My Way Back Home

From the moment I stepped foot in Dubai in Oct 2010, I wished I were home.  There had not been a day when I didn’t wish it was time.  I counted the days and nights with great yearning, hoping that the next time I’d open my eyes, they will be met with the same passion.

I could still remember the times I’ve packed and unpacked my luggage. My friends actually helped me arrange it once, only for such to be unpacked again. Hahaha!   I would wake up in the middle of the night or stay up late just to check whether I’m good with what’s inside my luggage. I wasn’t even concerned of how I should look like, unusual for other kababayan’s who really plan everything from head to toe.  All I wanted and wished for was to be there – home.

We all woke up early on that fateful day.  It was Shirley and Jona who drove me to the airport.  Maria was at an event at that time unfortunately.  The airport is far from where we stay but it seemed that it only took Jona minutes to drive Paji.  It was like twilight.

I never had to ask the counter person for a window seat because everything was taken cared for by Shirley.  She made sure that I’d get window seats and have Sea-food specials for my meals to and fro Dubai.  Check in okay, bade my friends goodbye then into the boarding area.  I could still remember maneuvering the luggage cart around the boarding area trying to find ways on how to kill time while awaiting final boarding.  I ended up having a light breakfast at McDonald’s.   Ordered cheeseburger with fries and coke and luckily found myself a seat for two.  While on my 5^th bite, a stranger came up to me and asked if he could take the other seat. I was in a mood to share, so I said yes.  He’s German and he said that he loves to travel. We talked about how he sees different cultures and how Germany is faring economically. I wasn’t really focused on the discussion because my mind was occupied with familiar faces that I was so excited to see.  I excused myself after almost an hour of pep-talk and proceeded to the cue that was already piling up at the boarding gate.  I guess it took almost an hour to get in the boarding lounge and another 45 minutes before I was really in the plane bounded for home.

I counted time by the second, not being able to concentrate on the movies I selected and played to watch.  For 8 hours, I was awake.  As I’ve previously mentioned, I had seafood special meals and a fondant cake.  Shirley made sure that I’d get one for the kids. It was almost 11 when the plane landed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.  After securing my luggage, I proceeded to the waiting area where the shuttle going to the domestic airport will be.  Then again, I had to wait for an hour.  I was so excited and my excitement affected my demeanor because I started spreading my charisma to everyone around. I used time very efficiently. Hahaha!

I was able to make friends with 2 kababayans whom I actually shared a Jollibee meal with at the domestic airport.  To my surprise, I never imagined it costs a lot to dine in our airports. I bought water for 60 pesos. I believe, if I’m not mistaken, I paid 200 pesos (or more) for the bbq chicken meal I had.  Had to eat since I’d still be waiting for my 4am flight and it was just 12midnight.  After that early breakfast meal, Karen and I went in the check-in area.  I was not sleepy at all.  Karen and Rommel found seats where they rested for almost 2 hours.  I was wide awake and busy sending messages to a friends who knew I was going home. Yeah, I only told two very dear friends. I wanted it to be a surprise. J

When it was check-in time, that was when I knew I was already on my native land.  The airline which I was flying with gave me a hard time. They asked for a copy of the credit card used in purchasing my ticket.  WHAT??? How can you give someone an e-ticket in the first place? I am not oblivious to the procedure and definitely not my first time to have bought my ticket online. Well anyway, I was able to contact the assistant manager in Dubai and asked for the number.  But before that happened, I asked to speak with the manager and spoke my mind.  Still, policy is policy. But I swear never to ride with them again.

I reached Davao City at 6 in the morning of 12 November.  |It was such a glorious morning.  If I could only relive that moment when I set foot on that ground, I would.  I went straight to my brother’s house. We had breakfast and I prepared for my planned itinerary and rendezvous with friends.  First on the agenda, have my hair done.  It was made for almost 4 hours.  My friend Ging and daughter pai went to fetch me at Sheila Magpale’s Salon at Ilustre and we headed to Abreza Mall.  We toured the mall as if I have never been to one. Hahaha!  We had lunch and accidentally saw some friends too. And to make that afternoon even more exciting, I spilled coke all over me. Clumsy me as usual! Hahaha!  I had to fix myself inside the mall’s ladies’ room for almost an hour.  Done that, it was time to buy some stuffs for my kids’ pc while awaiting for another friend’s arrival.

