{"id":6397,"date":"2017-12-19T08:26:49","date_gmt":"2017-12-19T08:26:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.isibindi.co.za\/?p=6397"},"modified":"2023-04-03T05:39:11","modified_gmt":"2023-04-03T05:39:11","slug":"love-holidays-words","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thongabeachlodge.co.za\/love-holidays-words\/","title":{"rendered":"For the love of holidays (and words)"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Holidays are not easily come by. First, there\u2019s all the work \u2013 the hard work before the holiday, saving enough money, finding the right gap in everyone’s schedules, getting enough done to take the time off, and the seeming snowball effect of work the week before you take your leave. In an increasingly time-demanding world, to take time off has become a previous commodity. Second, there\u2019s all the choosing, plotting and scheming \u2013 do we go for safari or sea, bush or beach, mountain or lake? This invariably involves taking multiple likes and needs into account \u2013 Grovelly McCamperson over there on that side of the room, the Princess of Pale Percale in this corner and the Great Compromise \u201cJust-a-flushing-loo-will-do\u201d. Third, there\u2019s leaving home, a logistical exercise not dissimilar to planning a world war. Fourth, there\u2019s the stressful travel \u2013 the endless bits of booking which need to connect up, the airport security, the hurrying and the waiting, the driving, the parking \u2026 that point where you wonder if it really is worth leaving at all.<\/p>\n
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This means that when we manage to clear the time to go on holiday, it needs to be worth the investment we made in getting there. Increasingly, I find that I want a remote, otherworldly experience which takes me away from my everyday life. I want to be embedded in nature, another culture, the best of local, seasonable produce, interesting architecture which connects me to my context, inspiring d\u00e9cor and calming views to open my heart. Give me art.<\/p>\n
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The transition itself can be rough \u2013 coming down from a hectic work schedule and stressy travel invariably means passing through the veils of discomfort, confusion, anxiety, boredom and sadness. \u2018Stay the course\u2019 I have learnt to tell myself, because once one drops through these portals, one accesses another dimension altogether \u2013 of a new dimension which stretches forwards, backwards and back round again into infinite time and rest, full with mindful sensory richness, delicious in discrete and connected moments where things seem unified. The very existential despairing questions themselves fall away.<\/p>\n
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And so, I finally arrive at my vacation destination. The other-wordly Thonga Beach Lodge in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, where creamy sands, the sounds of the sea, the earthy thatched huts and delicious food are a balm for the soul. There is a groundedness to the luxury here such that it does not feel ostentatious, but allows for simplicity and a sincere connection with the pristine local environment. The local staff are delightful and connect easily with guests of all ages. The food manages that rare combination of healthy and delicious.<\/p>\n
I take guilt-free naps at 11am. I wake tousled and find myself happy. The creative energy I thought had forsaken me returns in delightful bursts. I laugh at silly banter until my sides hurt. I walk barefoot, letting my pasty toes soak up the soft sand, salt water and sun. I do not shy away from a wave that reaches up onto my linen slacks. For this is a place where anything is possible.<\/p>\n
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To book an incredible holiday experience at Thonga Beach Lodge visit www.thongabeachlodge.co.za<\/a>, or for inspiration to consider one of our other beautiful resorts, click on www.isibindi.co.za<\/a>.<\/p>\n Find out why our lodges are ideal for an extended family holiday, where you may even book out the whole lodge for an unforgettable experience: Give the Gift of Togetherness<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Definition: \u2018Preposterous\u2019 – contrary to reason or common sense, utterly absurd or ridiculous, outrageous, impossible, harebrained, balmy, laughable Holidays are not easily come by. First, there\u2019s all the work \u2013 the hard work before the holiday, saving enough money, finding the right gap in everyone’s schedules, getting enough done to take the time…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":6399,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[53,54,424,67,105,57,95,289,138,228,427,15,17,689],"yoast_head":"\n