Aaaand we're back.
I have so much to write about, but my thoughts are still in random snippets of words and images. Images that may or may not have made it into my camera, but rather images stored in my mind. Sensations, emotions, and thoughts that are not quite coherent yet.
About how traveling reminds me just how startlingly beautiful this world is.
The colors of the sky viewed from the window of the airplane... God's brushstrokes on his infinite canvas.
The endless expanse of varying shades of blue, the perfection of sea meeting sky. The magic of a sandbar - a narrow strip of white sand which, for a few fleeting hours, felt like our own private island before it disappeared into the water.
The dewy scent of the lush tropical garden in my parents' home, the home where I grew up. If green had a scent, this would be it.
The almost intoxicating fragrance of a ripe Philippine mango, which I ate everyday like it was a gift.
The genuine embrace from the little arms of a 4-year-old.
The warmth of my mother's hands... though they look different, they feel exactly the same to me as they did 25 or 15 or 5 years ago.
Reuniting with childhood friends... picking up where we left off as though no time has passed. And noticing how we laugh just like our teenage selves did many years ago, but we speak with more wisdom and maturity.
The comforting feeling of HOME. Of FAMILY. Of shared meals, memories, and yes, dare I say even the notorious Manila traffic jam.
...Ok, maybe not the Manila traffic.
I've still got sand in my shoes
And I can't shake the thought of you
- Dido
I have so much to write about, but my thoughts are still in random snippets of words and images. Images that may or may not have made it into my camera, but rather images stored in my mind. Sensations, emotions, and thoughts that are not quite coherent yet.
About how traveling reminds me just how startlingly beautiful this world is.
The colors of the sky viewed from the window of the airplane... God's brushstrokes on his infinite canvas.
The endless expanse of varying shades of blue, the perfection of sea meeting sky. The magic of a sandbar - a narrow strip of white sand which, for a few fleeting hours, felt like our own private island before it disappeared into the water.
The dewy scent of the lush tropical garden in my parents' home, the home where I grew up. If green had a scent, this would be it.
The almost intoxicating fragrance of a ripe Philippine mango, which I ate everyday like it was a gift.
The genuine embrace from the little arms of a 4-year-old.
The warmth of my mother's hands... though they look different, they feel exactly the same to me as they did 25 or 15 or 5 years ago.
Reuniting with childhood friends... picking up where we left off as though no time has passed. And noticing how we laugh just like our teenage selves did many years ago, but we speak with more wisdom and maturity.
The comforting feeling of HOME. Of FAMILY. Of shared meals, memories, and yes, dare I say even the notorious Manila traffic jam.
...Ok, maybe not the Manila traffic.
 |
| sandbar off the coast of Cebu | photo by my brother Carlo |
I've still got sand in my shoes
And I can't shake the thought of you
- Dido
4 comments:
Your mind and heart must be so full! Mine are, just thinking of how long you've waited to take this journey back home. I can't wait to hear more about it.
welcome back! i'm sure it felt like such a blur (and like a dream!). but am so happy for you and amit that you got to experience being in manila together, and for YOUR first time being back since you left. can't wait to read/hear/see more of your trip!
We are glad you had a grand time with us. Please plan a longer visit next time. This early, plan with your siblings so that Rico and family could also be with us.
Jen and Anne: thank you! Yes, I'll write more... but it will be a bit sporadic!
Mom - yes, we look forward to that day!
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