Surviving Summer: How to take advantage of being "at home" no go "home"

Surviving Summer: How to take advantage of being "at home" no go "home" -

 

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summer, the time of year when the biggest event in the expatriate community held: Expat Exodus. Almost everyone takes advantage of the school holidays to repatriate at least for a few weeks and enjoy quality family time, real-grilled hamburgers barbecue, fresh berries (vs frozen), good root beer, and probably a little shopping major. Family reunions that have been in the making for months and finally place the children get to see their cousins ​​and fight on the iPad instead of tricycles as they did in ancient times. Perfumes and flavors of the familiar house slowly beginning to fill stomachs, hearts and souls of happy visitors that go back to their place of origin.

Unfortunately, we are stuck at home. We're stuck in the house, but the routines of everyday life that make our house a home seems to have evaporated some of our friends have left for summer or permanent, schools are out for holidays and expatriate associations and their activities seem to stop. The streets seem deserted (well, not really, we are still in Jakarta), in malls only a small occasional made an appearance. Most expatriates in Jakarta still are single or temporarily out of family duty moms, babies, children, tweens and teens have evacuated the Big Durian for the summer.

In an attempt to "survive" the exodus here are some tips to make the time spent at home as pleasant as possible and make the most of this cruel, cruel summer (yes, I know, I just had to write since he was in my mind all week).

Surviving the Expat Exodus

1. Play Tourist

Visit the places you've been meaning to visit. They might be less crowded on weekdays. Take notes most of the places you like so you can be prepared when friends or family come to visit. Back to the places you've visited during the first arrival here. You can see it with new eyes and appreciate subtleties that you noticed before.

2. Meet old friends / Meet new friends

With school being out organize outings with friends, you can not usually meet during of the school year because of time constraints. Catch-up and enjoy a relaxing time with your friends. Summer is generally the transition time and many people leave the country, however, many people move too. This is a great opportunity to put your "local expertise" to use, give some advice to newcomers and make new friends.

3. Build-a-Something (Get your projects!)

Engage your children in activities that you can not usually do during the year school. I do not mean just a summer camp, maybe there is an art project that you wanted to work, or a photo shoot in a park you've been meaning to do for your now three years was six months old. Choose a theme for each week and have fun. Bake, plant a tree, put a puzzle or build than 3,000 pieces Lego toy that was stuck in your closet since Christmas.

4. Adopt a pet

If your living space allows, adopt a pet. Many of your friends will be so grateful that a loving family takes care of their beloved fish, dog, cat, rabbit or tarantula then they left. Teach your children to care for something other than their favorite toys loved and consider it as a test on the road to pethood.

5. Go on a Staycation

With so many hotels want visitors prices are likely to drop in the coming weeks. Stay in a hotel for the weekend. Let your children play and enjoy the pool and treat yourself to a well deserved massage. Enjoy the amazing brunch buffets Jakarta has to offer and pretend you're in a distant land!

6. RELAX

I know, it's amazing - your iCal has nothing scheduled for this week. It's a miracle! Enjoy this time to relax and enjoy spending quality family time together. Get a massage, pedicure get what you've been meaning to get to the last six months and enjoy the temporary tranquility vacation.

 

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