From Great White North to Down Under - Sydney, Australia (1)
"At the onset of this trip, I committed to myself one thing - among others, which is to negate (or otherwise) Bart's claim: toilet flushes in counter clockwise direction Down Under. Ah, a phantom curiousity lingering with me since the early seasons of The Simpsons."
I almost thought the last couple of hours before landing in Sydney was not going to end. We've been airborne for the last 12 hours since it took off from Vancouver. Throughout the long flight, my feet had become familiarized with the number of steps needed to make a whole round and back inside the double-aisle Airbus.
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Aside from forced exercise I imposed to myself, few of the consolations I got inside the pressurized cabin was to look OUT the window only to see an equally distinct cast of time-line manifested oddly from the space: to the left side wing, a pitch darkness; to the right side wing, the brightness of the sky...and DOWN the window only to imagine we were lightly gliding on the immense thickness of the slumbering clouds. But then you get bored. Casting a glance beside my sleeping wife, I followed her through.
I woke up from the captain's announcement that we're landing in close to an hour and a half time. I guess we're still few thousands feet above, and the vista - more vivid in colour and outline, are the expansive cobalt blue ocean brush-marked with multiple white crests rushing toward countoured shores and cliffs.
There was still an apparent trail of scare from West Nile virus at that time when we arrived to Sydney. The fumigation process was done a few minutes after the aircraft finally parked at the tarmac. Afterward, everyone deplaned. The weather on that first day of July down there was relatively fair. A point for you, Australia! Unlike in Canada, where the weather can hover on both extreme ends: an intense heat wave at the peak of summer or a relentless snowstorm enveloping, at its worst, from east to west of the country.
At the onset of this trip, I committed to myself one thing - among others, which is to negate (or otherwise) Bart's claim: toilet flushes in counter clockwise direction Down Under. Ah, a phantom curiousity lingering with me since the early seasons of The Simpsons. Time has come; I can prove it now, firsthand!
I found customs officers to be diligent and inquisitve, yet at the same time they had demonstrated a fair amount of their amiable personality. As a matter of fact, one older officer even chatted with me for awhile about our countries, and on how he'd like to visit Canada one of these days - which was fine, only it took us some time by going to another queue probably because it's our first time visiting Australia.
From the customs officers, a ticket attendant, city train passengers, to a kind passerby whom we've met along the way leading to our hotel; all of them were courteous. These particular encounters and others that I will write later on, were of a complete turnaround from the event I watched at the hotel lobby TV unfolding at that time about a scuffle in Melbourne. Apparently between young locals and South-Asian students. TO BE CONTINUED.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/arvtar/sets/72157626014395938/
Doubting Thomas
The desire became stolid, the eager left-hand emaciated. Continuing on my denial has taken it's toll on myself. While mentally capturing breathtaking beauty of a new-found place in order to satisfy my inner hunger, I drawn out superficial laughter to show how much I liked the adventure. It was not enough. Inside, I sensed I was mocking myself. Since when did I turn back myself away from it? I used to love tapping my fingers on the keyboard while my mind floats to sea of ideas. I weave words in my dreams. I shape-up stories in my room.
More than two years has passed. Within those couple of years, I was admittedly busier. Hard-pressed with almost everything and loaded with all the realities of life had to offer. It worried me because I was being deceitfully busy. Lately, it appeared in front of me, haunting me, asking me like an orphaned child to his keeper: "Why did you neglect me? You're supposed to feed me, yet you continually ignored me. I have been here all along. Please nourish me!"
If there is indeed a talent or the lack thereof, then I am in denial of it. Yes, I weave fabric of words. But are those adequate to shroud (or not) critical eyes whose every set is set to judge the ability? Or the stories I built up from scratch. Will they satisfy and stack-up to them that 's been flying off of the shelf soon enough? I guess not. I guess not.
In a brief epiphany lately, the ingress of desire has turned out quite strongly. Consequently, a renewed self -commitment was settled: the orphaned needs to be nourished; the fingers has to be more alive; halfhearted laughter has to be reconciled with genuine appreciation of both the ability to admire each travel experience and the courage to write adventure of each sojourn. Doubt has to subdue. I will find time to write.
