Shore

Ah, the last days of March. Not so long ago we were six and eight, excited and eagerly waiting for our travel to Mama's hometown, Iloilo. We would meet our other relatives and enjoy each others company. Well, grandma couldn't do anything but to welcome all of us to her humble abode. This has been our yearly tradition.

The house is located just a few steps away from the coast. And if Lola couldn't see nor hear any trace of us, she knew very well that we are on the shore, from sunrise to sundown.

We would wait for the sun to wake, observe how the boatmen boast their catch and how those torches appear like falling stars, savor the briny air and explore the depths of the sea goggle-less. Its just that we were young then that we never get tire staying from sunrise to noon, from high tide to low tide. Yes, even without eating.

But of course, Lola wouldn't tolerate her grandchildren skipping meals. She would spoil us with Filipino foods and fresh fruits and would only stop when she felt that our stomachs were appropriately filled. Burp!

After the feast, we would spend the lazy hours in a hammock, or in any comfortable area such as table, wooden floor, mat. Just as long as the wind could fan us, its fine. Napping for two hours to energize us once again. Wait, is it still a nap?

We enjoyed the late afternoon activities too. Barefoot, we would go along the shorelines, pick some shells (and gamble with it afterwards). Ssshh. Or we would stay on anchored boats, and wait for the sun to rest, or spy young couples walking with locked hands. Or we would run back to the house and hide inside our rooms after seeing Lola carrying a big wooden stick while calling our complete names. Good times.

But despite spending most of my childhood years trying to swim, funny, but until now, I still don't know how. Well, I can, if I have a life vest. Is it even possible?

/totomai
03/25/09