The Long-Awaited Flyback

Getting a ticket from Manila to Singapore on the weekend during the earlier weeks of January 2007 was a pain in the ass. January 11th? Sorry, fully booked. January 18th? Too late, overbooked. All thanks to those balikbayans going back to wherever country it is they're working in after spending their Christmas holiday in the Philippines (and they all transit in Singapore). For those of you who do not know what a balikbayan is, it's basically Philippino overseas worker. Thus my flyback was postponed twice before finally getting a ticket for January 26th. The good thing was that I was not the only one going back to Jakarta on that January 26th afternoon.

When the day came, we were supposed to leave at 11:30. Even though the flight was at 14:20, some folks warned us to leave earlier. The airport had been packed with balikbayans lately, and this spelled longer line and longer waiting time. However, thanks to a certain workaholic woman, we left a bit later than that. Fuming, I actually had to leave her with a friend because she wouldn't budge. And it was a bit of an ego injury when the car they were riding in caught up with my car. Later, it would prove that it was better that way, because some almost didn't get on the plane (the gate to the plane was closed, and they actually had to force the crew to let them in). If they have left in the car I was in (whose driver was so slow in driving), they might have missed the plane. I was lucky that I already had a work permit. This allowed me to go through the express lane in the immigration section.

Despite the almost-unfortunate incident, we were finally on our way back to Jakarta. The transit in Singapore's Changi was quite short. Unlike my previous flybacks, which was usually on Thursday evenings, this time we went on a Friday afternoon. We didn't have to stay overnight in Changi, which translates to shorter transit time (we only got less than an hour before our connecting flight boarded). Due to the short stop-over, only one of us got the chance to shop, and she only got one bottle of perfume. I didn't mind, as long as I get to arrive in Jakarta sooner. And Jakarta soon loomed ahead.

One thing that I think worth mentioning about the whole trip from Manila to Jakarta is that the landing in Singapore's Changi was very smooth, despite the bad weather. I must say that it was the best landing I've ever experienced. Hats off to the pilot.

Arrived in Jakarta safe and sound. Had to drop off a couple of friends before finally arriving at home sweet home. Gave mom a big hug, and I finally got to meet Lady Fita, the newest addition to our family. She's a very cute puppy, with a playful and friendly personality. A good match for my other dog, whose personality is almost similar. Dingo, you finally have a friend to play with!

The next couple of hours was spent talking to members of my immediate family: mom, dad, and my brother. Spent time with Lady also, getting to know her better. The ice-breaking session with her was broken up in intervals, thanks to Dingo meddling around. But it was fun watching them playing with each other. Dogs, in my opinion, are probably the happiest creatures in this world. Spent a long time on the phone also, catching up with an old friend, DD. Glad to know that you have been doing well in your new environment and circumstances. Here's wishing all the best for you.

Saturday morning was a blast. I sat at my home's porch with mom, watching Dingo duke it out with Lady. They kept on playing and playing and playing, it was amazing that they had so much energy. Dogs are always fun to watch and play with. Went to TA in the afternoon with mom and brother, trying out a new sushi restaurant there and buying a couple of new stuff (cargo pants, formal pants, etc.).

My memory has failed me beyond this point. All I could remember was meeting a good friend of mine, MK, treat him out to a dinner, had a stroll in his car and FINALLY took a picture of that mysterious door near Harmoni intersection. The next day, if my memory serves me correctly, I went out with a good friend, VN, saw 'Blood Diamond' (great movie, by the way), got tons of CDs from her, and caught up with HN and PI.

Finally, Monday came, and fly back to Manila I must. Changi airport is always a welcome sight, and a great place to shop. I think I got myself a couple of books. And, as always, finally Manila came into sight. I could not really say that it has become my second home, but all I could say is that there is where I reside for now.

Ah, if you notice the narration, I spent a lot of time explaining the earlier part, during the flight. Fly-backs are always hectic. But one of the fun part is always during the anticipation, the waiting, the journey. Hopping from one airport to another is always fun. In previous periods of my life, I wouldn't even dare dream that I would be able to do so. I thought that I would always be stuck in Jakarta, Indonesia. The world felt closed to me, and the only window that I could use to see the outside world was from books and magazines.

At times, it felt surreal, travelling. But, it was real. And I was enjoying it and still am. It's great to travel. And it broaden up my mind. My advice (and heed it, since I don't usually give advices, they're dangerous double-edged swords), whenever you can, travel. The world is small, but it has so many different things to offer. And they will open up your mind. They did me. The world is my home.