Home Now

I'm back from my jaunt to Manila. It was quite hard for me to leave. Not only do I love the city and people but my heart resides there. I'm still taking it all in since my trip was all so quick and eventfull.

Going back was a lot like returning home after a long time away at war or something. As I went around Makati I saw buildings and streets that held dear memories. Like the bar I got really drunk at or the restaurant where me and Ces had our last meal together in November last year (she didn't want to go in when we past another one on our last day together).

Back to this trip though. It was purely for my own enjoyment. No work envolved thank God. Quite honestly it was one of the best weeks of my life. I made new friends and reminsinced with old ones. Most importantly though I spent time with my lovey which was more wonderful than words can describe.

So a quick summary as promised:

Sunday, October 25th: I arrive in Manila after a 22 hour flight that include seat mates who didn't speak a lick of English and a mother and son who, by the way, kicked me. As I stepped off the plane I finally got to meet Ria whom I heard so much about and proved to be just as nice as described. I went threw immigration and got my bag quicker than I thought and got blasted by the natural furnace that is the PI. After walking a bit I saw her standing there. Beautiful as always I nearly collapsed at the sight of her. Is it true? Am I actually in the same city as my girlfriend? After a very long kiss and hug we got into the car. Anj drove us, who I also finally got to make the aqcuiantance of.

Back at the hotel I threw my bags down and was in a state of total bliss. I was no longer on the phone or texting or emailing. This was real up close and personal. I'm not ashamed to say there was a tear in my eye. What!? I'm a emotional person. The speakers go up in flames!!!!!

Monday, October 25th, Midnight: Gifts exchanged and hugs still going we were alone. Words cannot described how my heart felt. A permanent smile was on my face that could not be lifted by anything. The rest is censored but you can figure out for yourself what happens when you don't see the woman you love for 11 months ;)

Monday, October 25th thru October 27th: Make up time!!!!

Wednesday, October 27th: After a few days we finally leave our room. We eat dinner at Sugi which is by far my favorite restaurant in the world. We are joined by Tsok who I also haven't seen since last year and continue on to Absinth where we meet up with Ria and crew for a few drinks. Afterwards we go to the room where we watch Frida. Everyone enjoys it including myself even though its the thousandth time I've seen it. Everyone leaves except for Tsok who sleeps over.

Thursday, October 28th: We watch DVD's all afternoon and then skip out to the mall. The legendary "Search for the shoe" begins. At night we go out to a club and I finally meet Leo which I have heard so much about. Some stuff happens that I won't bring up but me and Leo have a great conversation about race relations and music and he proves to be just as cool as I heard. All is forgiven (those in the know know what I mean) and I let her know what my intentions are.

Friday, October 29th: More make up time ;) The "Search for the shoe" continues and get my phone fixed. Yay! Many picutres are taken and Ces looks so beautiful in all of them. Ats and O meet up with us at Bubba Gump and we go back to the room and chill with Portishead and green. It was great seeing my old friends again. We go out again but just for a bit. My dance steps aren't analyzed as closely.

Saturday, October 30th: The "Search for the shoe" ends without a final resolution. Oh well, anytime with my baby is good time spent. Emotions are running high but that's only because my days are numbered before I go home. At night we go to the Cream party. Good God! I've never seen so many people at an indoor party in my life. We spend a little time at the techno floor then after a quick smoke break outside we go to the R&B party. Of course we don't have an invite so when we go to the door the bouncer regonizes Ces and the dude throwing the party gives us the 'wassup' and we're let in. Skin color does have its advantages. We chill out in the room and have a good time. More less X-rated make up time. A conversation takes place between me and Ria (you're secret message is forth coming)

Sunday, October 31st: "The greatest day". We wake up earlier than normal and after a quick "make up session" we go out to the internet cafe. Then it was on to the salon for massages, the masseuses enjoyed themselves at the noise made :) . My lord, I haven't felt that good in years. My back no longer had that creeping pain that I've had since high school. We have dinner at Magnum which is my second favorite restaurant in Manila thanks to the atmosphere and countless number of bottles of wine on the wall (I'm going to steal the idea for the place and open my own one day). It was a melacholy scene tears mixed with laughs and onion breath. We get back to the hotel and the onion breath continues, but we have tons of fun and even a tickle session and wrestle. I think they spike our drinks.

After our final 'make up session' (which by the way I still have a smile from) we watch Annie Hall. She enjoys it as much as I do and see's our similarites. Here's a hint, I'm really a closet Jew.

Monday, November 1st: I leave for the airport. It was so fucking sad. I didn't want to go and tried looking for any excuse to go back home. Alas, rent is due and my job has this funny thing of me showing up in order to get paid. Go figure.

I finally get to see Ces's neighboorhood, it was nothing like I thought and oddly looked exactly like my parents neighborhood in New York. At 4am we arrived at the airport and spent 30 minutes saying good bye. What I would give for it to have been 31 minutes. After going in she waited outside and my last look at her was right before I checked in.

I felt empty after she left. It would be the last time I see her for an unkown amount of time. As lumbered through the terminal I got a call on my cell. It was her saying her last goodbye. Then the waterworks started, don't get the wrong idea though. Even though my eyes teared I wasn't sobbing. It was a manly cry. After getting through the last checkpoint I call her again, I just had to hear her voice one last time before I left. I was so tempted to leave the terminal and say fuck0ff to my responsiblities at home. My love is in Manila and should be there.

I, reluctantly, get on the plane and start my long voyage home. I was doubled over with pain. Nothing can quite describe the feeling of knowing you're leaving a place where someone resides who truely loves you to go to another where you'll be alone. I get on the plane...against my will.

Monday, November 1st EST, November 2nd MST: "The long trip home". I travel across God knows how many timezones and arrive in Atlanta 22 hours later. The entire time I was restless and could think of nothing else but getting back to Ces. The times I could sleep I thought nothing else but her and when I was awake I thought of nothing but her. I couldn't eat either, which provided a convient excuse to avoid airplane food.

Monday, November 1st 3pm EST: I step threw my apartment door. The place is empty, much like my heart. I call her and hear the the most beautiful sound I've heard in my life: Her voice.

All and all it was a good trip and do not regret anything at all good or bad. I got, for a week at least, to be a real couple 100% with the woman I love. It was if I had never left. I finally felt complete when I hugged her when I first saw her. Not to sound dramatic but its my belief every decision I've made in my adult life led up to meeting her and I thank God everyday that I did.

So now the focus shifts to finding a way to be with her on a more permenant basis. Suggestions and job offers are greatly welcomed in da comments.

To all that I saw on my trip here are a few special words from your sponsor:

Anj: Thank you for the ride(s) and gum. I owe you big time.

Leo: Next time you're in the states I'll see your show and we'll get drinks afterwards buddy.

Tsok: Lets start a bohemian revolution!

Ats and O: You guys are the greatest and all the luck to you two. It felt like old times seeing you again.

Ria: To continue our coversation on the couch my plans are the 'M' word. I'm really that quite, I only become a extrovert when I write. Thanks for being on my side. (P.S. this is your secret message, email me for a more in depth explation on what the 'M' word is.)

And to Ces: I love you dearly and will cherish our bond forever no matter what.....