a worthwhile 2-week holiday in America

My 2 weeks of stay in America was productive. I came with both personal and professional reasons. Mission accomplished, I should say, after learning several hips and hops of adventures from one city to another. It was so tiring but exciting to ride on planes for 8 times in 15 days. Thanks to the convenience of e-ticketing. I have been to Las Vegas and San Francisco for the second time and it’s never been interesting to travel by myself.

I thank God for giving me this wonderful break. It was the time that I had to choose the load of work from vacation. But the whisper I heard from the heart is something I faithfully followed. I ignored some barriers or hindrances that could have stopped me from flying. But then again, even if I didn’t bring much cash and relied instead on my friends’s generosity and credit cards, it was an unequalled fulfillment that is not selfish.

1. Back to Torrance home. Thanks to Bong (Noel) and Figueroa family for being so accommodating. Renewed my California Driver License.

I’d like to think that my own version of spring break will become an annual habit. It is a unique reward after making rain for our companies. It is a good thing that we have a long lenten season where most of the people from Manila go to either Boracay or Puerto Galera. Wala na bang iba??? Last year, I spent the holiday in Hawaii. I didn’t get tired walking along Kalakaua strip and Waikiki. Had an opportunity to feel the sand in North Shore. Unfortunately, surfing competition happens during winter. Been to some places for 10 days only in the island of O’hau. The moment that I enjoyed most was in Jermaine’s Luau where I met some of retiring caucasians who flew all the way from Virginia and Kentucky. While tourists and Americans can keep the joy without the need of drinking beer, puffing old 5-fingers, and the expensive white sand.

The last time I’ve been to Los Angeles was in 2001-2002. Never will I forget what happened during September 11, 2001. I was with my brother and sister, and parents who were supposed to fly back to Manila (2 weeks after the incident) but got stranded twice in LAX because the flights had to be cancelled.

One major reason why I should go back to L.A. is to renew my California Driver License. I had to take the renewal test after a DMV officer would take a latest photo of myself for the new ID. I had no idea that I should take and pass the test because I was not humbly prepared to challenge the questions. After answering the 18 questions derived from 2007 version of the driver’s handbook, I have never been so excited to know that I passed the test with 3 errors only (the passing mark). I told the checker I was not sure if I passed because the last time I read the handbook was in 2001. Then I flew right away to Las Vegas with the joy and exhilaration.

2. Moments with San Beda high school batchmates (the LAX boys).