As a former banker, I know this is one of the most stressful times of the year, because everyone is trying find that perfect island where they can have a relaxing trip without having to bump into a familiar face in the form of a colleague or a rival banker. So that’s no to Bali or Phuket.
I tend to have it easy because no matter how hard I brainstorm, I always end up meeting Monsieur Ferragamo in Paris with Tai Tai. A few years of that and you just don’t bother anymore.
But this young chap I met in the club seems to have had even worse luck than me. Having been in Hong Kong for five years, he’s never been able to enjoy Christmas in a destination of his own choice.
The reason for that is because he’s single and his boss, who’s also single, always arranges a “company trip” for singles. As interesting as that may sound, the novelty wears off by the second year, but you still have to go because you simply don’t say no to the person who reviews your performance.
He thought he had got a lucky break this year when his boss finally got engaged. But before he could start browsing through hotels.com, he got an unexpected call from Yorkshire. It was the boss of all bosses, demanding his return in a way only a mother could.
“Come back for Christmas. Your room is ready. And you can’t say no, love.” He never stood a chance.