I had such a good day. I spent it with friends who’ve never abandoned me through thick and thin.  I  had to do an errand at San Pedro, then we proceeded to my brother’s house.  They had a small chat for an hour before we left off for gimik.  We went to Damosa as it is called. We ate and drank beer and listened to good music.  Then we went to Zed because we had our fills and wanted to sing.  I had so much fun.

The following day, it was time to meet my fate. My brother and I took the bus going to my hometown. We were able to reach Mati around 7 pm.  The moment I saw my son who was lying on the couch sleeping, I whispered a prayer of thanks. Thank God I am finally home.

But as they say, every beginning has an end and time is never on our side. I had to leave after a month-long adventure with my destiny.  Oh how I wish I had more time but some things have to be set aside for a while for greater purposes.  I shall be looking forward to yet another adventure with the people whom I dedicate all my efforts for. So I shall start counting the days again. Until then.

Fly the Coop…

Standing still while hands tightly held on the bar post next to the driver’s seat, arm to arm with the great unwashed, my mind whisked aplenty images.  From discerning whether or not to spend this much for handouts and for whom, to whether I’d be able to find myself a seat while in transit.  My thoughts finally rested on this:  my fear of heights –particularly flying.  Ah, I’d write about this when i reach home.

With aluminum wings  and jet engines, we reach miles of distance without sweating.  Oh we hear about jet-setters who fancy travelling and even make it part of their life’s itirenary.  For whatever reason, it be prestige or business, some who can afford own one.  I can’t exactly share how they feel when they fly.  I can’t put into words the hype or state they are in with the idea of flying.

I can only speak for myself: I hate flying!

If there is only one way to reach a destination apart from sailing and flying, I would opt to spend more if it must be.  But there ain’t any, it is a case of Hobson’s choice huh!

The idea of visiting a place for the first time, or recovering a usual path, or returning home or even planning a vacation always takes my mind off one of my greatest fears in life.  The planning stage usually consumes most of the available time.  It makes your mind wander, heart ponder and senses sidle. Nowadays, we get humongous help from this system that networks not only data but ideas and even  feelings – internet!  In just a flick of a finger, we”re taken to places we’ve never been to and get enticed by outstanding ideas for holidays or special occasions.  I can stay glued to the screen for hours and be overwhelmed with the many possibilities.  After picking and choosing, you are challenged by the nitty gritty details of travelling.  Oh but I am a light traveller.  I actually always end up unpacking and taking lesser and lesser stuffs by the day until there’s not much to bring anymore.

And so the big day comes and it is time to fly!

I love the ideas of airports.  I am always amazed of how the structures are built or how long it took  people to put the pieces together and come up with such imposing edifices.  It gives me such a classy feeling!   Yet again, when I get settled on my seat, my mind totally jolts to a stop while my heart misses a beat! Oh but of course I always keep my composure. I would never want my seatmate or anyone sitting next to me to think that I’m a bloop. Huh!  But if only minds can read minds, or feelings flash into words, somebody’s eyes are out of stalks! I know I look like an FLK!!!  I could just imagine how that’d be. Whew!

Moving forward, if you were the person next to me, you’d never miss out on that “sacred thing” I’d be clutching on to for the rest of the trip.  I could never sleep a wink during the entire travel time.  I would say my prayers over and over again or if I felt I’ve said enough, I’d take out my journal and start scribbling notes for people who matter to me.  There was one time when a smile cracked up my face when I did such.  It was a rainy day and lightning was peeping through my window.  When I finished writing my letters, I thought to myself, ”would these notes reach the recipients if this whole thing burns into flames?”.  Of course it won’t! Hahahaha! Freaky ha?! Nah, just a weird thought, never mind.

The longest time I’ve spent in an airplane was a whooping 11 hours. I know this isn’t a record breaking piece, but to me it was like bidding goodbye to my life! I’ve watched even Indie films which were not translated at all, just to keep me awake.  I’d untiringly scan the navigator so I’d know if we’ve already covered half the distance.  I’d let my eyes wobble so I’d not drift off to sleep.  Cutting the chase, I’d shake like a leaf whenever the plane starts to judder or move back and forth.  That’s what I dread about flying.

Tell me, how will I ever get over this feeling???

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