At the weekend I got to spend some time in the wilds of New Zealand at what the locals call a batch (I am still not sure of the correct spelling, I suspect the "t" to be superfluous)
For the uninitiated out there, a batch, is a prized Kiwi tradition, where families return to a favoured spot year after year to spend quality time with family and friends.
Usually located out of the way (middle of nowhere), they are clusters of huts that resemble, well let's be honest, shanty-shacks that appear to have been put together with leftover materials and a lot of enthusiasm, fuelled by beer.
A step up from a tent, a step down from glamping, they occupy a treasured piece of many kiwi hearts as they are typically "off-grid" and set in stunning areas where no-one else would ever consider building
As a result, they have limited power, unreliable water supplies, chemical toilets and if you are really lucky, no phone coverage
The end result is a weekend cooped up with the kids and no distractions.
It was striking how often the adults (myself included) still got the phones out to check on the world despite knowing that there was no way of finding out the fear of missing out (FOMO) writ large - personally, I think FOMO is a misnomer, and it is actually the fear that the world might just be perfectly capable of getting on without you that scares people more - not so easy to turn into an acronym though.
It was a great weekend, good to get outside and watch the latest craze in wind surfing - inflatable wings and hydro-foils which looks really cool, but doesn't get around the everpresent issue of middle aged men in neoprene; hiking (tramping); biking and spending time getting away from it all with your mates, and not worrying about where the kids have run off to.
It was great, and getting away from it all, turning your phone off every now and then is to be heartily recommended
Stay safe, play well, and next you play, try leaving your phone in the car
Steve
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