"Hindi ko akalain makakapunta ako dito."
A seemingly simple remark from my dad as we were walking on our way to Macau immigration.
My dad traveled before to local trips and Asian trips for work, but I guess none for pleasure yet.
The statement struck me.
I have been a wanderer ever since I could afford it. Researching places to see, planning where to go next, waiting for a sale ticket thrill me!
I usually travel with long time friends but not often with my family. I believe the farthest we've been is somewhere in Pangasinan and the other one is our trip to our parents' hometown in Mindoro.
Well, a few years ago, we started to plan on having a family out-of-town/country trip, but we only got as far as Nasugbu. hihi.
Last year was different though, by some excited spirit, we booked a trip to HK. :) However, since there are financial constraints, only my parents and I were able to book.
Both of my parents do not have a valid passport yet. Daddy's passport was expired, Mommy doesn't own one yet.
By God's grace, we got the passport 5 days before the trip!
Three first-timers went off to HK, hopped to Macau and back to HK.
Usually, in my travels, I am in awe with building structures, with the people and their way of life, the technology.
This time was different though.
I was in awe by the happiness that my parents felt.
I was in awe by their strength - my feet almost gave up on me, they continue to walk amidst the cold weather.
I was in awe by my dad's skill in direction - we "argued" on which way to go, me -carrying a map, my dad - basing on previously traveled path. He was right most of the time!
I was in awe by my mom's posing skill - she was our model. Pose...shoot...here.... pose...shoot...there.
The famous city light of Hongkong at night was great, but the sparkle in my parents eyes as they travel together was even greater.
Hongkong's Symphony of Lights |
Daddy and Mommy at Stanley, Hongkong |
The Ruins still standing after how many years was a big statement, however, seeing my parents happily live their lives together even after 31 years is a bigger statement.
Ruins of St. Paul's Cathedral, Macau |
happy parents in Macau :D |
The richness of Macau was spelled all over Venetian Hotel, my parents holding hands, hugging each other, being each other's "warmer" is even richer (in terms of love, thoughtfulness, etc).
Venetian Hotel |
Mommy and Daddy at Venetian Hotel |
The Ocean Park is definitely an amazing theme park, yet my parents, seemingly having the time of their lives as seen on their faces, is even more AMAZING!
Ocean Park Entrance |
Daddy and Mommy enjoying The Rapids |
I love this trip! It reminded me how blessed I am to have great parents. And it reminded me more that these great people deserve great vacations!
Thank you Lord for this!
This will be the first of many more trips...
And for sure, every trip will be...
...PRICELESS.