The Pandemic Staycation: Our Covid Holidays 2021

The Year of Missed Flights and Home Delights

2021 – what a year it’s been! The year when our travel plans to the land of the free, the US of A, were once again (see last years travel plans) squashed under the mighty heel of the ongoing global pandemic. So, here we are, for yet another year, missing out on the delicious sensation of the sun on our backs and the exhilarating thunder of a jet engine rumbling down the runway at the airport. But, hey, when life hands you lemons, why not make some cheeky lemonade, right?

Day 1: Brotherly Bonding and Brews

On the first day of our Covid holidays, I must admit, I was a bit selfish. Instead of dreaming of sandy beaches and city skylines with Michele, I found myself in the heart of Manchester, where I rendezvoused with my dear brother, Rob. We decided that the best way to kick off our pandemic vacation was with a brotherly bonding session. So, what did we do, you ask? Well, we embarked on an epic afternoon pub crawl, visiting some of the finest watering holes that Manchester had to offer.

Days 2 to 6: DIY Delight

Days two through six of our Covid holidays were all about donning our DIY caps and diving into some home improvement projects. You see, during the pandemic, we had decided to take on a little renovation adventure of our own. An extension was in order, and our kitchen had been screaming for some shiny new worktops. So, we rolled up our sleeves, donned our overalls, and got down to some good old-fashioned DIY.

Paint cans and power tools in hand, we transformed our living space, one nail at a time. From plastering walls to installing new worktops, our humble abode was starting to look like something out of a home improvement magazine. And you know what? It was strangely satisfying. Who knew that being stuck at home could turn into an opportunity for creativity and transformation?

Days 7 to 8: Spa Day Extravaganza

Now, let’s fast forward to days seven and eight. These days were all about rest and relaxation, and we had our friends to thank for that. They surprised us with a gift that was just what the doctor ordered – a blissful spa retreat. So, off we went to soak in the bubbly hot tubs, indulge in rejuvenating massages, and generally pamper ourselves silly.

After all the DIY sweat and hard work, this little spa retreat was like a slice of paradise. We floated in warm pools, let the soothing scents of essential oils work their magic, and even took part in a yoga class (really!), which, let’s just say, revealed our less-than-limber sides. But hey, who needs to be a human pretzel when you can lounge around in plush bathrobes and sip on herbal tea all day?

Days 9 to 13: Laziness at Its Best

From days nine through thirteen, we fully embraced the art of doing absolutely nothing. Yes, you heard me right – we were lazy, and we were proud of it! Our days were filled with Netflix binges, daytime naps, and maybe a bit too much snacking. We’d discovered a newfound appreciation for the sheer joy of being couch potatoes.

The outside world was out there, but we were comfortably ensconced in our cozy cocoon of idleness. Our surroundings may not have changed much, but our outlook on life certainly did. Sometimes, the most epic adventures can be found right in the comfort of your own home, with the most fantastic tales spun from the yarn of the imagination.

Days 14 to 15: A Surprise Getaway

Days fourteen and fifteen marked an unexpected twist in our Covid holidays. Our sons, Lewis and Joshua, decided to give us a delightful surprise. We whisked ourselves away to the charming town of Harrogate, and we were treated to a night in a cozy hotel in Leeds. It was an absolute breath of fresh air, and not just because we weren’t in our own home for once.

The quaint streets of Harrogate were lined with floral displays that looked like they’d sprung straight from a fairytale. We wandered through picturesque gardens, visited quaint tea rooms, and indulged in the finest Yorkshire puddings known to humanity. And as we laid our heads on plush hotel pillows that night, we couldn’t help but marvel at how even a small escape from home could feel so extraordinary.

Days 16 and 17: Home Sweet Home

After the whirlwind of surprises and adventures, days sixteen and seventeen were all about returning to our cozy nest. It was time to reacquaint ourselves with our beloved sofa, brew our favorite teas, and bask in the familiarity of our own four walls.

But even as we settled back into our home routine, we couldn’t help but reflect on the wild ride that our Covid holidays had been. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, from the disappointment of missed travel to the joys of DIY, spa days, and surprise getaways. It reminded us that adventure isn’t always about crossing borders; sometimes, it’s about discovering the beauty in the everyday.