S.A.D. Seasonal Affective Disorder. I'm pretty sure I've got it. I haven't been officially diagnosed but I could swear my moods are as predictable as a rainy day in February. I think I have inherited this disability from my old man who starts convulsing at the mere sight of a cloud. It may be the exotic blood in me pining for warmer climes or that living abroad highlights the fact that there is more to life than Eastenders and waking up in the dark. Whatever the causes dear friends, I am a sun junkie.
<*dv_2*> For 8 months a year us Brits are almost guaranteed to wake up in perpetual pergatory. On an average winter morning as you slip on your shiny shoes and get ready to earn some cash I guarantee as you set foot outside your luxury apartment you will encounter one or more of the following things : fog, mist, wind, cold, drizzle, ice, cloud and RAIN. Now I can take most winter elements like the rugged, handsome man I am. Give me a bright sunny day at minus 40C with hurricane Delbert blowing and I will just do up my top button and tilt my hat at an angle. But the never ending blanket of grey that covers the sky and sends its liquid depression onto our heads, well I'm sorry, I just can't take it.
Every year as leaves turn brown and autumn comes around my body fills with a sense of impending dread as I know the winter months are approaching. I propose we take a leaf from our animal friends. Bears, for instance, have the right idea. They hibernate. Just stuff your face for a month, find a bijou cave or dig a nice comfy hole and sit it out until its time to put on your Ray-Bans. In fact, its just a longer version of Christmas without the enforced hilarity.
<*dv_1*> If hibernation is not your thing why not try migration. House prices in Spain and France are rising so quickly it is a wonder that in 10 years time there will be anyone left in the country apart from Chinese cockle-pickers and eastern European labourers. You can't change channels these days without seeing the great unwashed leave the greyness behind for a sun filled existence. A Place in the Sun, Holiday Homes and I'm a Pasty Pensioner Get Me Out of England NOW! are particular favourites of those who need the sun like George Best needs a drink.
<*dv_0*> A friend at work inspired me combine two off my favourite things: the sun and lazing about. In my line of work I am lucky enough to be able to take a month of work during the winter and not get sacked. After seeing my colleague come back from countless exotic destinations looking like Des O'Connor's darker brother I vowed to use my holiday time more wisely. Gone was the week on the Costa Blanca and in came longer trips to places where with the sun's help, bugs grow the size of your head and the inhabitants have been burnt to a blackened crisp. I vowed to seek out the sun in the farthest corners of the world. Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, Costa Rica; been there bought the cheap mass produced t-shirts.
<*dv_3*> So sun seekers, don't be ashamed, be proud. If you need to leave this water-logged country for a dose of sun take every chance you can get. Because when the first shuttle goes to Mars I'll be on that flight soaking up the rays before they get a chance to reach all of you.
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