From one heartache to the next

This time two years ago I ended my marriage of 15 years, a week before my birthday. My husband and I lived in our apartment for another 12 months, finishing the renovations so it could go up for sale. I found a much smaller place in St Leonard’s on Sea, just five miles away, while my ex was planning to move back to his native France.

Meanwhile I was in relationship with a man I was besotted with. A man who would go on to repeatedly ghost me then leave me for another woman.

Fast-forward a year and we were finally due to exchange contracts on our flat. Only for the buyer to pull out at the last moment. I had to pay the fees for the flat I could no longer buy, along with the fees for the one we hadn’t sold. I had no work at the time, so it was a huge blow, both financially and emotionally.

It’s fair to say that life was overwhelming for both of us.

Gautier’s father had died unexpectedly during COVID and his mother had recently been diagnosed with cancer, and was undergoing brutal treatment with a bleak prognosis. We were both devastated, obviously him more than me. But I too was so stressed I was worried that I’d end up with cancer.

Guess what?

The unthinkable

Gautier had just left for France when I found a weird cocktail sausage-shaped swelling in my left breast whilst maneuvering myself into a new bikini. I was sent for a mammogram, scan and biopsies immediately after the consultant had examined me, and had a lumpectomy six weeks later.

Friends helped out post-surgery, but there was nobody to make me a cup of tea, give me a hug, do housework and make dinner. Each night I went to bed exhausted, scared and alone. I struggled physically and mentally for months, especially after radiotherapy. I was stuck in a flat I couldn’t sell, so I literally couldn’t move on with my life. And I found it hard to ask for help, so I didn’t.

I desperately needed a break before I broke.

Another article you may like: 10 things I wish I’d known about breast cancer – before I had it 

A change of scenery – the road to recovery

An all-inclusive hotel in Egypt’s Sharm-el-Sheik wouldn’t have been my first choice of destination. I was thinking more of Madeira or Menorca. However, a deal popped up for the Iberotel Redsina and the word ‘snorkeling’ jumped out at me.

I went bananas and booked a ‘swim-up’ room instead of the cheapest room, which is what the old me had always done. The sea appeared to be the same shade of blue as Paul Newman’s eyes. My body needed this like it needed oxygen.

Because it was summer and off-season – high season being spring or late autumn/winter – the resort was almost empty. I arrived at night, ordered room service and jumped straight in the pool outside my room. I swam under the soft white lights with no interruptions except the faint rustling of palm tree leaves as they swayed in the breeze.

The grounds are beautiful

There’s nothing but polite staff, beautiful flowers and palm trees everywhere you go. I felt very relaxed despite the 45-degree heat doing its best to floor me.

I’d sit cross-legged in the clear shallows playing with passing fish and little things that were like a cross between starfish and tarantulas (we held hands/tentacles)

The 60-minute deep tissue massage I treated myself to was the best I’d ever had, and I left the spa with some gorgeous Egyptian skincare products. The beach was two minutes’ walk from my room; the deep water accessed by a long jetty. I was in heaven the moment I jumped into the water.

In the main restaurant, giddy from such a vast choice of food from so many different cultures, I chose Egyptian (obvs). Dishes were beautifully cooked and bursting with flavour. I ate grilled red mullet and sardines, zesty tabbouleh, stuffed aubergines, perfectly dainty French-inspired patisserie, and about 87 different breads.

“Hello Miss Juliette, would you like to do yoga and Pilates each morning, outside in the shade?” Er, yes. After that I’d sit cross-legged in the clear shallows playing with passing fish and little things that were like a cross between starfish and tarantulas (we held hands/tentacles).

Facing phobias

I snorkeled for the first time. This was a huge deal since I have three lifelong phobias: anything covering my face, eels and the other things like eels beginning with ‘s’, and deep water. I had two panic attacks then went back in minus the snorkel, waving to beautiful blue and yellow fish as I swam along the coral. Still in panic mode, though, since I was in 40ft deep water and THERE MIGHT BE AN EEL. I don’t do things by halves.

At the zen pool I could sketch or read in peace while sipping ice-cold Sakara (Egyptian beer) with lemon. I dressed up for dinner each night and was happy to eat alone while I mopped my sweaty brow, insisting on eating outside – “I’m on holiday!” – rather than in the air-conditioned interior.

Four days later, despite a horrible flight, I came back a better, calmer version of myself. I’d been looked after, and I’d relished it. I wouldn’t recommend waiting until you get cancer to allow yourself that. But for me, I guess it was better late than never. Do go in October, though, won’t you?

www.jazhotels.com

Juliette Wills

Juliette writes about football, F1, fashion, health and interiors for national magazines and newspapers. She’s also Bexhill’s new Town Crier (true story!), runs a pet sitting sideline and heads up her own creative agency. If she’s not at home she’s in the sea

The post My cancer recovery: the charm of Sharm appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Now seeing the end of 2022, you’re probably looking at planning your trips for 2023. So, we’ve collected a round-up of the top 20 lifetime travel experiences to give you some inspiration. 

Before we start

Travel is back! The world is slowly starting to open again for some well-deserved travel experiences and adventures. Silver Magazine and Travel Department want to help you fall in love with travel again in 2022 and 2023.  Travel Department is delighted to offer readers of Silver Magazine an exclusive code to use on a fantastic range of 2022 & 2023 holidays. 

