Latest news with #holiday
The Guardian
12 hours ago
- General
- The Guardian
The kindness of strangers: when my period arrived, a lifeguard quietly put a towel around me
It wasn't my first period, but it was within the first year of getting my period. I was only 13 years old and, when you first start menstruating, you never know when your next period is going to arrive. I was away on holiday with my family, playing in the hotel pool with some new friends I'd just met. There was definitely a boy there I fancied. At one point, I hopped out of the pool and suddenly this lifeguard, who must have only been 15 or 16 himself, walked straight up, put a towel around me and said really quietly in my ear, 'You need to go to the bathroom.' I looked down and realised why: my period had started. That was it. He said nothing more. Not even my twin sister, who was also in the pool, had any idea what had happened. He was that subtle about it. If he hadn't done that, it likely would have destroyed my entire holiday. You can just imagine the humiliation of having met a group of cool teenagers you're trying to impress and suddenly you've got blood running down your legs. This was the 1980s – they would have pointed at me and laughed! I will always be grateful to that lifeguard. I've always wished that I could go online and find this boy to thank him – or thank his mother more than anything, as she clearly taught him perfect manners. He somehow knew not to make a big deal of it, and how not to embarrass me. It was just done so beautifully. I now have two sons myself and I've always said to them, if you ever see a stain on a girl's dress, take off your jumper, put it around her waist, tell her she needs to go to the bathroom and never mention it again. That day also showed me that kindness doesn't have to be big, sweeping 'look at me' gestures – the smallest acts can be the most impactful. From making your day to changing your life, we want to hear about chance encounters that have stuck with you. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. If you're having trouble using the form click here. Read terms of service here and privacy policy here
Telegraph
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The Midults: We're going on holiday with another couple – and I fancy the wife
Dear A&E, My wonderful wife and I are going on a summer holiday, as we have for the last eight years, with some very good friends who live in our village. This year it's Greece. The children are at university and doing their own thing, so it's just the four of us – all very happily married – which would be very relaxing had I not, over the last six months or so, developed very intense feelings for the woman – who is not my wife. It started with me just noticing her sparkle, and now I can't stop thinking about her, and she is flirting back, so it's exciting. I am both thrilled and terrified about this holiday. It's too late to cancel – everyone will think I'm mad. - In A Sweat Dear In A Sweat, We are in a sweat just reading your letter. There's presumably a brilliant, therapeutic response to your situation. Warning: this is not going to be a therapeutic response, although we highly recommend that you seek some therapy to – perhaps – examine why and how these feelings came to be and to put some damage limitation in place. But we are not therapists, and so we are going to start by saying this: get a grip, man. Nothing good can come of this. Yes, you've got an empty nest and yes, you are in a certain midlife danger zone (whether or not one subscribes to the existence of that zone, you are in it) and, yes, familiarity can breed the very opposite of contempt but have a very strict word with yourself and proceed with extreme caution. Crushes happen. They are completely normal and strike at the most unexpected and inconvenient times. They can be directed at a complete stranger or at someone we have known all our lives. They do not make sense, just as we do not make sense. As for the 'rules' of attraction? Well, we know by now that there are no rules. We exist at the mercy of our hormones and our own good sense. Or lack thereof. If we avoided every single person whom we were remotely attracted to, then we would be totally isolated. Part of platonic friendship is the fizz and the fun of the harmless flirt – 'harmless' being the operative word. But we must be careful that crushes do not blossom into inappropriate obsessions. They will usually (not always) be only as dramatic as we allow them you be. And so, your talk of 'thrill' and 'terror' could do with some de-oxygenation. We say 'usually' because there is, of course, the odd, rare, apocryphal take about affairs that no one ever finds out about or even lifelong love stories forged in the fire of each other's marriages to other people. But they are hen's teeth. And we are too old for 'forbidden fruit' titillation, are we not, In A Sweat? Don't you agree? Is this woman really flirting back? Or is she being playful because you are, at this point, like a brother to her? Stop it and show some respect for your marriage, her marriage and yourself. Nothing good will come of this or, at least, the chances of great love triumphing over destruction are infinitesimally slender. It will be grubby rather than epic. Sad, rather than glorious. These things happen but for goodness' sake, be honest with yourself and keep your eyes open. Don't enable your own crisis. And remember that often one's fantasies do not – when it comes down to it – match one's desires. Just because you might get all hot and heavy in your own head about, say, being tied up by a stranger, doesn't mean you wouldn't call the police if someone attempted it. It is never too late to cancel. If you genuinely think that this holiday could imperil your marriage or your sanity, then you know what to do. That said, saying, ' I can't go to Greece because I am dangerously attracted to Cynthia,' is clearly unwise. Focus on your wonderful wife. Reignite the sparkle in her. Remember that she is a precious thing that needs nurturing. As are you. As is your marriage. 'Do you know what? Let's go away just the two of us, instead. The children have gone. We have the money. Let's drink too many martinis, swim naked under the moon and have some shouty sex.' Or your version of the aforesaid. She may be astonished. Woo her. They may be outraged. Pay them back the deposit (in instalments, if need be) and sail off into the summer with the woman who loves and trusts you. How absolutely sexy is that?
