Summer Days

Summer is officially here. Yesterday was the summer solstice, the longest day of light in the year. I celebrated with friends at Bar Taco while enjoying margaritas and beautiful views.

I’ve been an English teacher for 11 years now and for the past 2 summers, I didn’t work! It’s great to have time off in the summer to regroup, rest, and travel a bit. With my summer vacation starting in less than a week, I’ve got beach, sand and sun on my mind! What are your favorite things about the summer?

Here’s a list of some of the things I love about summer.

Toes in the Sand, Book in my Hand

I love to read, but as many teachers know, the school year is more about reading student essays than it is reading for pleasure. I can’t wait to sit on the beach and actually read something for myself! Here are a few of the books on my summer reading list.

Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. I’m late on this train, but I love Chimamanda’s work and I’ve heard great things about this book. A realistic fiction story of love, race and identity. One of my former students recommended this and I look forward to digging into it this weekend!
Night by Elie Weisel. Admittedly, I’m reading this one for work, in order to get ready to teach it for the first time next year. I read it so many years ago, but it’s one of those classics you could read over and over and the writing is just so poignant. Who knew writing about World War 2 could be so beautiful?

If you have any other book recommendations for me, please leave them in the comments section or on our instagram page!

Getaways

Although I do have one (or two) big trips planned for the summer, I look forward to just getting in my car and driving down to the Jersey Shore or up to Plymouth, Massachusetts to see my family.

We have a tradition in my family of getting a place on the shore and beach bumming it for a week. It’s a really fun time in Seaside Park. I love running the long stretches of beach, riding my bike to the bakery in the morning, and swimming until the sun goes down. Not to mention the awesome crab feast we have a Bum Rogers. These are hands down the best crabs I have ever tasted. If you ever get down to the shore, don’t forget to try them out!

Bum Rogers crabs are buttery, garlicky and absolutely delicious

About 10 years ago, my family moved to Plymouth, Massachusttes to open a restaurant and live on the beautiful New England coast. About a 3.5 hour drive from NYC, Plymouth is a small beach town located between Boston and Cape Cod. There’s nothing better than gathering together with family for a good meal and and all night dance party at my Aunt Mona’s house!

My favorite place to go is The Blue Eyed Crab. This is a caribbean style seafood restaurant serving up great cocktails made with rum from all over the world. My cousin has been a chef for over 25 years and his food is the real deal. It’s inventive and flavorful with great Caribbean flare. I try to get down there once a year. They just celebrated their 10 year anniversary at The Crab. If you ever get the opportunity to visit, tell Jimmy that I sent you! I love the crab bisque with homemade cornbread croutons and the Charred Pineapple Mojito. There are so many daily specials so just go in and have your pick.

Family time in Plymouth Massachusetts

Floating around in Plymouth

What Day Is It?

I lose track of time in the summer. No alarm clock, no agenda, no problem!

This is the luxury of being a teacher and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Last year I spent a chunk of my days in Manhattan with a few trips in between. It’s really nice to be off when everyone else is working. You get to enjoy the beauty and somewhat calm of the city without the hustle. Luckily, I have many teacher friends that I can share this freedom with, but one of the best things is taking myself on some solo dates to explore my city! One of my favorite places to go and treat myself to a glass of Rosé, delicious baguettes and other french delicacies is Buvette. I can sit at the bar of this West Village gem and feel for just a moment like I am in France.