600...

NotStyro

Shared on Fri, 03/16/2007 - 23:54
Twice as much as 300. Gotta wonder how badly the Spartans would have lost with only slightly better odds. At the very least their success wouldn't have been as glorious. But that isn't what I want to write about this morning.

I've been needing to take a vacation for some time. Now the boss comes around to my cube and reminds me that I have around 600 hours available (!!!) and that I should take some because new rules may limit vacation accumulation to under 500 hours. In no way do I want to lose over 100 hours vacation into sick hours. On top of that is more vacation hours will be added within the next 2-3 months. I sense a few 2 week vacations being requested/granted soon.

Now comes the fun part – what to do if I get the time off...

Maybe travel out to the Pacific Northwest – Oregon and/or Washington states. See and experience some actual three dimensional landscape (Florida is barely 2D), visit museums, parks and amusements that I haven't seen over 25 times when young (Disney World, Busch Gardens, Sea World, etc), take a very brief dip in the Pacific Ocean (if it is colder than 80F, the time will be measured in milliseconds). Only thing is that I would much rather wait until July/August so any snow/ice would be gone from roads (I'd like to visit the Bend area for a couple days).

Go to Orlando and revisit those amusement parks. I am sure there have been many changes since I've been last. In fact, I'm positive Universal Studios Park has grown many times since I've been there (I don't remember parking garages, just a really big lot). I don't think I'd visit the main Disney park, as a single 40 yo guy visiting a kiddy park would look kinda pervy.

I could take a cruise or travel abroad, but I don't have a passport. A single person on a cruise is usually lucky to only be double-billed for a cabin. As for international travel, the UK is a natural choice for a first time trip (almost common language, etc). I would hate to try to finance those kind of trips.

I don't want to, but I think a large portion of that time may be spent sitting around playing the 360/PC until cabin fever nails me.

So, what would you do with a few couple-weeks off work?

Comments

UnwashedMass's picture
Submitted by UnwashedMass on Sat, 03/17/2007 - 17:02
After working in the PacNW for a month, I'll tell you it's a beautiful place. July/August is probably the driest time near the coast. I took the wife up there a while back and we both thought it was gorgeous. Maybe a coastal drive- start in Seattle and head for the beach, get a plane out of LA in 10 days and just camp all the way south. With the right company, that is one of the most enjoyable roadtrips I can think of. Big Sur, Crescent City, Tillmook Dairy, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara. Lots to do. Good luck!
NotStyro's picture
Submitted by NotStyro on Sat, 03/17/2007 - 22:34
Thank you, UM. I was thinking starting in Portland for a few days, then go out to the coast. Tour South on the coast until Crescent City, then head back into Oregon. Tour the interior - Crater Lake...Bend. End up driving back to Portland along the Columbia River. I would end up filling a hard drive with all the photos.

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