The Sun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Fashion fans are racing to Primark for ‘gorgeous' new £16 skirt that's ‘perfect' for holidays and will hide your mum tum
SHOPPERS are racing to get to their nearest Primark store, desperate to nab a 'gorgeous' new skirt that's brilliant for summer. Not only is it purse-friendly, but it's 'perfect' for warm days and holidays too. 5 5 5 And if that wasn't enough, you're sure to be left beaming when you find out that thanks to the high-waisted design, it will hide your mum tum in an instant. But you'll need to move fast if you want to get your hands on this head-turning maxi skirt, as shoppers are going wild for it after Love Island legend Cara Delahoyde posted it on social media. Posting on Instagram, the mum-of-two shared a 'little holiday inspo', as she styled the Paula Echevarria Printed Maxi Skirt with a white crop top, crossbody bag and a pair of brown sandals. Cara looked insane in the relaxed, straight silhouette skirt, which is priced at just £16. Not only does it look fabulous, but according to Primark bosses, you'll be able to 'make every day dressing feel effortless' with this printed skirt. The skirt is part of Paula Echevarría's new collection and is designed with a high-waisted fit that 'skims the body for a relaxed feel'. The all-over leaf-inspired print elevates any styling and according to those at Primark, is 'perfect for brightening up your everyday look'. While this skirt looks fabulous when paired with a cropped top, as Cara has shown, it's also ideal when styled with tucked in tees or light knits. So whether you're heading to brunch or strolling on holiday, this skirt is one you won't want to miss. Sizes range from an XS to an XL, making it suitable for a variety of different body shapes, and while you'll find it in Primark stores nationwide, you can also order it from the chain's new Click & Collect service. 'I need it all ASAP!' fashion fans gasp as Primark prepares to drop new summer range, including a 'beach bag of dreams' And if you really want an outfit that's going to impress, you'll need to get your hands on the matching Paula Echevarría Satin Button-Up Shirt, which is also just £16. The Instagram clip, which was posted on Cara's official account @ cara_delahoyde, has clearly impressed many, as it has quickly racked up 375,000 views. Why Primark is great for looking expensive on a budget By Clemmie Feildsend, Fabulous Fashion Editor AS someone who's no stranger to grabbing a last-minute outfit from Primark for a night out, it's about time that celebrities started catching on too. For as long as I've been heading out, Primark has been my go-to for those 'I have nothing to wear' moments, rushing in at the last minute to find something perfect. And I'm definitely not alone - on any Friday or Saturday night, you'll find plenty of shoppers doing the same thing, right before closing time. But no matter what, Primark always delivers. Now, Rita Ora is leading the charge, showing that you can snag a designer-worthy look without spending a fortune at high-end stores. While Rita's not rushing in last minute for a red carpet outfit, she's proving you can achieve the same high-impact style for much less. Looking stunning in her tailored suit alongside her mum Vera, Rita fit right in among the other A-listers dripping in Prada, Dior, and Victoria Beckham - if anything, she looked even better than some of the guests at The Fashion Awards. With Myleene Klass and Roxy Horner already jumping on the Primark bandwagon, I'm sure more stars will be following suit soon enough. Not only this, but it's also amassed 2,958 likes and 69 comments. One person said: 'I have this skirt, and I love it! Looks amazing on you.' Another added: 'Love this skirt.' Top Primark summer buys IF you're looking for more Primark summer buys, then you've come to the right place. Shoppers have recently been raving about the new Miffy PJs from Primark. Others were desperate to nab the new leopard print nightwear. If animal print is your thing, you'll want to check out the new maxi skirts. The haltnerneck tops are perfect for summer. If you're on a budget, these trousers are identical to a pair from Zara, but without the hefty price tag. There's brilliant travel essentials for less than £10. And if you plan on heading to the beach, you won't want to miss these crochet bags. A third commented: 'Off to Primark.' Meanwhile, one fashionista beamed: 'That skirt is STUNNING.' Not only this, but another Primark shopper beamed: 'I'm def gonna hunt the skirt down.' Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aussie campsite 'more expensive than a three-bedroom house' as major change looms
An eye-opening example of the proposed new camping fees in NSW national parks shows how Aussie families will be expected to fork out almost $700 for a week-long camping trip during the school holidays. The shocking increase has experts fearing it will bring family traditions to an end, and rule out camping as the cheap holiday option that it once was. Adventurer and filmmaker Mike Atkinson, also known as Outback Mike, explained in a video to his followers that under the proposed changes, a campsite in high season would cost $679 per week. Comparatively, he found a three-bedroom house for rent just outside the national park that is listed at $600 a week. 'The main reason I was making that comparison is that someone is renting out this house and making a profit with all of the infrastructure and building that's gone into a house, and all National Parks has done is clear a patch of ground and put some dunnies and some facilities nearby,' Mike told Yahoo News. He also counted 89 campsites on the map, and concluded that a fully booked campsite would create more than $55,000 in revenue in just one week. Mike believes if the changes go through, there's no going back. 