What is your favourite holiday destination? Where are you going this summer?

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

What's your favourite holiday destination? Where are you going this summer? Let us know :)

[WonderBell99]

We were planning on a vacation to Iceland before this whole pandemic happened. However, since I have my med school entrance examination in July and my mum has health issues, we’re not going anywhere this time. We’ll probably go on a road trip to some hill station, but that’s probably it.

[Asker]

Hmm, this is far better than going nowhere : ) I hope you pass your exam comfortably and your mum recovers rapidly so that you can visit Iceland though :)

[WonderBell99]

That’s true! I’m not complaining haha - something is better than nothing. Besides, mum’s health is more important

[WonderBell99]

And thank you very much! You’re very kind!

How about yourself? Are you planning to travel anywhere this summer?

[Asker]

Yeah, health is much more important so, I wish you and your family a very healthy life : )

Actually, my city is one of the prominent tourist destinations in the world. It's one of the most beautiful cities, that's why I feel so lucky : ) Therefore, I don't like to go somewhere else but I love spending my time here. However, I've been working for 2 years without taking a break and I feel exhausted now. I need some spare time so that I can do whatever I want here without hurrying up :D

[WonderBell99]

Thanks, you too! : )

This is a fine opportunity for you to be a tourist in your own city!

Aw : / poor you, you should definitely consider taking a break and make some time for yourself. You could try driving around in your city. I’m sure that would be fun!

[Asker]

I agree with you! Since I'm a local here, I've realised that I've been missing so many things in my city. Sometimes being a tourist is needed to discover your own city more :)

As I've changed my job and launched my own business at the same time, 24 hours are not enough for me to complete my tasks now ahah But I need some free time to stay mentally fit, this is obvious. For that reason, I've made my dream come true: I've bought a motorbike and a camera. Thus, I'm able to go out, to ride around the city and have fun taking photographs after my work. I'd like to do more absolutely!

What do you like to do at your leisure? And what would you do if you were in a holiday now? : )

[WonderBell99]

That is so true - I think many people do not go out and get to know their city because they live there and have the “ah, I live here. I know it very well. I don’t really need to explore it. Why waste my time?” mindset. I used to be the same way before, lol. But in reality, I haven’t even been to the best tourist spots in my city.

I’m glad you’re prioritizing your mental health. If you’re mentally in a good place, you will be more productive and thus your efficiency in your work will improve.

Wow. That’s quite a bold step and very admirable. Congratulations on launching your own business! I hope you reach great heights of success.

You go out and explore everyday? I used to do that before exams hahah. Honestly, it’s such a good way of relaxing after an exhausting day. A camera and a motorbike - a tourist’s must haves!

I love going out. I can’t go out alone because it is not really safe here and I can’t drive haha, so I like driving around with my parents. My dad and I used to go for drives in the evening. That is our bonding time. With my mum, I usually cook/bake. She’s an ardent fan of cooking and loves trying new recipes!

I’d probably be exploring the city and trying new food! I love traveling and I do tons of research before planning a vacation, lol. I write down all the best places to visit, food and stuff. I also LOVE trying new food! Hbu?

[WonderBell99]

(Sorry for the very long reply 😅)

[Asker]

Nooo, I love long replies! And I'm thankful to you for your long reply :D

As you said, I used to be in the same way and I haven't discovered my city well up to now. Because I used to think "Ok, I'm already living here, I can go out and do some sightseeing whenever I want.", but I have almost never gone out to see around my city. Probably tourists know my hometown more than me, lol :D That's probably the reason why I got stuck many times when a tourist asked me an address. Or it's maybe my English needs to be better, this is, frankly, a more likely reason ahah
by the way, I'm curious about your city! How is it like? Why did you say it's not safe?

Thanks for your good wishes for my business! My job requires so much continous attention and focus during work, and it puts incredible cognitive load into my mind. It's literally brain draining. I had burnout a few times and I was like a blank page at these times. I was so exhausted that I was unable to answer even simple questions :D Therefore, I decided to pay more attention to my health. I'm not complaining, but working for a company and bolstering my own business together are not that easy though.

