Letter to Santa: Send Me on Vacation

I can't say I have been perfectly good this year, but I've been better than in years past. You know I'm a big believer in you Santa, and I advocated for you since I was just a little girl. When everyone started getting on the healthy diet and exercise kick, you stayed as round as ever. I appreciate that about you Santa, you are secure enough to be who you are.

With that said Santa, I am hoping you can give me a little help this Christmas. You see, this year I started working with kids. Like you, I love kids, but also like you, I know that some kids are not as nice as others. Some of the naughty kids have left me in deep need of a vacation. In these tough economic times, I can't really afford to send myself on vacation, but I thought you might be willing to give me this gift if I tell you where you can get the tickets! Some of these place's are more expensive than others Santa.

I want the Christmas present to be somewhat of a surprise, so I am going to give you a choice of 5 destinations I would love to visit. The choice will be up to you Santa! These are not in any particular order because I don't want you to think you have to give me my top choice. I would be thrilled with any of these vacations! While you think about it, I will be getting my passport!

Vacation Ideas:

Greece- Thanks to Rachel de Carlos, I am determined to visit Greece and see all the wonderful places she has shared with us. Her articles and pictures make me feel like I may get to Greece and never want to leave. The sky and the ocean are so blue! The food, I must taste the food Santa! Eating a pita gyro while I walk along the beaches of the Greek islands would be a little piece of heaven. See Greece.

Italy- I would love to see Venice and Rome just for the history! However, if I had to pick just one place to visit in Italy, it would have to be Tuscany. Ever since I saw the movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, I have been obsessed with going there. I am long to see the gorgeous old world scenery and taste the wonderful wines and of course the Italian food. I love Italian food more than any other food on this planet. I can see myself getting a nice relaxing vacation in Tuscany, with no thoughts of children. My AC buddy John Myers has written many articles on his trips to Italy, I want to be able to write my own! See Italy.

Spain- Ever since I read Ernest Hemingway's books about Spain (Death in the Afternoon and For Whom the Bell Tolls), I knew I would visit there someday. I took Spanish in high school but I don't remember much of it. If you send me to Barcelona, I promise I will buy the "Learn Spanish" books and CD's and study intently. I love Spanish food and Spanish wine and I would love to watch the bulls run, though there is no way I am actually running with those bulls. See Spain.

New Zealand- Everyone wants to go to Australia, but you could send me to New Zealand with less expense and my money will last longer over there. I already have pamphlets and I'm a big enough geek to admit that I want to see where they filmed The Lord of the Rings! I loved those movies and every picture I have seen of New Zealand conjures luscious green fields and a beautiful, blue/green ocean. I don't drive on the wrong side of the road, so I will just take a taxi around New Zealand Santa! See New Zealand.

Ireland/Scotland- With a 2 week vacation, I can see both of these countries of my ancestors. Castles and green hills, pubs and cobble streets. I have dreamt of this vacation since I was just a wee child. I can see what my great-great-great grandparents saw, and walk where they walked. Shepherd's Pie and Guinness beer will fill my belly and I promise to write all about my trip when I return home. See Ireland. See Scotland.

If you just can't afford these vacations Santa, I understand. I would take a week or 2 in California to visit my friends and family, and be very grateful for it. Thanks for reading my letter Santa. You will find the milk and cookies in the usual place.

Your Friend, Sherri

Source: My own imagination and the following websites:
http://www.greeka.com/
http://www.traveltuscany.net/
http://news.cheapflights.com/airlines/2009/05/italy-vacation-package-in-tuscany-from-699.html
http://www.spain.info/
http://www.newzealandvacations.co.nz/
http://www.myguideireland.com/?gclid=CJbLuImB650CFWpd5QodDgl8MQ
http://www.cometoscotland.com/
http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html