I hate missing school. I just end up making up homework, missing important tests, and being completely confused when I return without the most recent notes.

Actually, the annoying part of missing school, specifically at Uni, starts at least two weeks before a vacation or any other anticipated absence because we have to:

• Step One: Print out an anticipated absence form.

Over the weekend, my grandma called and invited us to spend the winter holidays with her in South Africa. This was great news to me — I get to spend weeks lying in the sun, playing on the beach, having real fish & chips, seeing mountains all around me, experiencing an interesting and totally different culture, and of course, seeing my family.

On the other hand, it also means that I will miss some school. The trip to South Africa is expensive and it takes a long time to get there. So, to make it worthwhile, you have to go for at least three weeks.