Malaga, Spain

I'm in the midst of grading, revising an article, researching for another article, starting a travel blog, and preparing for next semester. Normally, this would cause some level of stress. But this year, for the first time, I chose to take a vacation before grading. I took a cruise around the Canary Islands and the Spanish coast. I didn't think about work at all, and I have come back refreshed and ready to grade. Now, when I'm reading exams, I'm more relaxed and less frustrated. I'm convinced that the pre-grading vacation led to my state of mind, and will likely lead to a better grading process for me. If you're grading and frustrated, here are some pictures to help you relax too.

Sunset off the coast of Tenerife with Mt. Teide in the background

Las Palmas

Mt. Teide, the 3rd largest volcano in the world

The exterior of Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morrocco

Mijas, Spain