For the first time in 4 years, I finally get to be a tourist for a while!
By James72
@James72 (26790)
Australia
August 6, 2009 10:57am CST
And I'm pretty damn excited to tell you the truth! For those of you that don't know me, I've been living and working in a number of different countries over the last few years. I've also traveled a LOT for my work over that time too and most of the trips were international; but it's been business all the way. Apart from a day in London where I ran screaming from a conference just so I could have a walk around, in all these countries I've been to, I've never truly had the chance to drop everything and take off somewhere to see the sights.
Well all this changes next week because my Wife and I are heading to a resort on the Red Sea for 3 nights. It's only a short trip, but it's something! 
I get to laze around like a lazy bugger and most importantly I get to SWIM! I haven't swam for over 2 years or set foot on a beach in that time either. 
I may just never come back! lol. Well, I have to, but still!
I'm not sure what the heck I'm asking here? I guess I'm just excited more than anything else and wanted to share this. Hmmmmm, when was your last holiday then? Where was it? Do you holiday often? Me, I go once every 4 years or so! 
I get to laze around like a lazy bugger and most importantly I get to SWIM! I haven't swam for over 2 years or set foot on a beach in that time either. I may just never come back! lol. Well, I have to, but still!
I'm not sure what the heck I'm asking here? I guess I'm just excited more than anything else and wanted to share this. Hmmmmm, when was your last holiday then? Where was it? Do you holiday often? Me, I go once every 4 years or so! 9 people like this
22 responses
@sblossom (2168)
•
6 Aug 09
i'm really jealous with you. I wish i can visit the Red Sea one day. I like traveling, but because my husband has to work and his holiday is limited, of course the most important reason is the money lack, so we just took short holiday in the uk.
my last holiday was in Devon for 7 days. I visited a few beautiful places. I was told Devon has a typical English view.
This year we plan to visit Scotland. The highland and lake district made me excited.
happy mylotting.
3 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
I hope you get the chance to see it one day too then. 
This will be the first time for me to see it up close, so I;m really looking forward to it. I hear you on the finances front too as getting away isn't cheap and we also all have other responsibilities we have to take care of. Devon looks like a gorgeous part of the UK and from the pictures I've seen of it, it does have wonderful landscapes! Scotland sounds and looks great too and I'm happy to hear that you're excited about going there. 
This will be the first time for me to see it up close, so I;m really looking forward to it. I hear you on the finances front too as getting away isn't cheap and we also all have other responsibilities we have to take care of. Devon looks like a gorgeous part of the UK and from the pictures I've seen of it, it does have wonderful landscapes! Scotland sounds and looks great too and I'm happy to hear that you're excited about going there. 1 person likes this
@skyhss (1142)
• United States
6 Aug 09
YAY! have fun, don't forget your floaties.
i usually drive to Montana with my mom every year but she flew up this year so i didn't get to go. i love getting out of the desert for a few days and see things like trees grass and rivers with real running water in them.
i love getting out of the desert for a few days and see things like trees grass and rivers with real running water in them. @James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
She FLEW up? Man she must be sore and tired! 
lol. I'd love to go see rivers too and I'd especially like to go rafting or canoeing! I haven't forgetten floaties, don't worry. Well, it's actually a a blow up doll, but I've taped over all the holes so I think I'm good to go. 
lol. I'd love to go see rivers too and I'd especially like to go rafting or canoeing! I haven't forgetten floaties, don't worry. Well, it's actually a a blow up doll, but I've taped over all the holes so I think I'm good to go. 1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
6 Aug 09
My last holiday if it can be called that was about 4 years ago when I went to New Mexico and helped my mom pack up and move back to Kentucky..was there a month..no site seeing though..unless you include on the way there when I wasn't trying to keep my then 4 year old sister occupied. It is great that your taking a holiday even if it is a short one. It is well deserved for sure.Glad you will be able to get some swimming in..only thing I have been in is my little sisters swimming pool that is only 22 inches 6x10 and no swimming involved. So go have fun and relax..
