Roadtrip
I have a mole on my left foot. It’s a big flat one right smacked in the middle of my sole. In the old times, the elders will cluck their tongues and shake their heads as if this portends of something catastrophic, maybe a curse even. In Kapampangan, they will brand this person “palibut” which loosely means wanderer.
OK, so I am palibut, tsk, tsk, tsk. I’ve made it my life goal to cover at least half the world before I die. This coming weekend, my family and I are going on a roadtrip to San Francisco. We’ve been there once but I don’t mind going back. Even as I write this, I can smell and taste the authentic Chinese soup served hot at this tiny store in the middle of Chinatown. It’ll be fun to walk up and down the crooked streets that the city is famous for. Then there’s the unmistakable energy that pulses through the city that sweeps you into this holiday, carefree mood.
More than the destination, getting ready for the trip already makes for half the fun. The idea of packing clothes and snacks makes me happy. Even the thought of waking up at the crack of dawn to hit the road early makes me giddy as it always had when I was a little girl. It’s funny that my kids feel about all these the same way. As soon as they learned that we were going, they went to google the weekend weather forecast in San Francisco so they can decide what to bring. It turns out it still wouldn’t be warm enough for short sleeved shirts and shorts. No matter. It would be nice to get away from Reno even it’s just for a while. Away from the desert to be near water and humidity.
That’s another thing I like about short trips. It allows you to escape the humdrum of daily life without the hassle of air travel. Every mile you cover is a mile away from the stresses of work and the trappings of daily life. And as you drive along scenic highways, you gain a renewed appreciation for nature and all of God’s gifts.
Haaay, that’s the introspective me speaking. Heck, who am I kidding, I’m just here for the ride and the snacks and the occasional photo op!
