At Home and Away

Lalalaa! March 1st, my wedding anniversary, we’re off for a mini-holiday and I’m happy. So happy, in fact, that I feel a sudden urge to hula-hoop before hopping in the shower. So what if I’m in my nightie – who’s going to see? And, yes, since I’m now quite proficient at this hula nonsense, let’s pump up the volume – Lana Del Rey, in fact, Off to the Races, whilst I channel my inner Rihanna. Then - dear Lord - I get the feeling I am not alone. A male neighbour (not many of them about round here, I can assure you – but I’ve found one) is looking utterly traumatised by the horrible spectacle, so I gather up my hoop and make a dash for cover – not easy when you are wearing something resembling an enormous crinoline.

Luckily for me, Tom and I are off on our mini hols at The Quay  thanks to the girls and their partners. Deganwy in North Wales is a three hour drive away, meandering through the mountains and some very beautiful scenery. In some ways I’ve got a bit used to beautiful views, but the location of the Quay is truly stunning. The weather’s glorious too; we walk in the sunshine, swim in the hotel pool and round off the day with an excellent meal in the  restaurant. All the staff we encounter are friendly and helpful, but I am especially charmed by the lovely Spanish waiter who greets us at breakfast (which, incidentally, is truly delicious) with a cheery ‘Hello Couples!’

View of the Liver Building from inside the Tate

Since we’ve come all this way we’ve decided to pop over to Liverpool, a first-time visit for me. The drive up along the North Wales coast is fascinating and takes us through places like Llandudno which have previously only been names on maps to me. Reaching the Wirral, where we’ve booked into a Premier Inn, I’m delighted to spot Port Sunlight village. I’ve cited this in so many history essays as an example of Victorian philanthropism that it’s good to see it at last! In Liverpool we explore Albert Docks, visit the Tate, look at the shops… and bump into Tom’s brother… who lives in Surrey but is here on a business trip. Amazing!

We’ve packed a lot in, but one thing I forget to pack up as we leave is my make-up bag so I would like to say a huge thank you here to the amazing Pam at the Premier Inn Bromborough who sent it back to me First Class. Thanks, Pam – you’re a star!

And talking of stars, look at this lot; the 2012 RoNA winners including Choc Lit’s very own Christina Courtenay, winner of the RNA Historical Romantic Novel of the Year 2012 and Jane Lovering, winner of the RNA Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year 2012. Congratulations to all of them! And if you’d like to help decide who will win the overall prize of Romantic Novel of the Year – and be in the draw to win an iPad2 - you can vote here!