In China, we have two week long holidays and several long weekends.  The first week long holiday falls on Chinese New Year.  This year my wandering feet took me to my ancestral birthplace, Shishi, Fujian, China.  It was freezing and boring.  There wasn’t that much to do.  I enjoyed meeting the relatives though.  It was a different experience but not something I want to repeat.

During the Qing Ming Festival long weekend, my siblings came to visit me.   I fetched them in Shanghai as they took the Cebu Pacific flight.  We went to the usual tourist haunts such as The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Gardens and Xintiandi.  A first for me there is the Shanghai Aquarium which I thought was a good place to visit especially for kids and sea animal enthusiasts.

During the Labor Day long weekend, my travel buddy and I set our sights to Seoul, South Korea.  It was a pretty relaxing trip as there weren’t that much places to see.  I did  get a chance to wear a Korean dress and have my picture taken with it.  Shopping there is fantastic and the price is reasonable with the quality they give. 

Towards the end of August, I had to suddenly return home as my grandmother took a turn for the worst and we had to lay her to rest in Cebu.  It was a tiring week as I had to attend the wake in Manila and Cebu.  However, I enjoyed eating home cooked meals and food that I miss the most while I’m here in China.

At the end of September, my wandering feet will bring me to Singapore.  This will be my first visit in this small progressive country.  I’m looking forward to meeting old friends and classmates who are based in this country.  Of course, I have to visit the Merlion, Sentosa Park and probably do some shopping.  

The second week-long holiday will be spent in Manila.  I’m planning to celebrate my birthday with friends and family.  I also have a list of things that I would like to do and experience while I’m there.  Of course, I need to look my best and probably catch a man while I’m there.  (hahaha!) 

Towards the end of the year, my brother and sister-in-law will visit me in Beijing.  We will be doing a side trip to Datong and see the Hanging Monastery and Longmen Grottoes. 

I hope there won’t be anymore surprise trips as  I don’t have any holiday leaves left and my bank account won’t be able to take it anymore.  I’m really a sucker for travelling.  I should find a rich man to fund my travels.   Till 2010.  I should be planning ahead for the Chinese New Year again.