natalia ilyin

The Southerners say that what you do on New Year's Day you'll do the whole year long. That's why, upon hearing a light tapping at the front door of the cottage, I'll push back crisp sheets, pad across the bamboo floor and open the door to pick up the breakfast tray. The sun will be warming whitewashed walls bright with bougainvillea. The breeze will rustle, faintly jasmine. They'll get my omelette right. I've mastered the espresso maker in the kitchen and island-roasted coffee waits on the shelf. Clambering back into down pillows and comforters, a fresh sheaf of magazines on one side, a pile of fresh croissants on the other, I'll sample both till the trainer taps on the door. A light workout by the plunge pool, a few laps, a luxurious massage, a little reading, a little tapping on the old computer keys, a stroll to dinner with friends and a walk in the balmy moonlight.... would it get tiresome the whole year long? Let's try it and see.