Centre Parcs

Ok, I realise I haven't posted in a while, which is unusual when it is taken into account how much I have been been posting, concerning the cruise.

I have been quite busy with social gatherings, and a trip to Centre Parcs. I had been to a relatively new Centre Parcs for a few days up in the Lake District, before following on to a hotel a bit farther. The whole family really enjoyed it. And we swore that we would come to a Centre Parcs again.

And we did.

We went from Monday to Friday, one day longer than last time. 10 times better. We went to Longleat this time. It was a lot closer, and a lot more easy to get to - which was a bonus. I realised, that this was the closest I had been to home, when on holiday away. I don't know whether that is something to be proud of, or just that I am incredibly sad to have figured that out - it is probably both. Two of my sisters came and visited us on the Tuesday, because they live relatively nearby. Michelle, my youngest sister - but still considerably older than me - came, bringing her husband, Danny, and her adorable 18 month old daughter, Jessica. Gemma, the "middle" sister - Vicky being the oldest, and three years her senior - came with her two boys, Joe and Ashley, who are 5 and 3 respectively. The children loved it, and by that, I include myself, Gemma, Michelle and Danny. We're just big kids really. We went to the swimming pool, the boys loved the flumes and Jess loved the slide in the baby pool. The big kids loved particularly loved the water rapids outside.

After being fed in the Strada, the Italian restaurant in the Plaza, we cycled back to our villa, which was (unfortunately) the furthest away from everything. We were in Fir. What can I say? Punishment for booking late. Although the cycle ride was long, it was very scenic and wasn't actually too strenuous, although it was quite tiring for Joe, but I was very impressed that he got there without stopping on his tiny red bike which had no gears - the route was very up and down. We then went for a cycle ride round the lake before returning to the Plaza, where we bought ready made sandwiches and had a picnic. We had a few games on the arcades and then they left.

The rest of the week, we did a lot of cycling, and also participated in a few activities. The entire family entered into a "Geo Cache" competition. We failed. We also played golf. We failed at that too. And my brother and I did the high ropes - my parents were too scared - they failed, we didn't.

After another trip to the pool - with me losing my bikini top in the rapids - and a lot to eat, we grudgingly returned home. A good trip all round. But we are dreading the bill.