One of the perks of working as a teacher is the summer vacation we get to have at the end of each school year, which is about two months of uninterrupted laziness, waking-up-late morning days, staying-up-late evenings, traveling, eating, movie marathons and all imaginable things worth doing.

To be honest though, on my fourth no-work-day back in June 2014, my body was already used to being in work mode that I got a bit anxious and bored. I was already itching to get back to work so I can do my normal routine –  but that did not last very long. Who was I kidding?

I wanted to go somewhere close, preferably travel time not to exceed 3-4 hours. I packed my bag and left Shanghai to visit my homeland, the Philippines.

Amazing view from People’s Park in the Sky, Tagaytay

Met up with my classmates (since primary school until high school)  over coffee and loads of calorie-filled sweets

Shared a seafood fiesta dinner with one of our adorkable former Pisay student  (dishes currently being prepared when this picture was taken)

Reconnected with former work colleagues

Re-lived childhood memories at the beach

Spent a weekend at the beach with the family

Embraced the cool ocean breeze

Celebrated my 4th year as Shanghai expats over brunch at Azur, Renaissance Hotel with Ronald

Apparently, I was a diligent writer back in 2011 and as my life got crazier and busier, I wrote less. Well, I will try to write more this time, I think I can still fill 2014 up.