We set out in tireless pursuit of leisure, struggle to far-off places in herds to get away from it all. Although, if we could just keep hot & cold running water, the gendarmarie, the infirmary and the credit-card culture that would do nicely. If everyone understood english and you could get MTV on the 48 channel hotel cable service, so much the better. In fact, if only it was just like home with different things to buy, you really feel like you could begin to unwind.

Yes, I did it too. There you see me rolling up the French Alps on a mechanical chair-lift. As is clear, I am having the time of my life. Like many people I know, I had grown tired of London and was seeking some alternative experiences; tranquillity, a oneness with the mountain, parallel turns bouncing through fresh fallen powder, and thousands of my yobbish inebriated compatriots who left have their inhibitions and moderation at home.

These days living in one of the 10 richest nations in the world is just not exciting enough. The highest standards of living available and every distraction that money can buy gets very 'samey' after a while. Need to go somewhere wild and unspoilt. The grass is greener and the air is clearer over there. No shit. And you have better hurry, it won't last forever.

But no! You need a holiday. If it is so stressful being affluent, why don't you take a break? Home swap with a Kosovan, sunbathe in Somalia, take to the life changing waters of the Aral Sea, enjoy a walking holiday in the beautiful minefields of Angola.

Give me a break..

Tuesday, 23rd May 2000