I realised, while googling 'how to avoid committing suicide while spending Christmas Day by yourself' (I am kidding... but some websites pretty much say this!) that there is a distinct lack of practical advice out there for people who, for whatever reason, are not going to be with their nearest and dearest. So here is my self-help guide.
Realising that I would be at a loose end and probably horrendously depressed about being home in the summer after my year abroad, I decided to do something constructive with my time. Being the unimaginative type, I decided to do an internship in the only career path that people who don’t study languages think that linguists are destined for – translation.
Spring has sprung, and with it comes the irrational desire to go outside with bare legs at weekends and, of course, to get fit for the summer. What better way to do so than to dig out your wackiest costumes and accessories and pound the streets for charity?! Wherever you find yourself, pre- or post-year abroad, there must be a charity worth embarrassing yourself for at the perfect Fun Run. Find out where the best ones are here!
How do other cultures celebrate the New Year? Here are some ideas of what you could get up to, on the last day of 2011 and rolling into 2012... Check out the eccentricities in other countries, around the globe!
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Daniel Dawes volunteered in Mexico, around the Oaxacan coast and the Yucatán. He worked with H.E.L.P and gives us his…
1. There are loads of organisations and good causes to suit you and your beliefs. 2. It's a great way…