Unfortunately, I can't go out everyday because I'm trying to improve my English and I have English lessons after work a few times in a week. Honestly, I'm pushing like hell to be better tomorrow than how I'm today. I sometimes lose my motivation, but I try pulling myself together by saying "Ok, calm down. Hard work always pays off, just don't hurry and keep motivated!" :D
++

[Asker]

++ You can't imagine how it becomes good for me when I ride my bike or press the shutter of my camera. I do need to escape from my partially boring business world. And I guess you need it too because of your exams :D

Your relation with your family is definitely admirable! Having good memories with your family is maybe the most important thing in life :) What kind of foods/meals do you and your mum love most? I'm also a huge fan of kitchen ahah 😅 I too love trying new recipes and tastes. Hey, we have a lot in common! :D

I've always respected people who live life by planning it. I did lots of plans but it's hard for me to stick to plan, I'm really struggling at this point, lol.
You love planning things in your life, but sometimes last minute decisions are also exciting, aren't they? :D

I'm so glad to meet you here! And I do enjoy speaking with you. Okay, I accept my English still needs to be much better but at least I'm trying :D Would you mind if I followed you? It'd be my pleasure :)

[WonderBell99]

I’m sorry for the late reply! My finals start from tomorrow and I’m awfully nervous haha. I was revising for it.

No, not at all. Your English is fantastic. I thought you were a native English speaker! I’m not a native English speaker either, haha. Interacting with a lot of English speakers helped improve my vocabulary though. My English used to be horrendous up until 6th grade 😅

My city is amazing, but frankly, it also has pollution issues (air pollution, mostly) which need to be addressed immediately. Besides that, it is a wonderful city with great temples, food, and historical places. (Seriously though, the food is mouthwatering). My parents never leave me outside alone because they’re kind of overprotective, but rightfully so. I’m not sure how to explain though, lol

That’s fantabulous! You’re trying to be a better person tomorrow than you were today - not many people are optimistic like yourself. You have some really good traits!

Oh my, that sounds like a burnout. It is a sign that you should concentrate more on your health and less on work! Put yourself first. Health is wealth, remember? I can see that you are very passionate about your business. You will definitely succeed. Hard work always pays off

[WonderBell99]

I very much do, but I can’t because of stupid exams 😭. I feel prepared but also shit scared.

Aww, thank you! Yes, agreed! Family is very important to me and I love spending time with them. My mum usually cooks chicken and tries new recipes from around the world. I’m a terrible cook, but I’m a fairly decent baker. My grandma taught me how to bake cupcakes, cakes and cookies. I made chocolate chip cookies recently. It turned out so well! What do you like to cook/bake?

Goodness me! We have a lot in common - I do plan things because I’ve never been a fan of surprises in life (except birthday surprises :p). I like planning things ahead because it makes me feel more comfortable and less nervous. Although, I don’t always stick with my plans and have made some last minute decisions, some were not-so-wise though 😅

I’m glad I met you today! I haven’t had a conversation like this with someone in ages. I enjoyed speaking with you. And yes, of course! You needn’t ask me. You can follow me. I’ll follow you back😊

[PrettyPriya]

I am going on summer holiday to the Goa region. It is known for its great beaches and resorts. We are going for just a week to get away. Looking forward to it very much.

Hard to believe it is only a couple months away. We planned it a while back.

[Asker]

Hmm I've heard that region for the first time from you. I think it'll be good for you after this pandemic.

[PrettyPriya]

Yes. Very much agree that it is long overdo travel. Even just a week of relaxation is going to be nice. How about you? Any travel plans?

[Asker]

You're totally right. That's what we all need actually. I'm happy for you! : ) I've been working without taking a break for 2 years, it's been quite busy. So I need a holiday, but since my hometown is a prominent tourist destination in Türkiye and I love my city, spending my time here makes me feel great and fresh. I just need some spare time 🙄

[PrettyPriya]

Ah yes, the elusive spare time. Well, I hope you can find some time to relax and perhaps even be a tourist in your own city! That is something I do from time to time. I really do hope you enjoy your summer. 😊

[Asker]

Well said! I sometimes go out for taking photographs, and I become a tourist in my own city to catch magnificent views. Then I realise how many things I missed before changing my point of view. I truly need it to get rid of overwhelming thoughts crammed in my skull 😀 Thanks for your kind words! I hope you have an amazing holiday so that you can't forget it throughout your life! :) So glad to meet you! :)

[PrettyPriya]

Pleasure to meet you as well! Thank you for the kind words and I am certain we will indeed enjoy. Take care. 😊

[Asker]

Thank you! You made my day! I'd like to listen to your holiday memories later :) Have a great & healthy day! :)

[CubaPirate]

Probable favourite Italy 🇮🇹 and hopefully going to Croatia 🇭🇷 in the summer

[EmmaMary]

Having bought a new motorhome last year and with me being pregnant with our second child, we'll be doing several holidays here in the UK.

[Asker]

That's so nice! Having a motorhome is a dream to achieve at some point of life for everyone. I'd really like to visit the UK, and live the language at least for a few days : )