Road Trip

I just came home from a road trip with my mom, 2 aunts, 2 uncles, and 2 cousins. We left at 2 a.m. and since it was still dark, we (except the driver) slept a lot during the trip. Until, we came upon a rough road. At first it was the object of jokes but when 30 minutes came by and we're still on the damn road, I was beginning to get irritated. Along the way, we passed by a mini truck that was lying on one of its sides. Luckily, the truck was on their side of the road. I think, they went beyond the speed limit for that accident to happen. God was on their side too, for their only worry was how to transport the perishable items they were carrying to its destination on time. Off we went on the detestable road again... Inwardly, I kept hoping and praying that we would finally reach a nicer road. I had to close my eyes all the time because I felt that the stomach contents - which amounts to the previous night's dinner and water - was beginning to go back to where it entered. Just when I coudn't hold it in any longer and was about to puke, we reached the house where we were supposed to be staying. Whew! Talk about close calls. Total time running on that freaking road was 2 hours.

When we left the place we decided that we would take a different route, one which would take us longer to reach home. At least we wouldn't have to go through that ordeal again. The said route is composed of bridges, cemented roads, detours, snake roads, dangerous curves, and dirt roads (where you will be coated with dust if you pass by other vehicles going in another direction). I liked the ride going home because it was in midday. I didn't mind the heat at all because of the lush greenery all around. I love nature. It was really exciting for me pass by a palm oil plantation, corn fields, rice fields, fish ponds, and rivers. We passed by municipalities and barangays with interesting if not funny names. Let us not also forget the structures we saw like the rural schools, capitol buildings, churches, chapels, terminals and road signs (some were old and dilapidated).

I felt the simplicity of life the people have in the country side. It made me think Yap, I could live this way. Away from television, radio, computers, the daily hassles of urban living, every once in a while that is. Urban living is my reality and I can only be happy that I can escape it every once in a while.