As we are approaching the Holiday Season, I'd like to say Happy Holiday to all. Actually by today, Sat 22Dec, the holiday season has officially started. At least, here in Luanda. The school days have been temporarily stopped to welcome the Christmas and New Year and most companies will be officially closed in 24-25Dec.

Major religion in Angola is Catholic, so Christmas celebration is a big thing here. Started from the second week of the month of December, there have been lots of parties going on. Christmas dinner, party and even Christmas lunch have been conducted in and outside office. I bet this is no difference compared to what happens in let's say, Europe, every year, maybe the only difference is in the type of songs and dances they play in the parties in Luanda. I have to say, I love being in Luanda for their parties and dance culture. Hehe.

Holiday Season is supposed to be the nicest and most relaxed time of the year for every employees? Not so much, for oil & gas company workers, I believe. Imagine this: it really does not matter if it is holiday, the oil has to be produced and is still flowing. But of course most of the workers want to go home to see their family in this christmas and new year season. So what usually done is to arrange a sophisticated vacation plan to ensure that at least there is someone taking care of the business during this season. Mind you, most people intend to take approximately 3-4 weeks vacation on this season. And then what happens? One person has to handle somebody else's job and of course his/her own job altogether. Not too mention that he/she has to make proper preparation so that when they leave on vacation the next month, things are going just well. And this is where I am now. Haha.

I realized that during this tough time at work, determination & hard work alone is not enough. You need to be accompanied with a good physical stamina, too! I had it last week that no matter I want to get things done before my upcoming vacation (in a week from now, yesssss!), my body could not lie. It said, "Stop!". And there I was, I had to take some rest for 2 days & working from home before I got healthier and can keep up with the pace again.

But it was 2 days in the past. Today I am busy arranging vacation plan to the charming country of Indonesia. Yes, I am going home. For good food. For cheap good quality shopping. For an extravagant new year party. For nice tropical beaches. For a very very green view of paddy terraces and palm trees. For the abundant & diversed local cultures. For world class diving sites. For supreme yoga retreats in magical Ubud, Bali. And most importantly... for meeting closest friends and families, my loved ones.  
 
Indonesia... We'll Come Soon! Horeeeeeeeee....