continued to go out in the evenings for dinner, with the girls making friends everywhere we went and playing happily after eating while Dad enjoyed his meal and the odd glass of Rose. We were in a great little groove but talked every night before we went to bed about how we missed Mum and hoped that she was having fun at home with Granny Linda.

One of the highlights of our few days unsupervised was a trip to the Aquarium beside Gardaland, the girls absolutely loved seeing all the fish and and other exciting things, Dad was just happy to be in an air conditioned building for an hour or two.

Another thing that was awesome to see was the bond that the girls had been making with the "leaders" from the camp staff who took care of them during kids club, lead all the group dances and put on all the activities in the evenings. They were a really great bunch that everyone seemed to get on with and like, Scarlett and Frankie had taken a real shine to a girl called Elissa who always seemed to make time for them and to make sure they were having a brilliant time. Evening activities included talent shows, group dancing, visits from the Gardaland mascot Prezzemolo, quiz nights and the girls favourite a glow in the dark party where the girls each made their own glow in the dark t shirts, which was awesome.

Then before we knew it we were getting the bus down to the train station in Peschiera and catching the train to Verona to meet Joan off the bus from the airport. We had a brilliant day out in Verona exploring the narrow cobbled street, eating some amazing food, finding the best candy shop in the world and of course going to see Juliet's balcony. We were telling the girls about why this balcony was famous and that whenever everyone goes there they touch Juliet's boob for good luck. After a look around the market we got to the balcony and got our photos, but Frankie was inconsolable afterwards, we asked her why she was sad and she had thought that Juliet was a real person and that she was going to touch her boobs and not just an old statue - ha ha. So funny. Another brilliant day out.

There are two theme parks in Lake Garda and after Joan found out that one of Scarlett's friends, Abraham and his family were going to be there at the same time as us we arranged to meet them at Caneva World. We spent another awesome day going on loads of cool rides - highlights being the dragonfly ride (not for Dad, whose fear of heights kicked in hard on that one) another log flume, which Frankie declined to come on and some small self drive cars, which Joan very bravely decided to go on and let Frankie drive. Ive never seen Frankie so excited and Joan so apprehensive before Frankie floored it and off they went. The brilliant day out finished with a full on Rambo themed action stunt show, which was awesome and a really cool drone light show as we were waiting for our bus to get home.

For our last day in Pacengo we took it pretty easy, normal activities during the day coupled with Joan and I getting things packed up and the tent cleaned out a bit before heading to Milan the next day. We had a beautiful dinner down at the seafood restaurant by the lake as the sun was setting before getting some family photos and making our way back to the campsite. The girls had one last evening with their new bestie Elissa, we got some photos and after some lovely hugs and a few tears we said goodbye to the leaders and headed back to the tent.

Joan and I sat up that night and had a couple of medicinal Aperol's and just chatted through how perfect this holiday was for us . The girls are at such a brilliant age for this type of holiday and Joan and I have always loved camping. They had so much fun, made so many friends and will hopefully take away memories that they will hold onto forever.

We said our goodbyes to Pacengo the next morning and made our way to the train station and got on headed for Milano Centrale one last time. We enjoyed a top class meal at Wagamama in the station before getting on another train and heading out to Malpensa airport, where I was getting on a flight that night and Joan and the girls were staying at the airport hotel before heading off to France to continue their summer adventure the next day. The best holiday ever had one more surprise in stall though as I managed to get upgraded to Business for my flight back to Doha.

I struggle to put into words just how perfect this holiday was. We had an amazing couple of weeks in Italy filled with fun, laughs, a few tears and just the absolute best quality time I could possibly have wished for. All of this made the goodbye hard and the next week back at work even harder.

Until next time Italy, I am officially head over heels in love with you.

Ciao bella xxMeer informatie