2 people like this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
6 Aug 09
Well, Don't forget the sunblock or won't be much fun after that first day..might be burned red as a lobster. Last time I was in a pool I stayed for hours..even after my skin turned all pruney..cause I enjoyed it so much and it had been so long.. I had the chance to go swimming mid-July at my moms preachers pool party/cookout that I was invited to. But I wasn't feeling well and stayed in bed most the day...the cats got to the wade pool so it is fizzled almost flat..need to find patches again..be the 6th one..who says cats don't like water? My neighbors cats won't stay off the little pool. But at any rate we don't get into the back yard as much since they was a copperhead back there 2 weeks ago..which we weren't able to get...and hubby says no to moving the pool out front.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
That sucks to be feeling sick when all this stuff is going on. Tomorrow I'll be buying sunblock, a hat and some swimming shorts! It's extremely sunny where I'm going and I don't want to end up a lobster, that's for sure. I've already had skin cancers cut out of me too, so I need to be careful.
Tomorrow I'll be buying sunblock, a hat and some swimming shorts! It's extremely sunny where I'm going and I don't want to end up a lobster, that's for sure. I've already had skin cancers cut out of me too, so I need to be careful.@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
4 years for you too Becca? Another thing in common! It does sound like it was a busy time of it for you back then though. I'm so excited about the swimming I can hardly even describe it! I've always loved the water and it's been such a long time. Yes it's only short, but hopefully it'll be long enough for me to unwind and come back refreshed. I really do need to relax a bit at the moment. I'd be happy with your little Sister's swimming pool too by the way! Even a paddle would do me!
It does sound like it was a busy time of it for you back then though. I'm so excited about the swimming I can hardly even describe it! I've always loved the water and it's been such a long time. Yes it's only short, but hopefully it'll be long enough for me to unwind and come back refreshed. I really do need to relax a bit at the moment. I'd be happy with your little Sister's swimming pool too by the way! Even a paddle would do me! 1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
6 Aug 09
Got yer bucket and spade packed? 
Te last time Ihad a holiday is decades ago. Everytime I get free time from work I pop back to mother in UK - not what I call a holiday but that's what I feel is the right thing to do at the moment
Is there some sort of national holiday that means your work willbe closed at that particular time?
Te last time Ihad a holiday is decades ago. Everytime I get free time from work I pop back to mother in UK - not what I call a holiday but that's what I feel is the right thing to do at the moment
Is there some sort of national holiday that means your work willbe closed at that particular time?2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
Oh crap, I KNEW I'd forgotten something! My Mum ducks back to the UK to see my Nanna every couple of years too, so I can relate to what you're saying here. No, there's no National holiday here next week, but Ramadan starts a week or so after. I desperately need to do this and get away before I jump off something, so I made a snap decision this week!
My Mum ducks back to the UK to see my Nanna every couple of years too, so I can relate to what you're saying here. No, there's no National holiday here next week, but Ramadan starts a week or so after. I desperately need to do this and get away before I jump off something, so I made a snap decision this week! 1 person likes this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
6 Aug 09
You'll be able to jump off the diving boards there
Guess you make a big S P L A S H just like you do here too!
Guess you make a big S P L A S H just like you do here too! 2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
Apparently ou can hire a canoe type boat and paddle out to a reef, so I reckon they do! There's a private beach and everything! The best thing of all is that the Hotel is completely isolated and I'm so looking forward to the quiet. It's damn noisy where I live.