Ito ang palad ko (Tagalog)
Mistula kaming busabos. Palagi kaming nang-aapuhap may masimot lang na ipangtawid-gutom. Isa sa mga natatandaan ko noon, sa maliit na isdang bangus na nakulimbat ni nanay doon sa lugar na kinalakihan namin, kadalasan pinag-aagawan pa namin itong magkakapatid, at dahil ako ang bunso at pinakamaliit, lagi akong nauubusan ng makakain. Malamnan lang ang tiyan ko, sinisimot ko na lang ang tirang pagkain nila. ‘Yung mga nakatatanda kong kapatid, basta bundat na wala na silang pakialam sa akin.
Sa totoo lang, tinabangan na rin ako sa kanila…noon. Pero nung nangawala na yung iba sa kanila, mas natanggap ko na kung ano ako at ano ang layunin ko sa buhay. Samakatuwid, mas kilala ko na ang sarili ko ngayon at nauunawaan ko kung bakit ganoon ang ugaling-likas ng aking mga kapatid.
Hindi ko lang matanto kung sa pangatlong kabilugan ng buwan ng taong yun nang huli kong makita si tatay. Hindi na siya bumalik, bata pa kasi ako noon kaya walang namutawing hinanakit sa loob ko, pero siyempre bata, hinanap-hanap ko pa rin ang presensiya niya ng mga ilang araw matapos ang hindi niya pag-uwi sa amin. Dinadala na ni nanay sa tiyan ang mga nakababata kong kapatid noong nawala si tatay. Pero pakiwari ko, tila hindi naman dinamdam masyado ni nanay ang paglisan ni tatay.
Batid ko sapul magkamalay ako, sa buhay namin kailangan kaming magbanat nang buto at magsumikap (na makipaglaban) para hindi kami magutom…
Nalimutan ko pala, kailangan mo ring maging matapang at matigas dahil sa lugar namin, paglalamya-lamya ka, ikaw ang talo! Minsan nga sa katangian pang ito nakasalalay ang buhay mo. Totoo yun, walang biro.
Ilan nang kasing-idad kong kabarkada sa lugar namin ang nakita kong nakalutang sa me tabing-ilog noon, walang buhay at pinagpipistahan ng mga kauri ko. Nakatihaya, butas ang tiyan, yung mga mata dahil malambot, inuka at wala na.
Wala naman akong pinagkaiba doon sa sawing-palad kong mga kabarkada, lilisan din ako. Yun nga lang, ako matitigok para sa kasiyahan ng mga tao. Sabi nila kinyentos pesos ang kada timbang namin, at depende rin sa laki namin.
Kagabi pa pala itinali ang mga sipit ko - matapos akong pinawin sa maputik at masangsang na pispand na kinalakhan ko, nung mag-amang nagbebenta sa amin (natiklo kasi ako at nakasama sa lambat nang pawalan at igahin nila ang tubig palabas sa pispand). Ang hinala ko ginagawa ito ng mga tao tuwing makailang buwan ng taon, kapag sapat na sa timbang at puwede ng ibenta iyung mga kauri kong bangus at sugpo.
Kanina pa ring umaga ako ipinag-aalukan at nakabitin sa mahabang dos por dos na kokonat lamber dito sa tabi ng highway pa-Maynila at dahil sa init ng araw, panay na ang bula ng bibig ko. Ang lintek na binatilyong tindero, inihian pa kami! Paliwanag kasi sa kanya, at narinig ko, ‘yung ihi daw ng tao ay kahalintulad ng tubig-alat kaya mas magtatagal pa kaming buhay at sariwa! Kasama ko sa bungkos ay yung dalawa kong kapatid at yung matandang ina nung kahabulan ko noon dun sa maputik na ibayo ng pispand.
Yung kaninang bumaba sa kotse ay ang kuripot na intsik na interesado kaming pakyawin! Panay na ang tawad sa presyo, panay pa ang sulyap sa malaman kong sipit! Ang dalawa kong kapatid, ayun hilo na sa ilang ulit na kaba-baligtad ng walanghiyang singkit na yun para siguruhin lang kung babae o lalaki yung kapatid ko. Ha ha ha!