SAVE £75pp* on any holiday of 8 nights or more. Use promo code: SMAG75

SAVE £50pp* on any holiday of 7 nights. Use promo code: SMAG50

SAVE £25pp* on any holiday of 6 nights or less. Use promo code: SMAG25

If you have any questions, or would simply like to learn more about their wonderful destinations, why not give one of their brilliant team a call on 0117 911 7019

1. Iceland – See the Northern Lights

Iceland, the Land of Fire and Ice, is full of natural wonders and it offers one of the best opportunities to see the Northern Lights. Visit Iceland and see volcanic landscapes, breathtaking waterfalls and relax in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon.

2. Visit Lake Bled in Slovenia

Could there be a more postcard-perfect place than Lake Bled? Discover Slovenia and see its most iconic sight in the heart of the Julian Alps.

3. Take a Jeep Ride in Wadi Rum

This is one of the many highlights on a trip to Jordan. The Wadi Rum desert, or ‘The Valley of the Moon’, in Jordan is full of incredible rock formations and sand dunes. It was also used as a filming location for the classic film ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’

4. Experience an African Safari

A top travel experience in Africa is to search for the Big Five in Kariega Game Reserve in South Africa.

5. Go with the flow on a river cruise

Sail along the Danube, Rhine or Seine on a river cruise holiday; it’s one of the best and most relaxing ways to discover some of the highlights of Europe.

6. Visit La Alhambra

The UNESCO listed monument complex of La Alhambra, with its magnificent palaces, patios and gardens, is one of the best attractions in Spain to see.

7. Explore Old Havana in a classic American car

The classic 1950’s cars are famously associated with Cuba; from 1959 to 2013 there was an import ban on cars into the country. Havana’s official nickname is ‘Ciudad de la Columnas’ or the City of Columns, due to its Colonial architecture. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and we think on your Cuba holiday that the best way to explore this historic city is by vintage car!

8. See the mighty Iguazu Falls

There are a total of 275 waterfalls that make up the magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site Iguazu Falls. Discover this incredible wonder of nature on a guided Brazil and Argentina tour.

9. Step back in time to Ancient Egypt

The best way to see all the top sights in Egypt is to take a guided holiday. Visit the Pyramids of Giza before embarking on a cruise down the Nile and discover more historical treasure troves of Ancient Egypt, such Luxor and Aswan.

10. See Mount Teide

One of the highlights of Tenerife is Mount Teide, the third tallest volcanic structure in the world. The volcano is located in Teide National Park, which was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007.

11. Explore Valletta

On one of TD’s holidays to Malta, you can visit its capital Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage City due to its incredible historic buildings dating back to the 16th century. It’s one of Europe’s smallest capitals so it can easily be explored by foot.

12. Sail around Ha Long Bay

Hạ Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and stunning natural wonder, means “descending dragon” and is quite possibly one of the most beautiful places in the world. It’s just one of the many highlights of Vietnam.

13. See the Taj Mahal

A trip to India isn’t complete without visiting the mighty Taj Mahal. One of the new seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is a mausoleum in the Indian city of Agra. The Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan commissioned this iconic building to house the tomb of his favourite wife.

14. Go to the smallest country in the world

On a guided Rome holiday you can visit Vatican City, see St Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, where you will be amazed by Michelangelo’s most famous masterpiece.

15. Fjords of Norway

Explore the Fjords in Norway, the country’s stunning landscape has attracted tourists for many years, from the snow-capped mountains, glaciers to waterfalls. A cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nærøyfjord is an unforgettable experience.

16. Learn more about Ancient Greece

The land where civilisation began, a holiday in Greece can offer historical sites and archaeological wonders. See the Acropolis, an ancient citadel perched on a hilltop overlooking Athens and visit Thessaloniki, the cultural capital of Greece.

17. Admire the artwork in the Hermitage

It’s been estimated that it would take a visitor more than 10 years to view the entire art collection in the Hermitage Museum! On our guided tours to Russia, you can visit Moscow and St Petersburg; both of these cities are unique in their own way.

18. Enjoy a Pastel de nata in Lisbon

The Pastel de nata, a tasty pastry, was created in Lisbon! Portugal’s capital has a fascinating heritage, the city itself is extremely beautiful. With stunning pastel-coloured buildings, neoclassic architecture and mosaic-paved streets. It’s one of the best places in Portugal to visit.

19. Try your luck at Monte Carlo

The Monte Carlo Casino opened in 1863, making it 156 years old. You can enjoy a day trip to Monaco, one of the smallest countries in the world, and get a taste of glitz and glamour as part of a Cannes & the Côte d’Azur holiday.

20. Explore Pompeii

A visit to Pompeii will provide an incredible insight into Roman life. This ancient Roman city was buried and largely preserved under ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Enjoy a half day excursion to this fascinating site on TD’s Sorrento Coast, Pompeii & Capri tour.

About Travel Department

Silver Magazine chooses its partners very carefully, and Travel Department is no exception. With nearly 30 years’ experience perfecting tours to around 140 destinations worldwide, Travel Department’s escorted holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers, and guided tours. They carefully plan your trip, so you experience the best holiday highlights accompanied by a friendly local guide.

They offer a wide range of guided group holidays from city breaks or solo travel to active and adventure holidays (including walking, yoga and photography holidays) with their sister brand, TD active Holidays.

With multiple departure airports across the UK, you can fly from Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow in Scotland. In Northern Ireland they fly from Belfast (plus Dublin and Cork) and for passengers from the South they depart from Bristol and a range of London airports.

The mood is upbeat, friendly, and inclusive, where everyone feels welcome.

Travel Department’s escorted holidays typically include flights, accommodation, transfers, and guided tours. They carefully plan your trip, so you experience the best holiday highlights accompanied by a friendly local guide. With Travel Department you see more!

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Top 20 lifetime travel experiences appeared first on Silver Magazine.