GETTING STARTED

So... in about a month's time I start my long awaited and eagerly anticipated 2-week holiday. It's been a challenging working year and I definitely felt the pressures of this working environment.


I decided not to take annual leave over the December 2011/January 2012 period for a few very noteworthy reasons:


1. Tourists
Every year over the December period, Cape Town is swamped with local and international tourists that come to annoy us natives with their kak driving skills. I was in no mood to deal with that for another year. I appreciate their contributions to our tourism industry. I am grateful for the money they generate for our local businesses and employees. 


I prefer not to have to deal with all of them.


2. School Holidays
Being on leave whilst the school holidays are ongoing can be a bit annoying at times, especially when you want to go to Ratanga Junction and all the queues for the rides are miles long. 


Also traffic into Town during the school holidays is a total breeze which makes coming to work while everyone else is on holiday more of a pleasure rather than a pain.


3. Festive season mayhem
I don't think I need to elaborate on this one. Everything is more expensive. Beaches are full and packed. Restaurants are always fully booked. Accommodation is 10x more expensive and not available. Traffic to beaches and anywhere else in Cape Town at night is a nightmare. Enough said.


and finally...


4. Our Company shutdown period
The Company I work for closes for the period just before Christmas and reopens just after New Year. I had a nice enough break from work to recharge and yet still enjoy my time off with friends and family.


So now the time approaches when I am going to take a real  holiday which starts on 20 February 2012. 

I just can't wait..