Siguro habang binabasa ninyo ito ngayon ay naihagis na ako sa kumukulong tubig sa kaldero ng intsik na yun at ang maitim kong balat ay napalitan na ng pulang kulay; ngunit ganoon nga ang silbi namin sa mundong ito. At siguro kung may “seafoods heaven” ay nandoon na ako ngayon, kasama ni tatay at ang mga nakatatanda kong kapatid (na naunang nabitag sa lambat, piho ko), at ng iba pang mga kauri kong lamang-dagat…
Salamat,
Ang binatilyong alimango
The Square makes up for the interior (Basilica's) - Rome Italy
After alighting from our bus, we walked towards Saint Peter Square, the place where we supposed to meet our contact. It was just in early morning, so the chill was still in the air. The early sun did not help to alleviate the cold breeze caressing our cheeks; its rays were being blocked by these massive pillars standing in a semi circle array forming an impressive colonnade on both sides of the Square.
From among 11 cities we visited with this tour, Rome somehow topped the list with the most volume of visitors; Paris and Venice numbers may pale in comparison, I suspect.
Soon, we met our kababayan guide. Realising the huge amount of time we would spend to explore the whole city, and our slim chance to be back in the afternoon to Florence, I asked if he could help us find a hotel to stay for the night, just in case we run short of time. As always, same-day booking could cause a fortune in Rome; we, afterward were offered a hospitable accommodation at his apartment instead. TO BE CONTINUED...
"Only three days?" - Our trip Down Under 1 (Auckland, NZ)
Auckland, the City of SailsOur intention was to travel to Sydney, but later decided a side-trip to Auckland would be neat. From a grueling 14+ hours flight (but safe) across the Pacific, our first stop-over was Sydney. It took us another four hours or so before Qantas 737 landed its gears to Auckland Airport.
Judging from queued passengers at Customs counters, there must be a hiatus of Auckland International Airport-bound aircraft at that time. Only a meager two dozens or so passengers were at the queue waiting for their turn at the customs counter.
"Only three days?" exclaims a lady Customs officer to my wife as she squinting labouriosly at our filled-out visitors card tucked between the pages of our passport when my wife answered three days is our intended stay in the city. The Customs officer wondered if we would have enough time to explore Auckland.
My wife and I looked at each other and instinctively would have came up with the same answer: "Highly unlikely, Ma'am!" The heavy-accented officer nevertheless stamped our passports for a three-month stay.
On the way out, a gentleman offered to take us picture, apparently amused as my wife and I were switching places to take picture behind a 'Welcome to Auckland' signage; as well as the woman who helped us getting transit ticket from a machine dispenser. These individuals - more or less - gave us the impression of pleasant experience we would have in our brief stay at Auckland - which we did, as a matter of fact, except for one poor service we received from a particular barbeque restaurant.
where we stayedAfter a quick shower that evening, we were on our way out to find a place to dine in. Though later, we had in our paper bag a green salad, a couple of burger, and grilled lamb meat. We opted to take out our foods back to the apartment instead and had quiet dinner to ourselves afterward. The persistent jet lag was still present at that time. TO BE CONTINUED...
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A free hug from Paris (err, no not Hilton)!
Paris, France (travel journal excerpt 5) -
“After a quick side trip to Montmartre area to see Sacred Heart Basilica on its superbly windy and highly-elevated location, and the very historic Moulin Rouge cabaret building located in once was the red-light district area of Paris, our next stop was Notre Dame Cathedral.Our visit to this great cathedral was only planned to be brief as possible, and it proved to be so since there was an activity going on at that time inside the cathedral that prevented us from peeking the interior of the cathedral. Unlike Il Duomo in Milan, Saint Mark in Venice, and Sacre Coure Basilica du Paris where we both witnessed their magnificent interiors, this time we had to contend taking picture of its west exterior facade with its twin towers standing side by side. I wish I took time circling the cathedral because at the south side is where I would see more of its unique Gothic-type architectural details like the flying buttress design of its structure, which I’ve seen several times in History channel. Aesthetically speaking, this may not be as majestic as other cathedrals we’ve already seen in Europe, but suffice to say, it also has its place in history being the official seat of Archbishop of Paris in the past where church had massive influence in politics, decision-making, and power-playing.
