*I realise how fortunate/lucky I am*
My parents moved back to Spain (In a tiny house) a couple of years ago, so as it is now a short hop (As opposed to Mauritius where they lived in the interim) and flights can be about 7-10% of the cost, I've been trying to get over there as much as I can - within reason.
Unfortunately as things stand they are not able to get a proper cabled internet connection, but they have new neighbours both sides, so hopefully that might become an option soon - IF they can, I could take less leave, and work some days, or half days and spend a decent amount of time with them, but chew through less precious holiday time.
Also try and get some of the 'jobs' they need dong sorted whilst we are there, tidying, DIY, heavy stuff etc etc.
Last year I went over for a week in March, and the same in June, both times solo, though in June my brother had cycled over from Italy where he lives.
This year I am going over in March again, but this time with my daughter, for 8 days, and then I'm going back in June solo this time for 10 days I think it is, I absolutely adore properly hot weather, sunshine, and great roads - little could motivate me more.
In June we are also planning to borrow my dads car, bung the bikes in, and drive a shortish distance of less than 2 hours, to try and find some memorable climbs etc.
My brother is coming over again in June, and possibly his son (My nephew) might be able to make it as well, which would be awesome, as he also cycles.
I have bikes over there for me and my partner, so will be getting some cycling in both times - nothing fancy, just a basic rim braked alu framed Spesh, but with 11spd 105, so very competent and capable.
We also have friends who have recently moved over to Lucca in Tuscany, and offered us to stay when they went away last July/August.
They have offered the same for this year, and I'm 100% up for it, but my partner and daughter might want to do something different.
We drive down over a couple of days, take bikes, and of course the lack of any rental cost saves a ginormous amount of money, especially when you are approaching two weeks.
They do have a full office and fast broadband connection, so I could conceivably work from there for a few days to save holiday/extend the stay etc, considered it last year, but didn't go for it in the end.