There's a private beach and everything! The best thing of all is that the Hotel is completely isolated and I'm so looking forward to the quiet. It's damn noisy where I live. 2 people like this
@hotsummer (13837)
• Philippines
6 Aug 09
i know how awful it feels to have the chance to go to other country but was not able to go out of your place and go around and explore the sights of the city or the place. it is good that you are able to have some sight seeing now as you were dreaming. i have not been in other countries except in singapore which i believe where you are from. i get to see your place or country but not as much as i want to so there are still lots of places i have not seen. hope to be back there soon.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
I'm not from Singapore and was actually born in Hong Kong. I've been to Singapore many, many times before though and could practically find my way around the airport blindfolded! lol. People think it must be so glamorous to be going to different countries, but if it's only for work, the novelty does wear off very fast. This will be a wonderful change for me and hopefully it won't be another 4 years before I do it again! I hope you too get to explore the world sooner rather than later!
I've been to Singapore many, many times before though and could practically find my way around the airport blindfolded! lol. People think it must be so glamorous to be going to different countries, but if it's only for work, the novelty does wear off very fast. This will be a wonderful change for me and hopefully it won't be another 4 years before I do it again! I hope you too get to explore the world sooner rather than later! @hotsummer (13837)
• Philippines
6 Aug 09
yeah it is not exciting to visit other country if it just for work. but i still hear from some people that they get to explore the country when their purpose was work . i guess they were given some days to explore the country like on weekends they will not have any work . anyways, hopefully you will have that always like twice a year. i will want to explore hong kong. it is a beautiful country. just give me a tip. it is not that expensive to go hong kong from philippines. there are lots of budget airlines actually now.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
Hong Kong to the Philippines is very reasonably priced actually! Unfortunately most of the business trips I've taken have been overnight stays only, so there's very little time to do anything but attend the meeting, go back to the hotel and then fly back. I do hope you get the chance to visit Hong Kong one day because it's a beautiful city!
Unfortunately most of the business trips I've taken have been overnight stays only, so there's very little time to do anything but attend the meeting, go back to the hotel and then fly back. I do hope you get the chance to visit Hong Kong one day because it's a beautiful city!
@makingpots (11915)
• United States
6 Aug 09
I'll bet you ARE excited! Have a great time. Very nice, one of those package deals so you don't have to worry about anything at all. That is the way to relax.
We try to take little holidays here and there as often as possible. We know full well the sanity restoration it provides us. We do without many things that most people consider necessities in order to travel a little more. It was a priority we set together in the beginning of our marriage.
The last big time holiday we went on was to Maui, Hawaii over the Christmas holidays. It was also our 20 year wedding anniversary, so we splurged a bit and stayed 24 days. Heaven!... even with our 4 yo in tow. It is a memory we will cherish for ever. My son still refers to something about "the Maui" several times a week. We were afraid he'd be too young to even remember the trip, but no way.
Have a great time, JameZ. But please return home, or at the very least carry your laptop just in case. We would miss you if you didn't return.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
Thanks pots! Yes. a package deal is hassle free I reckon and it's reassuring to know that most things are taken care of already. Good for you for taking regular breaks. I wish I had of done the same over the last few years, but it just didn't work out that way. Maui sure does sound like it was fantastic! Give me an island setting any day of the week! I love the beach and I love tropical climates so much. And having the memory forever is the best thing of all, especially when it comes to your little one. You're very fortunate! I'll definitely come back, promise. I'll be taking my laptop too, but I plan to avoid the internet if I can. It's only 4 days though.
Yes. a package deal is hassle free I reckon and it's reassuring to know that most things are taken care of already. Good for you for taking regular breaks. I wish I had of done the same over the last few years, but it just didn't work out that way. Maui sure does sound like it was fantastic! Give me an island setting any day of the week! I love the beach and I love tropical climates so much. And having the memory forever is the best thing of all, especially when it comes to your little one. You're very fortunate! I'll definitely come back, promise. I'll be taking my laptop too, but I plan to avoid the internet if I can. It's only 4 days though.
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
10 Aug 09
Nice! Why are you only going for 3 days though? Of course 3 days is better than no days. Where is the Red Sea? What made you decide to go there? And what's wrong with swimming in the Nile???