The plaza in front of the cathedral was teeming with people. Among the crowd, I remember was a group of young teenage kids with them a cardboard with the words “FREE HUG” written on it. One of them, a young teenage girl - although a bit flush-faced yet seemingly unpretentious, still managed to approach us. Without saying a word and with only a smile on her face, she hugged me and the wife. You just got to admire these kids and their adorable welcoming gesture. We’ve been to several cities elsewhere, but that was the first time we experienced such a genuine gesture from a city I was least expecting it, and indeed as being one of several pleasant experiences we brought back home. This is why, if one can remember from my earlier travelogue how I had to take back my impression of French people as being too aristocratic; on the contrary, they are one of the most courteous.
Within the vicinity, I also saw a makeshift ice rink where many kids were playing obliviously amidst their busy surrounding. The “winter” scene in Paris that afternoon reminded me of how - in contrast, a Canadian winter can sometimes be unforgiving. The kids’ laughter and joyous shouting that filled the wintery air almost overpowered the occasional voice over at a PA speaker coming from a nearby merry-go-round operator.” To be continued…
The long, winding, and captivating road to Kelowna (2) - Okanagan Valley, B.C.
...and so I walked the ground where Emperor treaded! (1)
With the train starting to slow down, I was able to glance at the terminal signage, "Roma Termini". It was between seven and eight in the morning. We were disembarking and heading eastward when I noticed the whole expanse of the train platform being bathe in morning sunlight.
All the excitement was beginning to build-up within me eventhough I realised shortly that another ride from city bus was needed to get to St.
At the Rialto bridge (2) - Venice, Italy
"Hey, Dave, we just arrived! What's your apartment's number? We..." I asked, but was cut.
"Don't worry about it, let me just meet you guys up at Rialto bridge!" replying abruptly with hint of a seemingly concealed grin on his end. That left me wondering. When we met afterwards, he explained to me that it's a lot easier meeting us in a popular public place rather that to try our luck in this unusually complicated narrow streets of Venice. He proved himself right later on. After our phone conversation, and while looking at the map our friend Manila had just purchased in an attempt to find our way to Rialto bridge, my wife and I agreed to walk instead of enjoying the leisure of waterbus. |
| Before the opera |
Grabbing on-sale souvenirs from the market A continuation to my series of not so (un)fortunate events: I Guess We're Stuck! (3)
After a few days we spent with my wife's, we were ready to visit my family. The neighbouring province which I grew up is only few hundreds kilometre away from my wife's, so it did not necessitate us to fly.
The highway snags made our road travel longer than expected. For example, there were some spots where lanes were reduced into one due to floods caused by torrential rains. The town for our next jump-off point to reach our island destination was under heavy dark clouds when we got there. On our way to the seaport, pieces of loose trash and leaves were swirling violently by gusty winds along town streets, and the competing high waves breaking off of the sea wall outstripped my notion that it was only a minor typhoon coming.
We finally proceeded to town's sea port where my nephew, my niece, and her husband were waiting to fetch us up.
From the horizon - where the island is clearly visible during normal days, it somehow, at this time is being eaten by the descending heavy black clouds and shrouded to the point of disappearance by seawater swell generated ferociously with winds coming from the Pacific.
Onto Venice by train (1) - Venice, Italy
It was earlier than usual wake up time when I woke up to the whispers coming from the kitchen: the wife and our friend Manila had been quietly preparing our breakfast. After breakfast and all the preparations, the three of us were on our way to Centrale station.
The Grand Station, as any other major travellers' hub - was busy during that noonday. Shops are everywhere with each window displaying pieces of what Venice are known for, Murano glasses and festival facemasks. The station is well located as it is adjacent to grand canal. We walked a bit towards the open area heading to the canal and I was awed to its welcoming appeal. The brightness of the mid-day sun on our arrival enhanced the city's undeniable beauty: the jade-coloured water, those water-buses docked close by, the arched bridge from a distance, a series of stunning centuries-old residences and buildings all lined up to the edge of the canal, etc. TO BE CONTINUED.
Water-taxi, anyone? (3) - Venice, Italy
We occasionally stopped at some shops and bought souvenirs. Surprisingly, every shop offers items that Venice is famous for: hundreds selection of Murano glasses and different type of Venice festival facemasks. Shops' souvenirs are relatively cheaper than those from street vendors.Everytime we are in a new place, both me and my wife make sure that we visit any place of worship, Venice was no exception. We are convinced that it is our humble way of giving respect to such town or city. As a matter of fact, we went in to this little chapel and sat for awhile. The atmosphere was nothing different from any church, but again it's those unique and intricate interiors that made my eyes wonder all around.
