| 11 June - 17 June, 2011 |
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| VOICED VIEWS |
Vacations What Are You Doing This  Summer?
by M.R. HUSSAIN
While all the brouhaha encapsulating the very question of when the summer vacations would commence kept the school going kids, and teachers of course, above uneasy, I was thinking about the could-be topics for this issue's Voiced Views. I could not help but notice that amidst all the national problems of security, power and budget taking centre stage everywhere, stuff that kids usually weren't bothered about, there were more pressing problems for the latter: the homework load and the 'what must we do this summer?' factor. A colleague remarked at the sudden change in dynamics about topic selection with a smirk giving me the impression that he was thinking something sarcastic. To hell with him, summer vacations for me are still special, so what if people like my colleague say that it is a routine affair occurring every year for the sake of recreation and  leisure minus the vats of homework students are usually bombarded with, but that certain someone should know that things happen in our part of world otherwise. Unfortunately I am no longer a part of thebrigade that can enjoy these two months with utter bliss!
Draw an analogy with our cricket team if you can, unpredictable was pretty much the case this year when the time and duration of summer vacations seemed too hard a thing to decide. This year, keeping in mind the fact that Ramadan would fall in between the months of July and August, the authorities came up with their tajaweez regarding the scheduling of summer vacations, raising hopes amongst some that the holy month of Ramadan would pass in ease, given the temperature in those two months, coupled with fasts and Eid preparations. But much to the dismay of the general public, the propositions didn't turn out to be fruitful.
Nevertheless, to our imaginations it is clear how that could have influenced the plans of much enthusiastic vacationers. As planners were left devoid of inputs, mothers argued with summer camp organisers trying to bargain the rates, but hold on a minute, maybe we had been too dejected, given the current state of affairs, that the thrill of unplanned trips and adventures is forgotten. Let me rephrase and ask where could you actually go for summer vacations or what would you do on such a short notice?  Many exciting options pop up, out of which summer camps can conveniently be the first or the last options. What could be supposedly better than getting your hands on learning a new skill, language or enhancing your existing abilities? Fortunately enough we have a multitude of packages in such summer camps, that offer short courses on everything ranging from painting, arts and crafts, cooking, baking, fashion and interior designing, music, computers, sports, languages, swimming and what not. I don't want to sound like a summer camp's brochure, but that's how it is. The only worry, if you are a parent is to find a camp that can supposedly suit your pocket, locality and your child's needs. Why also the first option, because other than the elite class, crossing borders and going to better climates for a month or two might not suit the majority of the people, who hail from middle class backgrounds. But for those who can, getting a break and exploring other cities, cultures and people should be on top of the list. Spending holidays in another city or a country is perhaps the best idea that requires less planning and more money. The result: win-win as you get all that you and your children ask for. Out of our  habitats, life is pretty smooth, surrounded by unknown faces at a distance and the family at close. Exploring new places and the prospect of being away from work and the daily routine is in itself a break for all.
Going to cinemas and visits to recreational parks do hit the mark on the list but one cannot pragmatically spend the whole vacation opting for these activities on a daily basis, unless you are a movie buff like me who watches three films a day, this summer is packed with the some of the most anticipated movie releases, with franchises such as the X-Men, Fast & The Furious, Kung Fu Panda, Pirates of the Caribbean and Harry Potter releasing their sequels. A word of thanks to the cinema owners in the city for bringing us a 3D cinema, and thanks in advance for the 4D cinema that is around the corner. You could also choose to stay back and relax, opt for a couple of books and spend the two months reading away the pages, or spending your vacations at your nani's or dadi's place with your cousins.
Amidst all this dilemma, one rarely notices the way time flies, soon the month of June will be over, and a few showers from the skies would greet the month of July and then thankfully the month of Ramadan would make us busy with our religious obligations and Eid preparations and then summer vacations would be over. Wait a minute, what happened to the homework?
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Your Views
I think we should spend these vacations with flood affected people by encouraging them and by building new schools for them and helping them in any way we can. Nimra
I think that Northern Areas of Pakistan is the best place to spend our summer vacations. I am planning to spend my vacations with my family in Muree and Bhurban because the place is peaceful and clean. Sahar Syed, Lahore
Summer vacations always bring nostalgic feelings for me I plan to spend my summer in Kaghan Valley with my chums. M. Saleem Urashid, Bahawalpur
I think getting admission in some courses and acquiring a new set of skills can help us spend our vacations in a more productive way. Maryam Lodhi
Summer vacation should be spent in Pakistan. Most people move to different countries to spend their holidays. Pakistan has beautiful Northern Areas like Murree, Naran, Kaghan, Gilgit, Thandiyani etc. We should go there so that we can learn the different cultures of our country. Rohma Khan, Multan
In this hot weather, I think the best way to spend vacations is to go to beaches and recreational water parks. Nony, Karachi
In my perception we should go to the seaside because they are a good source of enjoyment for us. Haider Ali, Karachi
I would rather do some language course and learn new languages in these vacations because hardly do we get time to do anything new out of the ordinary in our busy schedules. Sara, Lahore
For me the perfect holiday place is Malaysia. Summer spent in the evergreen parks, beaches and islands of Malaysia is so soothing and relaxing that u will forget all the worries and tensions. Amazing Kuala Lumpur, wonderful Langkawi, evergreen Penang, thrilling theme parks of Genting and incredible parachute rides will make your summer vacations outstanding. Bushra Munaf, Hyderabad |
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