Denice

Bentley launched its slogan campaign that says “The best luxury of all is time. Savour each moment.” I figured this must be my sister Christabel’s mantra when it comes to traveling.

A few weeks ago, her family and mine were together when we decided to go up to Baguio for an overnight stay. The very first suggestion I got from her is this: “let us do our best not to go to the wet market. I did not go through all the zigzag road just to haggle at the wet market which I’ve been doing back home over 30 years or so.” Because of this, our itinerary zeroed in on the most notable places that are close to our hearts, namely, Camp John Hay/John Hay Manor, Mile High, Mines View Park and yes, Barrio Fiesta for lunch on the following day. There we spent about two days bonding and having “Kodak” moments.

Funny and strange as it seemed, I realized she has a point. I think that if we truly break free from our usual routines when we are on holiday, our vacation will be well spent. As we often hear, if it’s not fun, we are not doing it right.

Can you guess…

1. Where I first saw my engagement ring from my future husband?
2. Where I first met my future in-laws a year after?
3. Where my in-laws met their grandson for the first time two years after?

Answer: Airport (Old Bacolod Airport)

I had basic geography subject when I was in high school, but I never really paid attention to it. Like many Pinoys who are not as adept in maps compared to our foreign counterparts (especially Americans and Europeans), maps did not seem to be a basic necessity for me when I travel.

Many times, I have seen that by nature, Pinoys are accommodating and because of this, I have been so used to asking around in case I’d get lost somewhere or am not sure of my route. Another possible reason is the fact that by default, it’s no big deal for me when I’d get lost. It’s not like I’d lose my shirt over a wrong turn or something like that unlike some people (I know some of them do).

It’s only recently when I realized that a map can be my friend especially when traveling out of the country and when faced with security concerns (i.e. you’re in a dangerous place).

My former boss was the one who taught me my basic geography. Whenever we’d travel together for fieldwork, he never stopped to amaze me with his proficiency in understanding maps. Even if it’s our first time to go to a certain place, he could tell prior to arriving there how many minutes it would take for us to get there (but he would want you to tell him facts in terms of kilometers rather than minutes), how many railroads, bridges, and other landmarks we’d meet along the way and whether it’s going to be a smooth or rough ride.

One instance was our fieldwork in Batangas. I’ve been there many times because that’s the hometown of my dad (although it’s been ages since I went there again) whereas my boss would only be there for the first time. I was so stunned that he seemed to know the innards of the place more than I did. Our driver felt the same way and I remember him telling me once, “Wow, what a guy. He doesn’t seem to get lost. He can get you lost but you can never get him lost.”

He is a British guy by the way and his resume said that he graduated with honors in archeology and geography with master degrees to boot on both. I felt really fortunate to have worked with him. If there’s something I learned from my former boss, this would be on geography (just the basics lest you think I’m a pro) and the importance of having a map with you.

Maps:

I love to travel. I like to move around from place to place and appreciate the beauty of my surroundings including nature and modern atmosphere. It jives with my personality of being such a curious cat. I probably have such a deep urge to discover where, what, when, why/why not, who, how and most of all discover the universe.

Traveling is my life. I make sure that my lifestyle involves getting my feet busy — at home or at work (that’s why the recent gasoline price hikes affect me and my family because we’re such a gasoline station patronizer and shifting to LPG has not occurred to us at least in the short term).

I would say that shopping is an inevitable hobby of mine as well. I mean, if I happen to pass by a certain market selling something that I like and screaming before me “buy me, buy me!” how could I resist? Believe it or not, food is not normally among them. The loud screamers are mini mementos that range from keychains, accessories, books, magazines CDs to bags, shoes and clothes among other small stuff that I believe I would not be able to find elsewhere.

I generally like the memories and adventure that go along with traveling. Each adventure leaves a piece of memento in my thoughts. Strangely, the ones that linger in my heart are those unplanned itineraries.

I’d probably share some of my traveling escapades in bits and pieces once I am able to find time to cool my heels and come to terms with my laptop one of these days.

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The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine

A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu

Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen. ~Benjamin Disraeli

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway. ~Henry Boye

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