My cousin Artie, originally from the Philippines, has lived in Sydney, Australia long enough to have gained citizenship.  The last visit he made to the Los Angeles area was in December 2007, where he and his wife were on a FOUR week holiday.  In that time they visited the Philippines and various western cities in the U.S.

I became a bit jealous that Australians were given a month's vacation a year.  He explained to me that at the end of four weeks he generally felt ready to go back to work and was well rested.  In addition to Australians, I was aware that many European nations shared in the same abundance of vacation hours.

After two years and four months of being employed with the library, I too will have a vacation like the Australians and Europeans.   I will be mirroring my Artie's journey from 2007 by going to Philippines and Australia for five weeks. 

In the lead up to this trip, I decided to do some research online regarding vacation time.

I was shocked to find that the U.S. is the only industrialized nation that does not require employers to give workers any paid vacation or holiday.  I was under the impression that all full timers received ten days paid vacation and part timers did not.  

For further statistics you can visit CEPR (Center for Economic and Policy Research) and read their report No-Vacation Nation.  

In the report  showing 9 countries with 20 days, 8 between 22 and 25 days, and France topping out at 30 days annual leave.  These numbers do not include paid holidays.  The U.S. is at the bottom of the chart at zero.  According to the report, this means that 1 in 4 workers in the U.S. do not receive any paid holiday or vacation. 

This is my first job where I have had the opportunity to have any sort of paid vacation.  I am working my way to be able to do more of these trips on my own terms. (more on this later)

I am going to enjoy this time outside of the U.S. but will be on a learning experience.  I will do my best to document my exploration of the land, the people and the food.

Check back for posts and photos from abroad.