We stole another extra time to sit, reflect, and pray.
Back strolling, I started feeling a stronger breeze gushing before us; we're few blocks away from the open plaza - Piazza de San Marco. I can say that this is the biggest area-of-interest on the main island. There was no obvious decline of activities here: tourists kept strolling and taking pictures while pigeons on the ground mingled contentedly with them. Though there's few construction and maintenance going on in the area at that time, that did not prevent us capturing the stunning beauty of the place. I initially took notice of this beautiful St. Mark Basilica. It's so apart from some that I've seen because of its golden horse sculptures on top showing off their gallantry gait to observers. A half concave dome-shaped structure with mosaic profile of Byzantine at the centre augments attraction to the facade. TO BE CONTINUED..
Dante's (Divine Comedy) hometown is also a bargain-seekers' paradise (3)
(cont'd...) The sun was winding down when we boarded the bus going back to Santa Maria Novella from Piazalle. Another bus route means different things to see, but then again, it could snag you elsewhere. It happened to us that afternoon. Anyway, we reached our intended destination a little later. The area of Santa Maria Novella is the arrival and departing point of Florence when you travel by train. This is where we finally took a leisurely stroll after being lost.
Within the nearby area is where you find the Duomo, Giovanni Baptistry, and the campanile, among others. Those independent stall owners at the market are spread within several blocks in the vicinity as well.
We walked the cobblestone streets around Duomo to get a closer look of the building. The edifice facade and sidewall are truly stunning; it's made of beautifully arranged planks of white and green marbles all around. The intricate detail does not end there because its tower has its own uniqueness also. Standing beside the del Fiore duomo, the architectural grandness of campanile or bell tower, aside from its height, is its intricately encrustered pieces of marbles of several colours. These types of architecture are clear reminiscent of an ancient era; something that we were grateful to see as we finish our run around the duomo. The baptistry right in front of duomo is another marvel. Because of its octagonal shape and its more than one door, it was hard for me to confirm which one is the main door.
In nearby streets and few blocks from these magnificent buildings are stalls of great bargains. From sculpture reproduction pieces to leather jackets, the bazaar proved to be another exciting adventure for us. Although the atmosphere was typical as in any other open bazaar - for example, with an over-eager stall owner doing his magical sales pitch to unassuming tourists, the absence of sweltering heat during that afternoon made all the difference.
One of the reasons why we enjoyed the place - aside from its weather, was the bargain. For example, remember the 200 plus Euro brand name necktie that I mentioned in my Milan blog? Here it was quite the opposite. For four silk neckties for 10 Euro, I did not mind buying more than I needed. My wife bought her share of the bargain as well, and together we bought neat sculpture replicas and several gifts for our friends.
Minutes later, we were walking away from the bazaar place to catch our evening train to Milan. Tired and our hands full of stuff, we still managed to exchange smiles as if saying to each other: "Europe is not at all that bad when it comes to finding bargain because there is this place - right in the heart the Renaissance birthplace and Dante's hometown, where you will find the most amazing place for bargains! The city of Firenze is indeed a bargain-seekers haven!" :)
'Twas the night before Christmas - poor man's parody (Pilipino / Tagalog short story)
“ ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…”
Bisperas ng Pasko. Sa munting karitong-bahay na iyon ay pawang katahimikan ang bumabalot; walang tahol ng aso at ni sagitsit ng tsinelas sa kalye…
Kalahating oras na lang bago mag-Noche Buena, tahimik na nakahiga dahil sa gutom sa karitong-bahay si Jessa at ang tatlong-taong anak nitong si Jet.
Bagamat may sinag ng ilaw sa poste na tumatagos sa mga kartong dingding na pinagsapin-sapin, madilim at malamig pa rin ang gabi sa bandang ang iyon ng Roxas bolibard. Sa mga sandaling iyon ay tila nahinto ang paggalaw ng orasan at ikot ng mundo sa mag-ina: naubos na ang mga nagsasalisihang sasakyan na kanina ay panay ang harurot; ‘yung mga nagpapasyal, mukhang nagsiuwi na; kahit yung gumagalang mga gard sa parke, at ang mga pagala-galang asong askal ay di mamataan ng gabing iyon. Ang malamig na simoy na hangin lang at ilaw sa poste ang dumadamay sa kanila sa sandaling yon.