1 person likes this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
14 Aug 09
I'd go all Chuck Norris on crocodiles for sure if there WERE any nearby! 
lol. I think they're all waaaaaaay down river these days and there are certainly none close to Cairo itself that I'm aware of. Nah, the trip wasn't long enough and I definitely didn't want to leave. I did spend a considerable amount of time in the water too, but I stupidly ended up sunburnt on my feet and legs, so had to take it easy on the last day and stay in the shade mostly.
lol. I think they're all waaaaaaay down river these days and there are certainly none close to Cairo itself that I'm aware of. Nah, the trip wasn't long enough and I definitely didn't want to leave. I did spend a considerable amount of time in the water too, but I stupidly ended up sunburnt on my feet and legs, so had to take it easy on the last day and stay in the shade mostly. 1 person likes this
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
14 Aug 09
Yeah, a short drive to a private beach is plenty reason to go there! So did you come out of the water at all while you were there? Was 3 days sufficient to refresh you or were you not ready to come back?
Hahahaha.... I didn't even think about the probability of pollution in the Nile, I was just thinking about the crocodiles... I figured a Chuck Norris fan would just have his way with those toothy reptiles and claim the river for himself!
1 person likes this
@zigzagbuddha (4601)
• United States
20 Aug 09
Jeez... I must be living WAAAY in the past... of course there aren't any crocodiles walking around Cairo!
I guess your sunburn is all better by now... I did not realize you had posted this comment, as I'm sure you will not realize I have posted this one. Unless your notifiers are more efficient than mine, hehehe.
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
6 Aug 09
OK James. That's enough. Back to the office. You and your fanciful ideas of holidays. Holidays are for losers not go getter executives. You'll be wanting a day off a week next! Goodness me, you have time off to go to the toilet and I understand that you had a lunch break earlier in the year. Doesn't the term "Work/Life Balance" mean anything to you. It's all life and no work with you. Good job there's folk here to keep an eye on your backsliding ways! LOL.
2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
Sorry Mr Pike. I do realise that this is very selfish of me and after my few days of sloth and hedonistic pursuits, I promise that I'll lift my game. Thank you for the reality check, I really did need it. Where on earth would I be without friends like you? (Aside from on holiday)
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
6 Aug 09
oh James its been years, we went to Tijuana and up the coast from there, had a great time but I havent been on a real vacation in years, and now i am an old lady probably wont go on one any more
but I am happy where I am anyway. I am glad you get to finally enjoy traveling as a real tourist, not as a business man. have fun, happy touristing, if there is such a word. hatley here. bye.
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
Tijuana looks and sounds fabulous from what I've read and heard about it. A friend of mine spent some time there and he absolutely loved it! I will certainly enjoy my touristing from when I leave next Monday and I appreciate the well wishes. It's great to hear that you're happy where you are now too because home is not just where the heart is, it's where we find joy too!
It's great to hear that you're happy where you are now too because home is not just where the heart is, it's where we find joy too!
@pratyushtamhankar (859)
• India
6 Aug 09
Have a lot of fun buddy... Once in 4 years ! My that should be really tough. I used to go out with my family every year in Diwali and Christmas holidays. But since the past 5 years we haven't went anything for sight seeing as such because of all the important years of my education... I just can't wait for posting a similar discussion...2 people like this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
Thanks mate! I look forward to seeing a similar type of discussion from you too because 5 years is a heck of a long time to not be holidaying with your family! I never celebrated Diwali in any great fashion, but I sure as heck let loose during Holi! I'm surprised I even remember it.
I look forward to seeing a similar type of discussion from you too because 5 years is a heck of a long time to not be holidaying with your family! I never celebrated Diwali in any great fashion, but I sure as heck let loose during Holi! I'm surprised I even remember it. 1 person likes this
@pratyushtamhankar (859)
• India
7 Aug 09
Holi's nice too, but we just get a single holiday on that day, so can't plan a vacation. And well you know holi ain't that a great day for going out if you don't like to be hit by colored water balloons.
