Imagine your dream destination in Asia. Palm trees swaying in the tropical breeze. Warm sand and waters on the beach drench in cheerful sunshine and witness to breathtaking sunsets. Who wouldn't want that 365 days of the year?
Well, I don't. I think half of what makes holiday destinations extra-special is the distance to it all when you're not on holiday mode. The excitement begins as you make the first plans, and steadily increases as you book your tickets, and pack your stuff.
When you get there, you've got nothing else on your to-do list except to relax, unwind, and enjoy. Whether it's a weekend get-away or a three-week holiday, you've got people pampering you, and your hotel room gets cleaned by people who, if the service is topnotch, you don't even get to see. No deadlines to meet, no housechores to do, no meetings to attend. All that will change if you're staying at that place for good. Suddenly sprouts the issues of residence permits, employment, insurance, pension, taxes, childcare and schooling.
With these issues to attend to, I doubt you'd findmuch time to spend beachcombing and lying under the palm fronds. See how the perfect daydream breaks into shards?
I will always yearn for an Asian holiday. Each trip is a glimpse of paradise. A glimpse, that's all. The mystery that remains and the prospect of novel experiences on the next visit are what make me yearn to come back for more.