“Ma, sakit ng tyan ko,” impit na sabi ni Jet sa ina. “Di ba sabi mo darating na si Papa at kakain tayo ng prayd tsiken dahil Pasko na mamaya?” tanong ni Jet sa ina habang hinihila nito ang kupas na manggas ng ina.
“Darating na si Papa mo, Jet!” sabay haplos nito sa noo ng kaniyang bunso habang inilabas niya ang kanyang ulo sa kariton at tinanaw ang kanlurang bahagi ng kayle upang tanawin ang pagdating ni Jesse na kanyang asawa. Naalala niya, kanina pa pala silang alas-diyes ng umaga nag-“altanghap” matapos na silang mag-asawa ay namulot ng redyekted na diyaryo malapit sa may printing pres, at ito ay kanilang ipinakilo sa bentahan ng garapa.
Sa bente-singko pesos na napagbilhan, napagkasya nila ang isang serbing ng lutong kanin na nilunod sa sabaw ng nilagang walang karne ng baka. Yung natirang walong piso, ikinumpleto nila sa pagbili ng inihaw na isaw upang magsilbing ulam sa kanilang “altanghap”. Kung gutom na si Jet ay ganun din siya, pero ayaw niya itong iparamdam sa anak dahil kailangan niyang maging matibay. Yung babol gam na itinatago-tago para paglibangan ni Jet ay ubos na rin.
Mag-aala una na ng naaaninag niya si Jesse na dumarating. Hinawi niya ang tabing na karton sa kaniyang uluhan at inayos ang higa ng natutulog na si Jet. “Anong nangyari sa iyo?,” tanong na may halong pagkainis at pag-aalala ni Jessa sa asawa. “Kanina ka pa hinihintay ng anak mo at panay ang tanong sa prayd tsiken…”
“Nahirapan akong maka-ekstra dahil wala ng dumating ng deliberi ng gulay galing sa Baguio. Pasko na kasi at isa pa’y binagyo sa Ilocos kaya daw madalang ang baba ng gulay,” ang malumanay na sagot ni Jesse habang inaabot ang supot ng kalahating Andok at pansit sa asawa. “Nakasingit na nga lang akong magkarga ng mga pinamili ng mga humahabol na mamamakyaw!” Alam ni Jesseng hindi interesado si Jessa sa mga huling sinabi niya, pero sapul ganoon siya, madetalye.
Kargador at pahinanteng pa ekstra-ekstra si Jesse doon sa may Baclaran, pero sa hirap ng buhay at sa dami ng nagpapahinante, minsan ay halos singkuwenta pesos lang ang naiiuwi nito. Kaya nga madalas - makakain lang sila sa kahit isang beses sa maghapon, madaling-araw pa ay itinutulak na nilang mag-asawa ang kanilang karitong-bahay sa may printing pres upang mag-abang ng panapong diyaryo at saka nila ipinakikilo.
“Yang anak mo wala na lang binanggit umpisa kaninang umalis ka kundi ang iuuwi mong manok. Sabi niya sana laging Pasko para makakain siya non. Ayan, nakatulog na panay ang nguya sa kanyang babol gam! Panay nga ang kulit sa akin!”
Di sanasadya ay sumagot si Jesse na may himutok at katumbas na hangad tulad ng kanyang anak, “Sana nga araw-araw lagi ding me okasyon tulad ng Pasko para naman malaki-laki ang kita ko at hindi lang kape at altanghap ang kinakain natin at madala naman kita sa doktor para gumaling na yang sakit mo sa baga,” Pagkahugot ng malalim na hinga, dugtong niya, “Pati na rin makaipon tayo ng pamasahe pag-uwi sa probinsiya!”
Alam ni Jesse na higit pa sa pagkakargador ang kailangan niya para mangyari ang nais niya, ngunit talagang napakahirap na ng buhay. Yung iniipon-ipon niyang pamasahe sa barko para umuwi na lang sila sa probinsiya ay naubos na noon pang Oktubre dahil sa mahal ng gamot ni Jessa. Isang buwan na ang kanyang asawa ng huli itong nakainom ng gamot, kaya yung ubo niya mas malala na ngayon. Payat na rin si Jessa. Yung pagkawala niya ng trabaho sa konstraksyon nung isang taon ang siyang dahilan kaya sila na deley sa upa at napalayas sa barung-barung nilang nirerentahan. Kaya ngayon nagkasya na lamang siyang gumawa ng kariton para sa kanyang mag-ina, at napipilitang magpalipat-lipat ng lugar kung hinahagad sila ng MMDA.
