For the last 10 years straight, I've been escaping to Manila annually to visit my family and lifelong friends. It's been the same drill: once a year, usually in late Summer, and only for a week. This year I broke tradition and went home in March. And now I'm challenging the status quo yet again -- I'm going home tomorrow, too.
Anyone who knows me knows I don't do heat well. I consider temperatures over 72 °F tropical, with each rising degree signifying another descending step towards hellish territory, and when the thermometer starts approaching the three-digit mark I'm burnt toast. What can I say, I blister in the sun?
So I've been warned: it's hot and humid back home. It's a sauna, a good friend said, hoping the description evokes relaxing spa-like imagery in my brain. But as much as I love spas, I don't do saunas either -- especially if I'm fully clothed and have to keep stewing past the 10-30 minute recommended stay.
Still, there are many ways to beat the heat: wear loose, comfortable cotton clothing, keep hydrated, and find shelter from the sweltering sun whenever you can. Yet there's nothing that beats going home. Even if -- for me -- home can be found in two opposite directions, and I just happen to be headed for the other one.
See you when I get home.
you're coming back home again! that is so cool:)
enjoy your trip!
Posted by: duke | June 02, 2006 at 03:43 AM
Have fun and congratulations to you dad!
Posted by: John | June 02, 2006 at 04:30 AM
I'm sure 2nd time around will be as fun as the 1st. Enjoy, there's no place like "home".
Posted by: K | June 03, 2006 at 01:20 AM
Have a good time and congratulations to your dad too!
Posted by: Paul | June 03, 2006 at 08:42 PM
well... you sure found a great way to beat the heat. Ingenious invention that gadget you showed me...an I-Fan?!! Was great seeing you. So sorry will miss your makeup session with the girls on wednesday.
Posted by: frayed | June 05, 2006 at 09:01 AM
Duke - I'm back! Can't believe it -- time just flew by. I knew I was only going to be there a few days so I told my body there was no way it was going to let jet lag win. If only my body could do the same thing for me now (sheesh)...
John and Paul (OK, I know there's an oppty here for a Beatles joke somehow) - Thank you so much!
K - You know what, it was even MORE fun! Which was strange because truth was I was having health issues and found myself tired a lot. :(
Frayed - I have so many orders for that gizmo, I should start a business already. But I can't tell you how much it came in handy last week! I think I'll lug it around everywhere with me this summer. :)
PS: Wish you were there Wednesday; I read the actress/model Molly Sims say in one of my magazines recently that nothing bonds women together more than makeup (or something to that effect) -- so true!
Posted by: Gigi | June 12, 2006 at 05:17 PM