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Photo: Joan Switalski |
Back Home and Back...
Written by Joan Switalski
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It was about two and a half years ago since the last time I visited the Philippines. But it seemed longer. I'm really happy to be back home. Seeing my brother after over five years tops it all up. And my family complete again makes it all worth it. It is very hot though, and very, very humid. It makes me want to get a hotel room. But of course, I will not do that. I am jealous of my husband enjoying |
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the cool temperature back in Michigan. I do feel guilty that he is not with me, and I really appreciate the sacrifice he had to take for this trip of mine to become possible.
This trip has long been planned as a surprise for my brother. We really tried so hard to keep it from him, even though we have slipped so many times and almost got caught. But it was still a success. My brother was driving without him knowing that it was me next to him in the car. That was hilarious! My sister and I were wearing the same shirt you see, and you know how men in general are so poor with details. It was nice to wake up with all of my family with me. The house is full again. My Mommy cooked my favorite Filipino dish (Kare-kare) for lunch and it was yummy! I like seeing my brother teasing my sister, and them doing some rough house, and my sister screaming her heart out. It's like I never left. It's like we all were never separated. My brother has matured and is a father himself, but he's still my brother bear. My sister's graduating from the university, but she's still my baby sister. The only downside is my Daddy's medical condition being not totally over. He survived Non-hodgkins Lymphoma, and now he's got Mantle Lymphoma. It is frustrating. I just wish that it will all just go away, so everything will go back to normal.
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One of the things I was looking forward to was meeting my friends and relatives. I was actually surprised at how much we all have changed. I find it really fascinating how we were talking about stuff. We truly have matured somewhat, and the comfy conversations were just so beautiful. There were a lot less apprehensions about topics that we would find uncomfortable talking about years ago. Talk about age! haha! It's nice to know more friends and cousins settling down, and getting more serious about different aspects of life. The older generations are getting older but still alive and kicking. A new batch has started sprouting. We are no longer the youngest in the clan. |
Layout designed by Joan Switalski
click to enlarge
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Of course, there were some sad news, but I guess that's part of life. I know it will all change for the better.
My trip to my country won't be complete without going to the beach. I missed the heat of the sun on my skin and the feel of the sand on the soles of my feet. We went to a small island in Zambales called Potipot Island, which is a 5 minute boat ride from the main shore. You can walk around in about 30 minutes and explore the wonders of its surroundings. There are no buildings, houses, roads or anything modern in this virgin island. Nothing but trees, sand and sea creatures. For a while, I forgot about sweaters and jackets I wore for so many months in Michigan. I don't care for lake beaches... I thrive for the ocean, its waves, sizzling beaches and beautiful sunsets. I enjoyed every drop of sweat on my forehead as we walked around and took photos.
After being in the Philippines for a month, I realized that the scrapbooking scene there is not really as fun as in the States. Scrapbooking supplies are not as accessible and they're a bit more expensive, because they're basically imported. There are some local suppliers, but they are not as appealing when you already have a lot on hand. However, I think that is a good thing for Filipino scrapbookers because it's more challenging to make do with what is available. Their creativity pot is stirred up a little bit more, and their page layouts are really amazing. I enjoyed shopping for crafting stuff, not in the malls or department stores, but in the markets. There are so many craft finds there, you just have to know how to look. I am so excited with the stuff I was able to buy there, not to mention the price.
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