Matiyaga si Jesse, ngunit alam ni Jessa mas malakas ang loob niya dito, kaya matapos niyang ilagay sa plastik na mangko ang pansit at inihaw na manok (ke Jet basta manok, prayd tsiken ito sa kanya), may lambing na isinampay niya, inikot at pinaghugpong ang kanyang mga kamay sa asawa na nakatalikod sa kanya, sabay bulong, “Me awa ang Diyos…”
Alam ni Jessa na ganoon din ang nasa puso at paniniwala niya, ngunit wala na siyang maidugtong para ibsan ang himutok ng asawa. Dahil siya man minsan ay nagtatanong din.
Muli katahimikan. Magkadikit sila at nakatanaw sa malayo. Tila parehong nag-aapuhap at naghahanap ng pag-asa ng kung mahahawakan lang ito ay hinablot na nila. Ngunit ang pag-asa, alam nila ay hindi tulad ng isang bagay na nahahawakan kundi ito ay nasa puso at pananalig. At gaano man sila kawawa sa mata ng tao ay hindi sapat upang sukatin ang kanilang pananalig at pag-asa sa Diyos.
Ang ingay ng gabing yon ay biglang nabuhay; isang pampasaherong dyip na walang sakay kundi ang drayber ang lumabas mula sa may kanto. Ang sa umpisa nitong mahinang steryo ay lumakas ng lumakas habang papalapit sa kanila.
Yung kantang pamasko nilang naulanigan, sigurado sikat yun nung mga bata pa sila. Ngunit ang mensahe parang gumuhit sa damdamin ng mag-asawa ng magkatinginan sila. Nagpa-alaala ang Diyos!
“Dinggin ninyo ang buong bayan, pamasko ang awitan, Laganap ang kasayahan, May galak ang sandaigdigan, Dukha man ang ating buhay, Tayo’y dapat magdiwang, Tayo ay magpasalamat sa taglay nating buhay, sa araw ng Pasko, iwaglit ang lumbay…” Malakas, hanggang sabay na lumipad at nilamon ng hangin ang likiro sa paglagpas ng sasakyan.
“Papa!” ang ingit ng naalimpungatang si Jet. Hinawi ang nakatalukbong na kumot sabay lundag sa ama. “Papa…Papa, nagugutom na ako, kain na tayo prayd tsiken!”
Nagkatinginan at ngumiti ang mag-asawa sa isa’t isa. Naupo si Jet sa hita ng ama habang pinilipit ni Jessa ang hita ng Andok at isinubo sa takam na takam na anak. Sumabay na rin sa pagkain ang mag-asawa matapos mag-usal ng pasasalamat.
Alas dos ng madaling araw - dalawang oras makalipas ang oras ng pagsilang ni Hesu-Kristo, sa munti nilang karitong-bahay, ang malumanay nilang hinga at sabik na nguya ng anak ang tanging ingay, ngunit sa puso nila: ang nagsusumigaw na pag-asa.
Ang munti nilang tahanan ay nabalutan ng kapayapaan; walang tahol ng aso at ni sagitsit ng tsinelas sa kalye…
” ‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…”
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NEW YORK, USA
911 memorabilia
New York Times Square
New York Times Square
Lower Manhattan
Sunset at Liberty IslandTorre out; Piazalle in
(cont'd...) We did not make it to the Leaning Tower of Pisa (Torre); however, in Florence, we able to appreciate the breathtaking view from Michelangelo's plaza (Piazalle). All the while we thought the Pisa Tower was within the city of Florence, this wasn't the case, which we found out soon after we arrived here.
So after disembarking from Firenze Termini, we grabbed our lunch and attempted to buy bus ticket going to the tower, to Michelangelo's place, and to just explore other site-of-interests of Florence. The plan was to cover the three in a day and hit the way back to Milan for New Year.
Once passed the city proper, the road going up the plaza is winding and uphill.
