After about 6 short months, it finally happened. I’ve fallen in love. His name is Travel; I call him “T” for short. We’ve been taking our time to get to know each other but my solo journey through the Philippines only cemented our relationship. I’m hooked. Sitting on the fence. I fancied the idea of a one-way ticket to the Philippines. And now that I’ve declared my love, met amazing people, and considered future plans; I’m jumping off.
You’re reading it here first:
I’m buying a one-way ticket
to the Philippines, as soon as I can afford it.
Here's how I've made my decision:
On the Road by Jack Kerouac
As much as Jack Kerouac isn't your idea of an average role model with his heavy drinking, abundant use of drugs, and promiscuity, he sure got two things right: adventure and freedom. Trips across the country because he could, picking up and leaving when he wanted, and experiences more stimulating than just being at home. Yes! Yes! Yes! That’s what it was like in the Philippines. No real agenda except the three flights I booked; I did what I wanted, when I wanted, and all I had to do was make sure I got to my flight on time. I just can't seem to let go.
As of now, life on the road, is THE life.
Mary Lotus, Barry Lloyd, and Joel
The best part of traveling alone is that, well, I don’t have to travel alone. From Bohol, I ferried my way to Dumaguete, where I met this crazy bunch--a traveling family (a mother and her two sons but more like best friends, if you ask me). I hopped on the Siquijor bandwagon with them for the last four days of my trip. Explorers by day, Euchre (Yuker, Euker, spelling?) players by night. They were all well-traveled, down to earth, inspiring people. But Barry, oh, Barry. A seasoned traveler at 25, he's done what I've only dreamed of--trekking and cold showers in the Himalayas, surfing Indonesia, drooling over camera equipment in Hong Kong, dropping his flash diffuser on a busy road (I think in India?) and somehow finding it after an hour or so retracing his path. He has stories and I want more. He pushed me over the edge, making certain my Southeast Asian return.
Higher Education (or would it be Highest Education?)
So beyond indulging in the present (close to irresponsibility as some might say), I haven’t forgotten about the future. I still want a master’s degree (to be followed by a doctorate) in a combination of Asian Studies and Political Economy. But to even be eligible for an MA in AS, knowledge and proficiency in an Asian language is required. I don’t have that. What better way to learn a language than by full cultural submersion? If I can satisfy my travel fix and work towards something that will aid my future, why not? Seems like the best of both worlds.
I usually just skim through these blogs when i get a chance to read them lol, but I have to say that after reading this one in its entirety I can see how happy you are with life. I love that your living for the moment but not forgetting about the goals you've set for your future. You've jumped into an entirely new chapter in life and you're ready for it!
ReplyDeleteI know this may not seem like much but i'm proud of you shakes! Lol you're doing big things and taking advantage of what life has offered you! Continue living, learning and loving your environment for it will bring you nothing but good things.
Wishing you a safe journey,
-Drew
once upon a time there was a boy(and his siblings), who also had an encounter with mr. "T", no,no,no, not the mohawked;jewelry wrapped;"A-team" mr. "T", the travel kind mr. "T"....at a tender age of 15, he(and his siblings) left the pi to reunite with their parents after 3years...on the nite of june 14th, 1969,to be exact, he(they) arrived in the US and that was the extent of his travel(sorry to say). nevertheless, the boy was excited to be with his parents again and his new home, U.S.A...to make a long story really short,,, the boy is now in his 50's and have a family with 3 lovely girls. the point of the story is that the boy,(who is now a grown man but still thinks like a little kid sometimes,his wife says...."act your age will you!")is again meeting mr."T" for the 2nd time in his life. this time through the eyes and life experiences of his daughters..he's ecstatic,grateful, inspired and stand corrected for thinking mr "T" is unsafe in that part of the world, which is obviously wrong. needless to say danger still exist but it's true anywhere.... i can almost read this man's mind,,, "the third time i meets mr. "T", it will be in my terms"...the man is taking a flight with his family in the near future....the end....
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