Fun in the sun ; a ‘celebration’ called summer ‘vacation’!

        Unlimited frolic, numerous holidays, hours of play, power-packed days, fun-filled evenings and relaxed nights – endless list to describe this childhood blessing that showers upon each child year after year. A most awaited period in one’s life, summer vacations mean limitless relief from a year long boredom! Though sun throws scorching heat and days stretch for long, this season is welcomed by every student with a hope and wish that the calendar stands still for a little more.

           In contrast to the schedule back home, summer has just started to spread its heat in this end of the globe; halting schools for a long, peaceful vacation while walking me through my own wonderful memories of summer vacation filled with fun, laughter, enjoyment and thrill of a lifetime.

              The excitement of approaching holidays would begin as soon as the schedule of final examination entered our books. It was followed by numerous plans and discussions to spend the days with thoughts of enjoyment constantly ringing in the mind. Questioning parents about outdoor trips, hopefully waiting to get a response, secretly monitoring the ticketing process and waiting to know the confirmed itinerary marked all the days before exams. Though pile of books and heap of studies replaced this excitement instantly, repeated thoughts and reminders of the vacation just about to follow, brought smiles and cheer.  

               Last day of exam and start of vacation resembled nothing less than a day of freedom. As birds flying away from a trapped cage, running away from school to extract maximum happiness out of every single moment of vacation feels absolutely humorous, as I think of it today. Announcing unrestricted access to watch television and unopposed acceptance to stay away from books was like a declaration to celebrate victory over long battle of hard work, sincerity and dedication.

             While waking up in the morning resembled a tough form of punishment during school hours, these same eyes opened up quickly to start a day filled with adventure, fun and games during the holidays. With no interest in eating food or sitting quietly at home, the entire day was occupied with lot of activities. Playing outdoor in the building compound under a strong, shining sun till forcefully pulled for lunch, spending time in indoor activities with friends at home, continuing the session of morning play back in the evening and enjoying with family at night while sleeping for a next wonderful day formed the unstated time-table of every vacation. Fights, arguments and disagreements over plans of the day or rules of the game did dominate some sessions, but quick settlement and instant patch-up ensured the continuous flow of fun.

           Travelling to native place through a wonderful train journey, meeting relatives, playing with cousins, getting pampered with enormous love of grandparents while enjoying delicious food formed memories of a fantastic trip every vacation. While sharing experiences of school, learning new games from cousins, visiting places around and enjoying each single day marked our time in the native place, the journey ended with huge luggage of enjoyable moments and amazing memories. Having stayed in apartment of tall buildings, the open courtyard and individual houses of our native place attracted us to be there every passing year. 

          With company of so many cousins, every daily task was completed quickly with a hope to be rewarded for the best behavior! During the encouragement to read books and practice cursive writing, our hunt for reasons to avoid it ,certainly kept us occupied ! Mangoes, ice creams, cold drinks and candies kept calling us every now and then, forcing us to think of ways to achieve them.

          Certainly the best period in anyone’s life, summer vacation must be spent to develop memories that last forever. Those are the days to learn things beyond the control of school books and explore opportunities for an all-round development.

          Grateful to my parents to bless us with a memorable summer vacation every year, I am busy chalking a way to demand such holidays from them again and again!