I grew up in a closely bonded big family. Sundays has always been a get-together day with aunts, uncles & cousins for as long as I can remember. No wonder I feel so attached to the family that living away them would be one of the most challenging experiences for me. But somehow as I get older, I feel the need to leave my comfort zone and explore the world on my own.
Before the end of 2008, I got the chance to practice my independence and be away from home for 23 days. It was my first time to live on my own in a city far bigger and more complicated than the city I’ve known for 27 years.(yeah I know it’s kinda late, I’m a self-confessed late bloomer). I was a little sad but excited. It was a test of my potential to be independent, and at the same time, an opportunity to enjoy my freedom.
The moment I stepped out of the airport, I promised myself I’ll make the most out of my stay in Manila. I knew I’ll have a lot of first time experiences, I was so eager that I wanted it to start right away. Few minutes later, I got what I wanted. A room for me, myself, and I. No parents to check if I’m already home, no brothers to play loud music, and no kids to wake me up on weekend mornings. I was so thrilled that I almost forgot I was sent there to work. Maybe a part of me felt like I was a tourist because of the voice I hear inside the car pointing out and describing every major street and structure we pass by. As much as I wanted to stay in the room and savor the moment of liberty, I had to leave my things and proceed to the office. I hate to sound weird but I enjoyed how the car moved slowly due to the traffic jam. I was amazed by all those wide lanes, tall buildings, noisy jeepneys & busses along with the busy people all over the streets.
The following days went on with me taking pleasure in the feeling of freedom. Everyday seemed to be an opportunity to explore and experience a whole new environment in the company of new people. I was lucky enough to have those guys around me willing to share their time with a big city neophyte. It was not really easy, but it wasn’t as difficult as I imagined it to be. The adjustment didn’t bother me at all; everything just went on smoothly except for those nights when I had to bother someone else because I just can’t seem to sleep. Good thing I also have friends who took the time to spend a few days & nights with me despite their busy schedules. Thank God also for my guardians (a.k.a. bodyguards 1 & 2) who never got tired of providing assistance all throughout my stay. From finding me a place to stay, treating me to dinners and gimmicks, teaching me to ride public transportations, being my escort while shopping, and even to the extent of accompanying me in a two-hour travel to the province to visit my grandmother, I never heard any complain. Maybe because the complaints came while I wasn’t around (hahaha...peace!)
The experience taught me a bundle of lessons and made me realize the things that really matter. It gave me the chance to see the real world in a bigger view, opened up my eyes to the realities I didn’t want to believe before. Wooohhh…I’m starting to sound complicated now. Well, let’s just say I found myself continuously discovering and learning more about people & places, work & leisure, values & morals, feelings & emotions, and everything else in between during my stay in what I call the Big City. I learned to value what I have; made me believe that everything has a reason and everyone has a purpose.
The first time I knew I’ll be leaving home for a few weeks, I was a little distressed. Ironically, I found myself enjoying every single day away from my comfort zone. I enjoyed it so much that I almost didn’t want it to end. But I had to go back to where I belong hoping someday somehow, I won’t have to be away just to feel independent.
No comments:
Post a Comment