the full Hamptons experience

we were super lucky to have been invited by one of the boy's colleagues to their place in Sag Harbour in the Hamptons. for those of you who don't know, the Hamptons is where the rich go and holiday in the summer. apparently, the streets of East Hampton is lined with designer shops despite being a tiny village.

our hosts live in the beautiful big house on the edge of a reserve, meaning that the cicadas chirped and we were surrounded by trees. the living room had the most beautiful floor to ceiling window. it was so incredibly relaxing and peaceful.

 our visit started with yummy lobster rolls and then lazing beside the pool in the beautiful weather. then we had a truly Hamptons experience when we tagged along to a neighbours house party.

 it was like the guests could smell we were poor - OK, not poor, but just not as rich as them. the house had recently been done up and it was a house out of living etc. magazine. the walk- in closet of the master bedroom had an island, for Pete's sake. and the Manolos were on display in custom built shelving. the house was just gorgeous.

the crunch came when the Boy and I tried to join in a conversation. the participants were talking about their kids and the school they go to whilst the Boy and i just looked on feeling lost and every inch the outsiders we were. fortunately, our host came to save the day. 'what are we talking about? oh, Avenue? the private school where the fees are $50,000 a term?' the group fell into an awkward silence and I just wanted to hug him.

we were joined by another couple later that afternoon, the son of a big hitter back in the day. his girlfriend was super glamorous and made me feel like I had to get out of my beach wear, for sure. still not very glamorous in my $60 dress but respectable at least.

dinner was delicious with yet more lobster in a pasta, saffron and cream sauce, oyster bloody Mary shooters and chocolate brownies. entirely too much in the way of food, beverages and pastries were consumed yesterday. fitbit is having a heart attack.

today was entirely more laid back with a jaunt to the local beach. a five-minute walk away is the bay beach, where we lay with three other groups of people on the serenely quiet beach. the boats, kayaks and paddle boards just floated on by. bliss. and of course, we were able to use the clubhouse as our hosts were members. I could get used to this.

our hosts were amazing, 'mi casa es such casa' was the phrase of the weekend. we helped ourselves to whatever was in the fridge and vegged out as if it were our own home. we were going to go kayaking but ran out of time as we were gassing too much.

 what have we learnt this weekend? we are in a supremely privileged position to be guests in a foreign land.  Americans want to show you the best of their country and their generous hospitality. it doesn't matter what country you are in, when you are a foreigner, there is always a new experience and something new to learn. I so blessed. secondly, always travel on the ambassador coach to the Hamptons rather than the normal Jitney. it may be $17 more but so worth it.