'It's never going to get cheaper after this,' he said. 'It'll block a whole bunch of people out that just will never be able to afford it. And it will also just discourage young people. Basically anyone who's not middle class with spare cash will really struggle to camp, so it'll just be a trend that less people camp, and it's for rich people or middle class. It'd be devastating, really, for a lot of people. 'It'll affect your kids your grandkids and everything. So it's really important.' The proposal will categorise all campsites into six tiers based on the facilities available, with each tier being more expensive. A simple clearing with no facilities will remain free, while campgrounds from tier 2 to tier 5 (which make up 85 per cent of sites) will range from $22 per night in high season for the most basic campground to $65 for sites that have water and access to a flushable toilet. The top campsites, tier 6, which have hot showers and BBQ facilities, will cost $89 per night. Campsite charges would also be linked to the consumer price index, meaning they'll increase annually. Seasonal pricing will also apply, with higher rates during peak periods and cheaper fees in the off-season. It would mark the first major fee update since 2017. Last week, the chance for residents to have their say about the controversial changes came to an end, with more than 23,000 submissions made. While it has caught the attention of politicians, Mike feels like it's still not enough and has now launched a new ePetition that residents of NSW can sign to keep momentum going. In the petition, Mike is pushing to keep camping affordable for all Australians and calls for three key changes: The NSW Government should fund national parks adequately instead of relying on camper fees Booking systems for campgrounds that did not have one prior to Covid should be removed An increase in the number of campsites commensurate with park visitation Once an ePetition has more than 20,000 signatures, it must be mentioned in Parliament. Mike is hoping for as many as possible, and said he would be thrilled to see 100,000 signatures. The motion is being backed by Nationals MP Scott Barrett, who said it is essential that national parks are 'accessible to as many people as possible'. 'They're everyone's assets, not just the top echelon,' he told Yahoo News. 'Everyone should be able to get into a national park, stay there the night, light a fire, roll out a swag and enjoy some of the best country that this state has to offer.' Mr Barrett recently spent six months with his family travelling around Australia with camper trailer where he stayed in national parks, and says this fight 'is personal'. 'We should be encouraging people to get out into these areas, not making it out of reach of a lot of people,' he said. If you're a NSW resident who is interested in signing the petition, you can find it here. It will remain open until August 21, 2025. Last week, NPWS assured Yahoo News "all feedback will be carefully considered" now the feedback window has closed, and "consistency and equity" for campers remains at the forefront of what authorities are trying to achieve. "No decisions have been made on the proposal," the NPWS spokesperson said. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
The Sun
a day ago
- Health
- The Sun
Michael Mosley's wife Clare speaks out about his shocking death last year in Greece
THE wife of tragic telly doctor Michael Mosley has spoken out about his shocking death - saying he collapsed after wandering off because 'he got bored'. Clare Mosely, 63, said husband Michael, who died while holidaying in Greece last June, told her he was going exploring and agreed to meet her back at their villa. The daytime TV regular, 67, was found dead days after going missing while on a walk on holiday on the Greek island of Symi amid intense 37C temperatures last summer. In her first interview, Clare told the Daily Mail: 'We'd only been there for half a day before it happened…typically, Michael got bored. 'He wasn't enjoying his book and he doesn't really like lying on beaches so he said, 'I'm going exploring. I'm off for a walk'. 'He agreed to meet us back at our friends' villa. 'I gave him my litre bottle of water and in his rather eccentric way, he had an umbrella to shield him from the sun. It was 1.30pm and he was given instructions on where to walk. 'He set off at a good pace, his rucksack on his back, up a steep hill. He hadn't brought his phone because he didn't want to risk it getting wet on the boat.' Clare said that she got concerned when he failed to return and that when she reported him missing the police told her they couldn't do anything as he needed to have been gone for 48 hours. She added: ''Feeling things weren't right, we went to the police station and reported him missing. The police said, 'We can't do anything about it until he's been gone for 48 hours'. 'I said, 'What, in this heat?' It was 40 degrees, the hottest day for decades. 'I had to push really hard, but finally they agreed to get a local search-and-rescue team out, then we went to the little hospital, but there was no sign of him there.' Reason why Dr Michael Mosley made ill-fated decision to leave phone before doomed walk revealed in cause-of-death update Michael's body was finally found by journalists, including one from The Sun, just 100 yards from the safety of a restaurant and 150 yards from a spot searched by a 100-person rescue team only days earlier. Clare, who married Michael in 1987, called him "my wonderful, funny, kind and brilliant husband". 1
