I have friends who blissfully ignore urgent emails demanding immediate attention, unruffled by piles of letters and Fedex envelopes forming small cityscapes, and serenely let telephones ring unanswered. I’m fascinated by their ability to tune in---or totally tune out---depending on their own terms and timetable. “Don’t be an OC,” they scoff. “That’s what texts and voice mails are for.”
They consider me beyond redemption because I sometimes respond to email at odd hours, even when I’m on vacation, or on sick leave. In some instances, when I replied to my American client’s email at 2 am, she responded immediately saying, “Luna, go to sleep!” or “Luna, go home!” I’d sometimes text instructions or concerns to my colleagues at 3 in the morning even when I know that they're asleep, and we’ll see each other at work in the morning anyway. So when I get obsessive, my friends and family agree that I’m overdue for a vacation.
They consider me beyond redemption because I sometimes respond to email at odd hours, even when I’m on vacation, or on sick leave. In some instances, when I replied to my American client’s email at 2 am, she responded immediately saying, “Luna, go to sleep!” or “Luna, go home!” I’d sometimes text instructions or concerns to my colleagues at 3 in the morning even when I know that they're asleep, and we’ll see each other at work in the morning anyway. So when I get obsessive, my friends and family agree that I’m overdue for a vacation.
I wasn’t always this way. Growing up, I spent summers with relatives living in a hacienda. Each time we rode in a bus to that place, with seemingly endless tracks of sugarcane fields on both sides of the road, I’d feel a sense of relief when we got off at an unnamed road in the middle of nowhere, which led to the hacienda’s main entrance beneath a long row of ancient acacia trees. As soon as I saw the wrought iron gate, I knew we were almost there---and from swimming in the river, running around in the fields, riding carabaos, hiking and camping, having fun. Even now when I think of that place and visualize the rustic gate and acacia-lined road, I seem to catch the sweet scent of muscovado, and I know its time to let go. The world will not stop revolving, work will still be work, emails and blogs will not go away...
So I’m “escaping” this weekend for a short vacation in Davao City. I’m turning off my computer on Friday and head out where the beach and the mountains meet. Right now, I’m already having that warm, wonderful feeling of letting go---the taste of adventure and scents of durian beckon!:D
So I’m “escaping” this weekend for a short vacation in Davao City. I’m turning off my computer on Friday and head out where the beach and the mountains meet. Right now, I’m already having that warm, wonderful feeling of letting go---the taste of adventure and scents of durian beckon!:D
that durian is really good! i just ate last week as my sister in law brought it from a meeting in davao.
ReplyDeletenever been to davao but ive heard many positive feedbacks of this city.
That looks yummy. Suddenly I feel very hungry! Mmm.. a creole fish dish for lunch would've been nice.. ;)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
this is going to be my 2nd visit to davao. i haven't really explored the city the first time i was there because my friends and i spent most of our time in samal island. it's an interesting place...you should visit the place soon, dong.:D
ReplyDeletei hope you enjoyed your lunch! thanks for visiting, urban buddha.:D
ReplyDeleteI have never eaten fresh durian. I have eaten sweet buns with durian, and candies made from durian....
ReplyDeleteI did not like it.
One friend, in Davao, is certain that I, a Danish blooded kano, would indeed enjoy durian if only I had a chance to try it fresh
Enjoy your coming vacation in Davao! I won't mind you leaving us every once in a while for a much needed break just as long as you promise to come back.
ReplyDeleteHave fun! :)
Have fun in Davao! Take a lot of pics and share them with us. The last time I was there was in the late sixties. I'm afraid the similarity between Davao now and Davao then is just the name.
ReplyDeleteoh, i forgot---this is going to be my 3rd visit. my first trip to davao was in 1969 with my grandmother.:D i remember staying at the Insular Hotel then...my very first hotel stay.:D
ReplyDeletewill definitely share all the davao pics, bertn.
i'll come back...that's a promise.:D thank you, Panaderos.
ReplyDeletehi, keith! like you, i never liked durian candies. i've never tried fresh durian until my trip to davao in late 2006, and was surprised that i like it! eating durian is quite an adventure.:D
ReplyDeletehellow..you are just in time for our Kadayawan festival. Am from Davao. Durian is waiting everywhere hehehe!and hey, don't miss our streetdancing competition and floral float. here're some pics to check out:) http://marites1034.bravejournal.com/entry/27562
ReplyDeleteSo, pasyensya. I need to withhold judgment until my next visit to the islands.
ReplyDeleteWith a name like Luna Miranda, I think you would indeed have the unique perspective on the Earth. I am taking note of the rubber stamp in your profile....
hello, maritess! thanks for droppin' by and sharing the link, will check out the pics. oh, i'm a few days early for the kadayawan festival. it starts on the 18th, right? that'll be my last day in davao.:( i didn't remember kadayawan when i booked my flight---i was only thinking of the aug. 18th holiday.:D di bale, next year na lang.
ReplyDeleteas maritess said, keith, durian is waiting!:D
ReplyDeletei'm also taking note of the current moon so i can lock my cage before the full moon! hahaha
I'm not much of a fan of durian so whenever i had gone to Davao I did not relish the smell of it welcoming me. They often tell me try it and you'll change your mind about it. So, I tried it. It didn't change my mind either about the fruit.
ReplyDeleteThe most memorable place I went to in Davao was the eagle farm(?) somewhere in Mt. Apo. I didn't like the cages though because I feel eagles should soar in the wilderness but because this a conservation facility, I kinda forgave them for it. I don't know if the eagles had ;-).
Enjoy your brief vacation, Luna! Stay well!
Hi Bernadette! A visit to the eagle farm is in my itinerary, and I'm pretty excited especially after learning about the eagle that was shot to death in Bukidnon.
ReplyDeleteTry durian again in a few years...your taste buds may have changed by then.:D
Thank you, Bernadette.
I can't wait to see your pictures of your vacation in Davao. I know you will have a blast there. I'm just jealous because I'm missing it.
ReplyDelete