Remembering and Tropical Air

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Sense of smell is the sense of memory. Without having to think about it- to build a story in your mind to make sense of it all- that sense brings oyou right there. It is amazing how you can be in one place and feel so utterly in another. The brain works that way, associating one event, one experience, with another. I have no experiences of the Philippines to comare to...but I have the DR. And I have never been in two places so far from eachother geographically that are so utterly alike in the framework of my life experience.

How do you put it into words, the "island experience" (I wish there were another word....that word is getting tedious). Dirty would be the first word. I think only on an island does the filth still give an aura of mystery- of confusion, hysteria, secrets. The smell is that of smog and cigarettes and earthy vegetable soil and green perspiring leaves and flowers and garbage and humid air. Your skin feels instantly sticky- filthy and clean at the same time. It fels good to sweat, good to ditch the jeans, good to relax in warm smoggy air amid noisy chaotic streets. It is a weird feeling of coming home.

There is a domestic flight that takes us from Manila(thank God) to Caticlan on Panay for 3800 pesos. More than expected but still reasonable. From there we take a boat to Boracay. What Stephen so eloquantly described as the most overwhelming paradise he's ever seen. East Coast boy- who knows how reliable his impressions are.

This morning was the first time I have woken up with a significantly foul taste in my mouth. Jen was upset, and I don't blame her for a second. It was an eye opener- we had not yet got our sea legs. 3 weeks in Korea is enough to numb a person about the realities of backpacking Asia. Clean streets (well...sort of), uncomparable transportation system, trustworthy cab drivers.

We were upset because we had several opportunities to change the situation. We didn't. It was 2 ibn the morning, who wouldn't have been taken for a loop by evil little cab driver scams. Nevertheless, we had a great room, amazing breakfast, and an opportunity to learn a few important travel lessons. Always check prices before getting in a cab. Always trust your gut. Remember details from directions of trustowrthy websites. DOn't take the red eye flight to a place you're not familiar with.

But we are here, at the Domestic Terminal, in the rain, ready for a vacation. Just smelling this place makes me feel free.

I want to go back to the DR>

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Photos

Seoul Airport
Hoping to God we'll make it this time

Manila Domestic Airport
Hoping to God we make it out of this airport...and city (no offense to Manila- Im sure it's beautiful..it was just a rough day)

Filipino family
Just as impatient as we are

German Couple
Pointing out the picture of the plane we were about to fly that was probably taken 50 or 60 years ago....safe!

The Moon
Through the trees- how cliche

Home with a view
back streets of Boracay