Well i too hope I get to see sights soon. I'll have to wait for 2 more years until my engineering is completed...
Well i too hope I get to see sights soon. I'll have to wait for 2 more years until my engineering is completed...
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
6 Aug 09
Hi James. Yayyyy! It must be a pain to ever be the traveling worker and seldom the tourist. Short trips DO count! Are you like me? I am the typical tourist, eyeballs glued to the windshield, drooling and ooohing and ahhhing at all the new sites. Heck of it is, all that enthusiasm is genuine. I love seeing and exploring new places. So great that you and your wife have had this opportunity at long last!
Karen@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
Hi Karen. To be perfectly honest, it IS a pain to be going to so many places yet seeing so little of each of them. People keep saying how lucky I am and how glamorous it must be and all that, but it's nothing like this at all unfortunately. I appreciate the well wishes and your own enthusiasm for us both too. This is a long overdue break and I'm looking forward to it so much.
I appreciate the well wishes and your own enthusiasm for us both too. This is a long overdue break and I'm looking forward to it so much. 1 person likes this
@PeacefulWmn9 (10420)
• United States
7 Aug 09
Post pics, lots and lots of pics. And grab a bunch of souviners, which I know I've misspelled! Just have a ball!1 person likes this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
6 Aug 09
James, it's clear from the Panda Spanking section that you're a very sensible, logical guy, but you're making a big mistake - you're working for a living, that's why you don't get to go on holiday. This trip sounds wonderful, though - make the most of it. When you come back, perhaps you should divorce your wife and marry a 75 year old millionairess, so you could have as many holidays as you want? Just an idea, mate.
My husband's retired, and I'm not retirement age, but I can't work due to ill health. Basically, we treat every day as a holiday, wherever we are. As the old saying goes: 'Treat every day as if it was your last day on earth, because one day, you will be right!'
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
6 Aug 09
I'd like to think that I do have my sensible and logical moments, yes! Working for a living at this time is a means to an end. It's a long story, but it's certainly not my long term goal to be living the way I am right now. Nice idea on the millionairess front, but I think I'll keep my Wife. (She'll read this discussion) I'm sorry to hear of your ill health status, but I love the attitude you both have! Yes, every single day is a gift and in the overall scheme of things, we don't really have that many of them. To treat each and every day as a holiday is a wonderful way to live life! I'll get to that stage too, this I know with all my heart. There's just a little ways to go yet. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy this mini-break as much as I can!
Working for a living at this time is a means to an end. It's a long story, but it's certainly not my long term goal to be living the way I am right now. Nice idea on the millionairess front, but I think I'll keep my Wife. (She'll read this discussion) I'm sorry to hear of your ill health status, but I love the attitude you both have! Yes, every single day is a gift and in the overall scheme of things, we don't really have that many of them. To treat each and every day as a holiday is a wonderful way to live life! I'll get to that stage too, this I know with all my heart. There's just a little ways to go yet. In the meantime, I'm going to enjoy this mini-break as much as I can! 
@hiddenwing (3719)
• China
6 Aug 09
Mr kongfu panda is a beautiful lady? Oh, your discussions are so profound! hahaha
I am very ignorant!
2 people like this
@grundmang (112)
• Israel
6 Aug 09
i try to do a weekend every one year money doesnt aways kets me but beig a tourist is fun indeed
2 people like this
@alokn99 (5717)
• India
7 Aug 09
There was a time i'd love to take off on a holiday every 2-3 months or so for atlest 2 or 3 days. But it's been month's now since i have been able to due to the pressures at work and health.
You have a blast James, catch some fish, swim with the sharks(if there are any) and get a good sun tan.. Bring back some good photos and some sea shells will you.
