The boredom threshold of a gnat — An Elegant Sufficiency

We’re looking forward to a few days away shortly, heading for the spa town of Mariánské Lázně in Czechia. My Hero is working with our German music publisher friend Volker and his son, recording engineer Johannes, on the first recording of an opera written by their “pet composer”, Joachim Raff. Whilst they are busy during the day, Volker’s wife Sabine and I will have time to relax and to enjoy being in this rather lovely spa town.

We have been here before, when in 2009 we did a European Road Trip with Edward, staying in the rather larger spa town of Karlovy Vary nearby and visiting Mariánské Lázně whilst in the area. I remembered the elegant arcades, the well-tended gardens and the coffee shops and I look forward to spending time there. There’s just one challenge: I have the boredom threshold of a gnat.

Much as I like the idea of sitting around all day watching people pass by, I know that I will soon be fidgety. No worries, though, because we’re staying in a spa hotel, where there’s not one, but two swimming pools to enjoy. Whilst I doubt that either will be large enough to complete my usual laps, I will enjoy being in the water and doing what I can. Failing that, there’s a municipal swimming pool not far away - no excuses then!

So, I’ve packed my FitBit, my swimming costume and my goggles, together with the swimming hat I needed at the Nerone spa in Italy recently, just in case.

I charged my Finis Duo fully and packed the charger too, because, as I have already said, I am easily bored and having music to listen to as I swim makes it a little more interesting.

When we’re on a cruise, I usually pick up one of the needlepoint kits to work on and have completed quite a few of them over the years. This last cruise was rather port intensive however and I barely got started on it. So I packed that as well.

Oh and my knitting. My Hero loves his handknitted socks and I always have a pair on the go. Yes, I knit two socks at once, because the second sock syndrome is real.

I usually take along a basic art kit with me, thinking that this time, I might actually manage to paint and draw a little more than I usually do. We’ll see how that pans out, eh? I’ve got a small new sketchbook in the bag anyway.

And my earbuds of course.

Finally, I have the latest title on my book group list - rather curious, that one. Plus, of course, all those other books on my Kindle app that are awaiting my attention.