Is it just me or are things these days getting very gloomy? Economic outlook is bad, employment prospects are bleak, polar ice caps continue to melt, mandopop (yes it's important to me) remains in the doldrums, bus and train fares are hiking again. Add to that the state of affairs in school and sigh, I can't even bring myself to talk about it.

There's one silver lining though, and that's the prospect of a glorious vacation this winter. Let's fly away to a happy bubble place!