Anne’s challenge this week is to post something about relaxation — and the timing couldn’t be more perfect. I’ve just come back from a wonderfully relaxing escape in Dauin, Dumaguete, Philippines.

Dauin is a lovely spot in the Visayas region with a population of just over 30,000, I found the town to be peaceful and scenic. My kids and I decided on this place to catch up and have a bit of well-deserved relaxation. Sometimes the best reset is simply slowing down, breathing in the sea air, and letting the days unfold gently.

I started the day looking out from my bedroom window. The sun, the sand, and the sea right in front of me … and suddenly everything felt calm. The best kind of morning.

Everybody was still asleep, so I sat with my coffee and did a little sketch. The calm of the morning, the sea in front of me, and a few quiet moments to myself.

I went for a bit of a walk while the town wasn’t quite awake yet. Aside from two people out walking and a few stray dogs howling in the distance, everything was still and quiet.

Some of the boats were lying still by the shore, quietly waiting for someone to take them out to sea.

During my walk, I couldn’t help but keep an eye out for interesting doors. It’s something I always notice when wandering through a town.

Some windows…

And monochrome reflection on the wall

… and benches and seats

And flowers on the beach. I found out that this is called Bayhops.

As I wandered through the quiet sand, I came across some interesting lovely little finds.

And I am linking this to quite a few challenges for this week or the past week. I am still away so I haven’t responded to some of the comments… but will be, soon enough.