You have a blast James, catch some fish, swim with the sharks(if there are any) and get a good sun tan.. Bring back some good photos and some sea shells will you.@James72 (26790)
• Australia
7 Aug 09
Well I hope these pressures ease up sooner rather tha later mate 'cos a holiday will do you a world of good! I don't think there'll be any sharks about, but I'll definitely keep my eyes open for some shells! I do plan to work on a tan too and it'll be my first one for years. I just bought a new digital camera today too, so photo's are a must.
I don't think there'll be any sharks about, but I'll definitely keep my eyes open for some shells! I do plan to work on a tan too and it'll be my first one for years. I just bought a new digital camera today too, so photo's are a must.
@riyasam (16556)
• India
13 Aug 09
hope you enjoyed your outing!i had typed an response earliar but it didnot post,so here i am trying again.i am a housewife now but there are times when i feel suffocated with my daily routine and then i pester my hubby for a break.it really feels when i have got to do nothing but just laze around,to think i donot have to make my bed and those readymade meals!
@riyasam (16556)
• India
13 Aug 09
i am surprised at myself that i am not pulling your leg!maybe because ,staying with my in-laws has mellowed me down but right now ,i said enough to my daily work and came off for a week to my parents place.with the swine flu panic,the kids have got one week leave from school.
1 person likes this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
13 Aug 09
I saw on the news this morning that Indian schools had shut for a week. I hope to God this helps contain any outbreaks. You'll be back to pulling my leg in no time too I'm sure! It just takes a while to ease back in I reckon. I say a week max and "Unstable Mable" will be back in full swing!
I say a week max and "Unstable Mable" will be back in full swing! 1 person likes this
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
13 Aug 09
Well hello there young Mable! I know how you feel about feeling suffocated as I've felt this way for a very long time now. We only just got back a few hours ago and it was great fun! It's just a shame that the time went so quickly. Lazing around is definitely the best part, but ignoring the bill at the end of it all is probably the hardest bit! It's great to see you back too by the way.
I know how you feel about feeling suffocated as I've felt this way for a very long time now. We only just got back a few hours ago and it was great fun! It's just a shame that the time went so quickly. Lazing around is definitely the best part, but ignoring the bill at the end of it all is probably the hardest bit! It's great to see you back too by the way.1 person likes this
@thebohemianheart (8827)
• United States
8 Aug 09
Yaaaaaaaay, James and Wife!
Have a most fantastic time!
1 person likes this
@scarytoon (43)
• Philippines
9 Aug 09
Enjoy your trip. Busy people like you must unwind for a while. Have a blast!
1 person likes this
@ip5217 (1655)
• Philippines
7 Aug 09
I'm so excited for you. Well, in fact, I'm envious because in my work today I have enough vacation leave credits but I can't seem to find a perfect time to pamper myself and go on a vacation because I have no one to turn-over my tasks to. Too bad for me.
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
7 Aug 09
Thank you ip, I'm certainly excited myself! It's great that you have vacation credits sitting there for you and I wish you luck in finding someone to pass yur work to so you can get away as well! At least the vacation credits will keep building up in the meantime which is good. In the end, you might get to go away even longer that originally planned!
It's great that you have vacation credits sitting there for you and I wish you luck in finding someone to pass yur work to so you can get away as well! At least the vacation credits will keep building up in the meantime which is good. In the end, you might get to go away even longer that originally planned! @tundeemma (894)
• South Africa
7 Aug 09
that is really good for you, it s ideal to go around and see what other places look like,sometimes i wish i can travel to places like brazil and the carribean and have fun instead of staying in this crime ridden south africa, i do hope to travel round the world sometimes
@James72 (26790)
• Australia
7 Aug 09
Anything and everything is possible in life and I'm sure you'll be off and jetsetting to Brazil, the Carribean and many other places before you know it! It's getting easier and quicker to travel year after year and the world truly is a global village of sorts these days. I wish you every success in realising these travel dreams tundeemma!
