Almost Christmas Break...

So Christmas approaches, and with it holidays. Crytek is shutting down for 2.5 weeks over New Year, so I have been planning ways to spend the time. Of course the most important thing is to go home and see the family for Christmas. A canny bargain hunter can get his hands on all kinds of bargains at this time of year - people are practically giving things away during the so-called festive season.

I would like to spend more time at home, however since I get only four weeks holiday a year, I feel I have to make the most of my time in Europe and travel around as much as possible. Therefore I have scheduled visits to a couple of cities when I come back from Australia. Here is my itinerary:

• 24/12 - Arrive home in Melbourne, no-doubt to the rapturous applause of
  the home fans.
• 25-26/12 - Bask in the love and respect of my family and receive their
  tribute.
• 29/12 - Conclude my whistle-stop tour and head back to Germany.
• 30/12 - Catch the train to Ljubljana for a few days, including New
  Year's.
• 2/1 - Head over to Venice for about 5 days.
• 6/1 - Catch an overnight train back to Coburg.

This will of course involve a great deal of travelling time - this is unfortunate, but it has to be done if I am to visit all the places I want to while I'm here. Of course I will keep you all up-to-date with goings on (well at least partially up-to-date with some of the goings on, if past history is any guide).