WITH no foreign holiday on the horizon, Christine and I were delighted when Raymond suggested we join him on a walking holiday in Andalucía.

 

"You'll love it." He enthused.

"The scenery is amazing."

And since we have been thoroughly enjoying our walking days around Scotland, we agreed that this was a great idea.

"We can hire a car and travel to Cadiz, Granada or even drive to Seville." Raymond continued.

"There are so many fantastic walks, you'll be spoilt for choice."

And I thought to myself. I've never been much of a sun worshiper, so sitting around sunbathing all day has never really my thing, therefore a walking holiday sounded like a refreshing change.

"I can't sit still for more than five minutes either." Christine agreed.

"And this way we can keep fit while enjoying the sunshine."

We smiled at each other excitedly at the thought of experiencing something completely different.

"I've never been on an activity holiday." said Christine.

"I can't wait."

Thursday evening and my two holiday buddies arrived at my house to plan our five day itinerary of activities.

After the first 10 minutes of polite chit chat, we finally got down to business.

Spreading his array of Spanish maps and guide books all over my sitting room carpet, Raymond was enthusiastically getting into his tour guide mode.

"The views from the Balcony of Europe in Nerja are amazing," he enthused

"There are hundreds of miles of rocky trails and we can cross the Roman bridges or view the amazing waterfalls and visit the stunning olive groves."

We studied the pictures for a better look as Raymond continued.

"I've had a good think about it, and I suggest for our first day we take it slowly and begin with a two to three hour walk in the mountains."

Christine and I stared at each other, and the long silence obviously concerned Raymond slightly because he asked.

"So what sort of distance did you both have in mind for your first day?"

"Well." I got my bit in. "To be honest Raymond. Not too far to begin with. I mean, we've got to think of the temperature in June."

I was concerned for my pale skin, but even more so my fitness level.

"Yep." Christine was quick to butt in.

"It'll be at least 28 degrees."

"Fair enough."

Raymond thought we were being practical.

"Perhaps we will start will a shorter walk," he offered.

"I am looking forward to walking Raymond, but........." declared Christine.

"There's no way I'm lugging those big bulky walking boots on holiday," she was adamant.

"And they'll take up half of my 10k baggage allowance."

"That's true." I confirmed. Not having given a thought to the practicalities of walking abroad.

"You could always wear them travelling," Raymond foolishly suggested.

"Wear them?" We squawked in unison. "Don't be daft."

"Raymond." Christine was now in teacher mode. "There isn't a hope in hell that we are wearing big ugly walking boots at the airport. Who knows who we could bump into?"

Shaking his head, he continued with ideas for our Andalucía activity break.

"Well, we can change the itinerary to suit," Raymond was taking notes.

"What about snorkelling," was the next activity on his list.

"It will be brilliant. I know the perfect spot."

"Raymond," I shook my head, "I did tell you I can't swim."

Oh...

"And." Added Christine. "The salty sea water doesn't bode well with my bleached blonde hair."

Oh....

"Raymond, we're not really into extreme sports."

"I suppose kayaking is out of the question then?"

No reply.

"Parasailing?"

Silence ensued for what seemed like ages before a dejected looking Raymond broke the hush.

"Why don't we hire some bikes?" Raymond's planned activity break was becoming much more stressful that he had first anticipated.

Attempting to meet him half way, Christine and I looked at each other for confirmation before nodding in agreement at his cycling suggesting.

Until ...

"I've actually got a bit of a dodgy knee."

"Oh...."

"Perhaps we should play that one be ear Raymond," Christine suggested.

Giving in to submission Raymond folded up his many maps before ...

"The beaches are gorgeous girls. Why don't we just go for long walks along the beach and stop off for some sangria and paella?"

We both smiled and I thought, "That's the first sensible suggestion he's has come out with all night."