On the hill, all of us, tourists, were like kids let out from the classroom during recess, racing excitedly to the playground. Right away, we hurriedly looked for the best vantage point to take pictures right along the balusters that border around the plaza.
The afternoon sun enhanced our sightseeing of the whole city of Florence. The blue sky descending to the Tuscan mountain outline from afar gave it the appearance of a picturesque postcard. It was also nice to see the whole city itself with all those terra cotta-clad houses spread throughout and around the noticeably massive Duomo. At the west (not sure if it's right), the spectacular architecture of Ponte Vecchio Bridge that rests lazily above the Arno River was a delight. Seeing this type of surrounding truthfully contrasts modern cities in North America; the surreal testament of the view seemed to allow me to relive and dwell temporarily in its ancient glory.
Lastly, the lonely replica made out of brass standing singularly atop the hill, is Michelangelo's David. Considered as one of the most famous masterpieces created in the Renaissance period. This is the largest replica of David I've seen. It was nice, but I did have a hard time taking good angle shots because of an unmindful individual sitting at the bottom of the statue.
Few store shacks added to the interest of the plaza, selling souvenirs tourists could have hard time resisting; we were one of them. I was able to practise my haggling skills though when I bought 22" x 34" painting reproductions of Michelangelo's "The Creation" and Botticelli's "The Birth of Venus" for five Euro each. The guy was initially trying to sell it for 30 Euro each!
The sun's dramatic afternoon descent coincided our leaving the hill. It was nice to think that although we missed the Leaning Tower of Pisa, our experience at Piazelle Michelangelo quite covered it. TO BE CONTINUED...
A day in Paris (2) - France
A taste of the valley (3)
(cont'd...) At four o'clock in the afternoon we reached city of Kelowna, just when I was about to get completely bored. Sightseeing while driving is great, but 13 long hours for a single day...well, next time I'll fly.
Kelowna is located in the Lower Okanagan Valley of British Columbia. To the west is a gorgeous lake, while the rest is surrounded by mountains. One thing is certain, the weather here is much desirable maybe because of its lower sea-level elevation. I believe it has one of the most fertile lands in Canada; its orchards and winery are everywhere. The city itself exudes an atmosphere of complete relaxation.
Most of us will agree that travelling and getting to new places is priceless; however, it may always have price tags too, to be honest, ha ha! I came with a friend to Kelowna exactly just for the sheer fun of seeing a new place, and I got exactly what I wanted without taking much out from the pocket as it was only a day of stay.
The lake is impressively wide. The view of the opposite side of the lake was a bit hazy from where I stood, probably because of the sun blurring my vision or simply because of its sheer distance. It was fairly busy on and along the lake: those chasing powerboats from a distance, kids playing on the sand, and adults just having their diversion with books basking under the sun, or simply laying unmindful under their umbrella. I enjoyed taking notes of them. Even a seemingly inquisitive bird (that I captured with my camera) with her droopy wings, took a quick stop-over and postured as if surveying the same scene I was having fun watching.
There was this long boardwalk at marina that we strolled along further down the beach. With numerous yacht docked and towering upscale condominium buildings on the other side, a hint of prosperity was not hard to imagine at all. Later on, upon talking to our host that night, I confirmed that Kelowna was actually becoming more economically robust; I guess, as its way of catching to its neigbouring Alberta. We would have gone to casino, but the call of the comfort of bed for that night was stronger.
The following day we went to the mall, and made a relaxing drive around and within the city. I remember driving up to the other side of the city (Kelowna West and Kettle Drive), which we needed to cross a bridge to get there.
Of course, all these wanderings around would have turned out futile had we not visited the place Kelowna is known for: the winery. We picked one of the more famous there, the Summerhill Winery. Our wine tasting experience was not bad; for five dollars you can have three different tastings of their popular wine. I loved their Ice wine, but settled to buy three bottles of white. Good complement for our baked fish-loving household, I kidded my friend.
Our drive going home was another unique experience as we headed to a shorter, but more picturesque Highway 1. This is where driving can be fun because of ever-changing landscape; the western part of the country to discover "Canadian Rockies". I intend to write more about it in details in another blog; for example, when we went Columbia Icefield.
In retrospect, I can say that Kelowna had imparted me a sense of satisfaction for allowing me to taste, not just its sweet wine, but a different way of appreciating a balanced dynamics - both ecologically and economically, one society should aspire. The END
