I’ve been told many times that some people’s bucket lists are patterned after my past travels. I’ll take that as a compliment.
But let my travels be an inspiration, not a serious goal. If it happens it happens, if it doesn’t, that’s fine too. There are so many beautiful places in our country that even we haven’t explored yet.
My husband’s birthday is coming up this month and we initially had all these grand travel plans. We talked about going back to South Africa, pero hindi pwede, kasi maliit pa itong dalawa. Or go to Iceland, Scotland, naku, kung saan-saan kami nakarating sa kakaplano. Dreaming is free.
Then, because the birthday celebrant wasn’t really interested in celebrating, we kept trimming down the itinerary. Sige, San Francisco na lang. Or Japan. Then it became Hawaii. We were all set for Honolulu, but somehow our plans changed again. Sabi namin, local na lang. Boracay? Balesin? Palawan?
But Wowo and Wowa weren’t interested either—to my daughter’s disappointment. Wowo’s back has been bothering him, and the thought of traveling with Theo and a baby, even with two yayas in tow, felt more stressful than relaxing.
So instead, we’ll spend the birthday at the farm, chasing chickens and butterflies.
Walang party, ayaw ni birthday boy mag blow out. Ma stress daw sya to entertain. Kami na lang daw ang kakain. Okay that’s easy. Magpabili na lang ako ng pansit, at bulalo.
And honestly, that sounds pretty wonderful too.
I wish all of you long, happy, and meaningful travels in this lifetime. Our journeys and destinations may be different, but I hope you learn to enjoy the life you’re living right now—the place where you are, the people you’re with, and the sky above you.
As I write this, I look out the window. The sky is dark, parang uulan. But it’s still beautiful.
Sometimes, the most meaningful destination isn’t somewhere far away. Sometimes, it’s simply learning to appreciate where you already are.
Keep living and smiling.
– OMB
