This was my daily schedule while vacationing on the island of Boracay in the Philippines:
6:45 a.m. – Wake… the sun is a bright. Take a run on the awe-inspiring, white sand beach lined with Hawaiian-style palm trees. And just generally smile a lot.
8:00 a.m.– Have a western style breakfast served to me on the porch of my bungalow. I opt for one egg (over-easy), bacon, toast, fruit, tang and coffee (with cream and sugar of course). It’s not exactly a bad way to start the morning off… especially considering I’m chowing down in a majestic jungle next to an equally majestic coastline. Life sure doesn’t suck!
8:45 a.m. – Relax on my cushioned chair, complete with a side table and umbrella. This clutch arrangement sets me back a whopping $2 for the day.
10:15 a.m. – “Hi Josh! Are u ready for your massage now, sir?” These are the spoken words of Rosa… the amazing lady who provides me with my daily $8, hour-long, full body rubdowns on the beach, under the palm trees (see 3rd pic, top right). She even rubs SPF 15 on my back after she finishes. The smile remains.
11:15 a.m. – 6:45 p.m. – Swim and float in the ridiculously clear blue ocean. Nap… return to the water… converse with some friendly locals (mostly female)… read a little… enjoy my breathtaking view (see 4th pic ) think about how much I love life. Eat lunch at a restaurant of my choosing on the beach. Thai food, Mexican, burgers… whatever. Back to my chair… nap again, chill, and take a dip as the sun begins to set. Enjoy a pleasant rum and coke while watching our spectacular star disappear (see pics 1 and 2, top right), its mind-blowing after glow coloring the sky all shades of purple, pink and orange. My smile is growing wider.
7:00p.m. – 1:00 a.m. – Shower, rub aloe on my burnt flesh… I’m a disgrace to my Florida existence, I know. Dine, with my feet in the sand, on the scenic shoreline lit with rope lights and candles. Cap the night off by hanging out with Ellaine and Janet (see 5th pic, bottom), two beautiful, remarkable and completely unforgettable Filipino girls interning on the island for their college program. The smile is now full-blown. Return to my room, proceed to fall into a deep, peaceful sleep… one where nightmares could never exist.
