In the Philippines

After much hue and cry of the budget thing in my office, I finally got my training in the Philippines approved and confirmed. It was 5th March 2009 and my first official trip outside the country. I was too excited. Five of us were going to the same training institute. Three of them were from the GNH commission and one from the same Ministry. So five of us all set to embark on a trip we were looking forward to so much. I was glad I had a lady friend and more so that we went to the same college. So 7th of March we flew to BKK but I dreaded my next flight. Four of my companions were on the same flight earlier then me and unfortunately my accounts people back in the office booked me on a different flight. Phew…imagine my plight when my friends left me all alone in the BKK airport. My flight was only after two hours. I bought a sim card, recharged it and tried calling my people back home…just 5 minutes and my phone went dead…expensive call rate huh!!..grrr…had almost an hour to kill…I did not go around for the fear that I might get lost and never find the way back…well this wasn’t my first time there, I had been there on my own before but this was the first time I was alone. What if I missed the flight??? For once I even wished I should not have come!!!
Finally I heard the call for my flight…I checked in without much difficulty and people were very friendly around. I let out a sigh of relief when I saw the sign board with my name at the Philippines airport and my friends were there too waiting. I even made one very good friend on the flight who in the process even told me her deepest secrets and her love story. We are still in touch!
Philippines was beautiful…even more beautiful were the people. After every session, we would head to the city; shopping or not shopping we were there every day in the city. It was so much fun and I had just two weeks for all the fun. And I met three most wonderful people in the institute. Danica who at first seemed to be a very serious girl, who just smiled and was done but I got friendly with her as time passed. I found out that she was sweet, frank and very very loveable. Kael, a very shy and quiet guy but very sweet too. I still remember how he would address me in the class “Miss choki”…well I didn’t get to spend much time with this guy but it was after I got back here that we really got to know each other. And lastly Paul, another sweet guy who always had something to tease us everyday and who would never do without a cigarette. Well the three of them, the most wonderful people I met on my trip to the Philippines and the ones who made my stay there a very unforgettable one. I thank you all for the lovely memories which I shall cherish all my life and I hope I will get to meet you some day.
Philippines indeed was very beautiful and the two weeks passed by so fast that before I knew, it was time to pack off. As much as I wanted to be home, I was not really ready to say good bye too soon but I had to...duty call you know. But the memories shall be edged in my heart forever.

“Salamad Po”...meaning “Thank you” in their language… they taught me