Semi-Wishing for Another Semi-Sabbatical

In late 2024, I embarked on a two-month journey. What began as plans for a family reunion in the Philippines transformed into a semi-sabbatical anchored by a family (plus friends) cruise to celebrate my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary. Using this milestone as a starting point, I extended my trip to explore other countries beyond our organized group activities. Through a combination of annual leave and a flexible work schedule (thanks, FHI!), I crafted an extensive itinerary that included both family time and personal adventures.

The trip naturally unfolded in three distinct segments, each offering its own unique blend of cultural exploration, personal reflection, and cherished moments with loved ones.

Segment 1: Philippines and South Korea

My first two weeks were spent in the Philippines, reconnecting with extended family I hadn’t seen in over 15 years. I visited Tagaytay, a picturesque area famous for its iconic views of Taal Volcano; Bulacan, where our family compound is located and where countless childhood memories were made; and Bataan, where I witnessed the release of baby turtles into the sea and enjoyed a fun night camping on the beach. Each stop offered its own blend of nostalgia and natural beauty, reconnecting me with my heritage in ways both profound and grounding.

The two weeks flew by as I caught up with my many cousins and met new family members (including the surprising revelation that I’m already a Lola!). Time seemed to stand still, yet slipped away far too quickly. There’s an indescribable feeling that comes with returning to your roots—a mix of familiarity and rediscovery that leaves you both fulfilled and yearning for more. I left with core memories, a trove of inside jokes, and a longing to linger just a little longer in the embrace of home. Had I known that feeling beforehand, I would have extended my stay, but my plans were already set in motion.

As I transitioned from the relaxed pace of life in the Philippines to the bright lights of Seoul, I found myself reflecting on the interplay of heritage and identity. The Philippines connected me with my past, while South Korea offered a fresh and exciting adventure. This contrast between trips—reconnecting with my roots, then immersing myself in an entirely new culture—captures what I love most about travel. Experiences like these bring new insights, reflections, and growth, and continually shape who I am today.

I met up with my friend Kathy in Seoul. We wandered the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace in traditional Hanbok, indulged in a variety of beauty treatments, and feasted on everything from authentic Korean barbecue to late-night 7-Eleven snacks. Our adventures also brought moments of quiet reflection and profound insight—whether through writing letters to our future selves in a charming café or standing at the DMZ, contemplating the region’s stark history and its impact on modern identity. Each day in Korea was a carefully balanced blend of cultural discovery, introspection, and moments of unfiltered joy shared between two friends. And to think, this was just Segment 1.

Segment 2: Southeast Asia Cruise

How do you top that? By embarking on a two-week cruise with 22 of your closest family and friends, of course. This cruise was the centerpiece of my journey, celebrating my grandparents’ milestone anniversary on January 1 and taking us across Southeast Asia. To do justice to this whirlwind experience, I wrote another blog dedicated entirely to its standout moments (see my blog: The Best Version of Me is at Sea?). For now, I’ll say this: balancing the energy and interests of family members across generations added a layer of unpredictability that made each day an adventure. From navigating bustling markets to sharing quiet moments at sea, this segment of the trip served as a beautiful (and occasionally chaotic) reminder of the ties that hold us together.

Segment 3: Bali and Australia 

Just like that, we’re already on the last segment of this two-month journey. After spending two weeks with 22 people, I understandably shifted gears and opted for a solo retreat to Bali. I spent four days there, signing up for a yoga retreat where I went full-on Eat, Pray, Love. It was exactly what I needed: quiet moments of reflection, peaceful surroundings, and plenty of time to unwind. I indulged in daily yoga sessions, nourishing food, and long walks around town, giving myself the space to truly reset. This retreat provided the perfect reprieve before diving into my last stop, Australia. I’ve saved those details for another post though, as I fear this blog has gotten a bit too long (see my blog: The Wonder of Down Under).

Nonetheless, two months flew by, and I can’t help but semi-wish for another semi-sabbatical. This experience reminded me how important it was to take time away to reconnect—with family, with friends, and with myself. It was more than a vacation; it was a deep dive into a slower, more intentional way of living. True fulfillment often comes from the moments we carve out, free from the pressures of the everyday hustle. Here’s to making room for more of that, semi-sabbatical or not.