Sept 21 – 5 ways to keep your holiday memory alive (an oldie but a goodie!)
As I am writing this blog post I am sitting with a glass of red at a stunning resort in Bunker Bay, Margaret River area, WA. It is 4 years after we bought Halls Gap Lakeside Tourist Park. When people say, ohhh running a caravan park must be such a great lifestyle … think again! Don’t get me wrong, both Rohan and I LOVE what we are doing, but the fact that we decided not to just run the park but at the same time also fully renovate the park has meant we have just about worked 8 days a week for the last 4 years. Lets just say this 6 day break was well deserved. We always try to go away with just the two of us for a couple of days to celebrate our wedding anniversary, but this year we decided to go to Perth. 2days in Perth isn’t enough…so 6 days it was. We are lucky to be able to employ an amazing management team so we are now able to do so!
As I was sitting on the beach at Margaret River today, watching the kite surfers, feeling the wind on my face, with Rohans arms around me, sniffing the ocean breeze, I thought “how can I possible take some of this home, to relive these moments, to feel so free, relaxed, happy with no worries, kissed by the sun, embrassing live realising why we work so hard!
I find going on holidays so inspiring! My creative juices normally start flowing… I get the urge to write down my thoughts, put marketing strategies in place and implement some creative finishing touches to the business. Hence why I am writing this post now!
Back to the Grampians….
When we first got together 17 years ago, Rohan took me to Halls Gap. A beautiful place where his uncle lived as a district magistrate. He loved his bottle of red at on out visit, he said …if you ever want to get married you can do this at my place. We did about 1 year later and every time we drove to Halls Gap…at some spot on the Pomonal Ararat Rd I had that feeling that all my worries fell off my shoulders… A feel good feeling… Today 17 years on, I still haven’t been able to pinpoint where that feeling originates… Is it the strong cultural heritage, the awesomeness of the Mountains, the fresh air?
I have started bottling it up…
Unfortunately too often I meet people who are doing it a little harder then others. It is part of life and it is a harsh reality. For those I have been bottling Grampians air, so when you really really need to, you opened the bottle and sniff the air, with your eyes closed remembering the fabulous feeling you had when visiting the Grampians. Like the Lourdes water. I like to think the Grampians has healing powers!
Stimulate the 5 senses to keep your memories alive:
Hear: Australia is a big country and long distances are often driven to go travel to destinations. Make a music list and play it…I promise when back home, and you play that particular playlist, you will relive all those holiday memories!
Smell: Have you ever had a boy/girlfriend and a wore a particular perfume. Every time you smell that aftershave you think about that time with the boyfriend? Well the same for holidays… Whilst on holidays, buy a scented candle, one to travel with, one to use at home…I guarantee it will work!
Touch… seriously… a China fabricated kangaroo, or koala… why not spoil yourself with a cute pair of locally handmade earrings, a stunning scarf or a cute little porcelain dish. Something you love and seen in one of the local shops whilst on holidays! Every time you touch this, you will have a little smile on your face reminding yourself of the good times you had!
Taste: One of my favourites! When visiting a region it Is not unlikely you find local producers. Buy a bottle of red, some chocolate, olive oil, cheese or even a simple dukkah…. Great way of reliving those times!
See: Of course the obvious, photos, videos, and as I learned recently the old slide shows…yes apparently they are coming back in fashion! Or maybe not!
For now…. Enjoy planning your next holiday…and don’t forget to ask for you bottled Grampians Air when visiting Halls Gap Lakeside.