Home - There and Back Again...

Saturday, September 15, 2007

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.

A lot of changes has happened at my hometown. Although I grew up in Manila but I consider Talisay my hometown since I have always been fond of the place. One, it's near a lake and the world famous Taal Volcano. Two, I have most of my close relatives near me. And Three, I can spend most of my time near the lake.

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?