By  LPJ

I’m trying to stifle a nagging travel itch spurred by my summer daydreams.  The weather has so far been absolutely lovely in my part of California that looking outside my window stirs the itch for leisurely travels. Of course, I could just pull a chair, sit outside on my patio, and relish the breeze blown by the tall shady tree by my porch. Better still, I could drive myself to Shoreline in Mountain View and venture a walk on the Baylands by the ocean, or simply claim a comfortable spot by the lake and watch wind surfers attempting to navigate the waters or gather themselves up after a spill. Or, I could hop on the train to San Francisco and ride the ferry boat to Alcatraz, or grab a place on a bench in crowded Pier 39 and talk back to the seals in sing-song repartee. There really are a myriad things to do with this glorious weather.  But no, I sit in my home dreaming of traveling.

I just got back in March this year from almost two months of an enjoyable trip to the Philippines.  I would love to go back and visit tourist spots or attractions I hadn’t been to, and there are a plethora sprouting up in beach and mountainous areas.  I’ve done annual treks to the Philippines in recent years, not alone for the touristy escapades, but most especially for the fun and endearing bonding times with kinsfolk and friends. Enjoying pleasant company, experiencing together and discussing pros and cons of places we visited provided extra lilt to the adventures and to intellectual curiosity.  Most of the time, our critiques were similar, but never exactly the same. The more diverse our opinions, the greater fun in our kaleidoscope of experiences. For that, my preference is traveling with a group.

So okey, I’m daydreaming of going to Palawan, a much touted island resort around middle part of the Philippines.  I’ve never been there, so I would like to be in El Nido and Coron. Nature is at its best there, I hear, and the amenities of commercial facilities are top rated. The varied fun activities feed the visitors’ interest for exploration, playing and relaxation. I would also like to see the chocolate hills of Bohol in the southern part of the country, an area developed to create a haven and cinematic spectacle for tourists and locals.  And then, many of my family members and friends are surprised – I haven’t been to Boracay in the south, heavily visited by foreigners and locals, widely commercialized with the usual come-on glitz. Boracay continues to expand with more hotels and resorts. A common destination with crowds, but it still interests me.

Where have I been in my Philippine travels if I hadn’t gone to those places, you might ask. Well, I went to several beach and mountain resorts in the Bicol region in the southern part of Luzon. I frequently visited Rabon, La Union where my nephew’s property sits right on the beach.  I stayed at the beach resort in Batangas outside Manila. I shopped in downtowns of cities in several provinces. For the culinary adventures, I’ve patronized a number of highly rated restaurants in various locations, not to forget, the authentic gourmet treats in the homes of my siblings, relatives and friends spread out in various provinces.

And more daydreams. On my next visit to the Philippines, I plan to make Manila my base for short trips to Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Japan, countries in Asia that I would like to explore. How can all these be packed in my Philippine vacation? Simple, extend my vacation for more weeks.

Now, my daughter would likely ask – what about our trip to Europe? We planned for that tour this year, covering Vienna, Italy, Paris and London, but cancelled out. Too much walking, an activity this Lola may need greater  stamina for. But I definitely do daydream about it. My resolve? Work on my health and strength.

Taking up the challenge – I recently joined the YMCA in Palo Alto, for weekly gym and aquatic exercises.  If this senior lady wishes to do all travels in my wish list, I better stay fit. See what my daydreams have done!

Linda P. Jacob