You know that question in quick interviews: are you a beach or a mountain person? I used to be beach. Absolutely, without question. Living in inland Australia, the family holiday was always to the beach. Usually a little coastal town named Bateman's Bay, with an occasional treat to a Sydney beach suburb such a Bondi or Avalon (I remember those 2 family holidays most vividly.) I loved everything about those beach holidays, despite the inevitable sunburn and peeling. Obviously, given my age, I grew up in the era before slip-slop-slap. We used to sunbathe with baby oil on our skin to enhance the frying, for Pete's sake.
In recent years we haven't done the beach holiday and I'd started to think I might have grown into a mountain person. We've had some awesome summer experiences in cooler, un-sandy locales. But today we're heading off for a few days at the beach and I realise that I can't wait. I DO still love the beach experience. The cool wet sand squelching beneath my feet. The salted air. The crash of surf against my legs. Fish and chips and ice-cream in cones. Reading the daily paper every day and glossy trash mag's and big thick paperbacks.
I need to go pack some sun-screen and reading material. I sure do hope the gelato at Manly Wharf is as good as I remember. I will let you know when I return.
In the meantime, what's your favourite summer holiday? Beach or mountain or something else entirely?
posted by Bronwyn Jameson @ 7:52 AM
