There is something to be said for living close to an airport. It took so much stress out of the start of this trip. No crack of dawn chaos, just a calm and relatively late departure. It set the tone.
Written by:
Justin Walton
Date:
May 27, 2025
There is something to be said for living close to an airport. It took so much stress out of the start of this trip. No crack of dawn chaos, just a calm and relatively late departure. It set the tone.
On arrival in Spain, we hired a car and set off for our destination. That drive, with its unfamiliar roads and surroundings, nudged my anxiety into action. I have learned over the years how to manage it, and this was one of those moments that needed every tool in the box. Not dramatic, just quietly challenging. The sort of thing that does not make it onto social media but still shapes a day.
Then the real holiday began. We dropped into the rhythm of Owners Week – the annual gathering of our community, filled with sport, social events and conversation. It is a highlight of our calendar. But even within the fun, there is always a little inner work going on. I often feel a sense of expectation in group settings like this, and I have to find my own way through that too.
Padel featured heavily again this year. We played a lot. Matches, socials, one-to-one coaching sessions… the lot. My wife and I played as a team and continued to learn more about the game, and each other. We had some closely fought league matches and some excellent moments on court, but also a couple of defeats by the narrowest of margins. Good sport, good company, and plenty of tactical learning along the way. Let us just say our bodies earned their rest.
Wendy finished top of the ladies’ standings in the tournament and was rightly awarded Best Lady in the padel competition at the end of week gala. It was a brilliant moment; a real boost to her confidence and a reflection of how far she has come with the sport over the past few years.
I didn’t do too badly either, I made it onto the second court and while I was delighted for her, I’ll admit the competitive part of me took a quiet note. Motivation for next year.
We even tried pickleball, which was new to me. It didn’t have quite the same pace or flow as padel, but it was fun and good to try something different.
Friends joined us for part of the trip and we made the most of that time including spa visits, long walks, good food, and some lovely evenings celebrating Wendy’s birthday. I also had the chance to pitch a new idea during the week. Early days, but interesting potential.
Outside the social time, I enjoyed some quieter moments: a brilliant read in The Kindness Project (written by a local financial planner, Chris, I know) and Mark Hoppus’s autobiography, which was a mix of wild success, tough setbacks and thoughtful reflection. Both reminded me in different ways what people are capable of, and what they go through behind the scenes.
We also watched a documentary about Avicii that was moving and left me deep in thought. He was such a talented individual who sadly lost his life far too young. It was a reminder of the quiet battles people face, and the importance of looking after ourselves and each other.
I was proud to be accepted onto the committee that helps run our local community in Spain. It is a nice opportunity to meet more people, get involved and bring a fresh perspective to how things run.
The AGM this year saw a changing of the guard. Our long-serving president stepped down and a new one was welcomed in. There was a lunch with fellow owners, a city trip to Murcia with tapas and local wines, and the gala dinner to close it all out. A great way to see the week out and catch people before they scatter again until next year.
Our daughter joined us for a few days; a last-minute trip that gave us some lovely time together. She flew back before us, and we dropped her off at the airport with hugs and thanks.
And then there was the football. We watched the FA Cup Final with friends. Crystal Palace took the win. Their first major trophy in almost 120 years. A great moment, made better by the winning goal coming from a former QPR player. A good reminder that persistence matters.
Speaking of football, Southend United made it to the National League play-off final at Wembley. A brilliant achievement, and a huge boost for the city. Their grit and determination have been inspiring this season.
The last few days were slower with a little admin in preparation for the next Business Uncorked event, one last social padel session (my body has let me know that’s enough… for now), and a final dinner with friends before heading home.
The weather on the last day turned. Delayed flights and a long evening of travel meant we returned later than planned, but it was good to be home. Seeing our son, his girlfriend and the dog brought the trip full circle.
Sometimes, the most valuable thing a holiday gives you isn’t time to plan, it’s time to pause. To reflect, recharge and reconnect. This break was less about strategy and more about being present in sport, in conversations, in community. And that, it turns out, was exactly what was needed.
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Justin Walton is an Executive and Financial Coach, and Consultant working in Essex and London. He writes regularly on financial well-being and brings his lived experience and professional expertise together to benefit clients and partners.
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