I have a problem looming over me, so I thought that I would throw it open for discussion on this forum in the hope of finding a solution. Any help would be much appreciated. Here goes:
Every Easter, her Ladyship and I take a weeks activity break on the Isle of Madeira. We do lots of walking and climbing – you ain’t got much choice in Madeira, the only flat bit of ground houses the soccer stadium – and we thoroughly enjoy it.
Last year, 2 couples from my local pub elected to join us, so we went along with it, determined to do our own thing and maybe meet up in the evening. It was not to be so.
On day 1, both couples said that they would like to accompany us on a levada walk. I knew it was going to be gruelling, a good 6 hours stiff walking with a hired guide, none of it on flat ground. However they were not to be dissuaded and duly came with us. After an hour they were moaning and groaning, after 4 hours I thought that one of them was about to pass out, they were so exhausted. It was a nightmare.
The following day we went off on another trip, and to my surprise they came with us again. Same the next day and the next. Each time they all moaned like hell, but still wanted to be with us. It slowed us right down, I kept suggesting that we meet up in the evening, but no, they insisted on coming with us everywhere. I couldn’t understand why they kept coming, 2 of them could not even walk half a mile by the end of the week, they were so unfit.
When we returned, Her Ladyship and myself agreed that this Easter we would go again, but this time on our own. No way would the other 2 couples want to do that again!
Bugger me, if the other 2 couples haven’t just been and asked us if we intend to go to Madeira again this year! Now, no way am I doing this sort of thing with them ever again! But, we are just about to book the holiday, so how do I say yes, we are going to Madeira this Easter but we don’t want you to come with us?
Any ideas on how to get out of this one without falling out with our friends would be much appreciated.
Englishman
Nostalgia isn't what it used to be....