I am packed. I brought my biggest bag and hopped the first bus going to Manila. I arrived around an hour and a half at Cubao to catch another ride to Batangas. Luckily I caught the bus just as it leaves the terminal for another long journey south of Manila. I was pretty much excited, I mean I am not pretty but I was really excited to go back home after 9 months. The last time I was there was a few days after new year, and I don't have any idea what to expect when I arrive.
The journey took another 2 hours. Traffic was slow, with bottlenecks near Magallanes, Bicutan, Alabang and almost all freeway exits at the South Super Highway. I wasn't expecting that I'd get stuck in traffic because I wasn't expecting major construction along the Highway. I was so confident that I would traverse the SLEX with the same enjoyment as I am experiencing while traveling at NLEX. I wasn't enjoying the bus ride anymore.
I arrived at Tanauan City minutes past four in the afternoon. This former sleepy town sure changed a lot during the past decade. but still I remembered the way to the market, where I am again hopping a ride, jeepney ride this time, one last ride before I reach the place where summer-filled happy memories were spent most of the time.
I saw that damn Korean who was trying to build a Spa near the volcano crater, as I was glancing the surroundings during my ride. He was feeling comfortable in his Benz. I just wish somebody would throw him inside the sulfur-rich crater lake of Taal so that he would understand how dangerous it is out there. Building a Spa near the volcano, with the town mayor as a cohort, shame on them.
The house was still the same, the kitchen is still being renovated, but most of it are in the final stages. It looks like a kitchen anymore, since I remember when I was young we used wood and charcoal to cook. and I definitely love to look at the tissue holder whenever I am doing my stuff in the CR, although it looked rusty right now. I am sure if it is used frequently or just plain dirty most of the time.
The house looks good, with only my uncle taking care of it. I wish I could stay there on a permanent basis. Breakfast consisted of hot coffee at the terrace with my dear uncle talking about what's happening around. After spending a night and gathering my things, the next day I prepared to go back to Pampanga. My 20 kilo backpack looks like I was dragging my self walking back to the main road to catch a ride, but the reality was I am really dragging my feet, my heart wants to stay but my body wants to leave.
How can I leave this place I consider paradise?
