During my winter break I got to spend time with my family … which meant traveling a lot. The majority of my time though was spent in Atlanta, and a few other (smaller) towns in Georgia, and although I've been visiting my Southern relatives every year since I can remember, through all my various trips it has become evident to me that there is a different culture that exists in the South.

The day of winter break, after the bell gave its final toll, students rushed out of school to return home, looking forward to an entire two weeks away from school. During these two weeks, many students, including myself, have stayed up late and slept in late.

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.