bolinao

i was in bolinao overnight to sample the mantles of some giant clams. i had no idea how much that place can grow on you. i can honestly say i missed being there. the simplicity of everything. how everything smells like ocean spray. how the ocean is only a few steps away. how you can look out your lab window from counting a million and one zoox and have such beauty to rest your eyes on.

i was walking to the dorm after the days work. all the gumamela were in bloom. the creek was running quietly along next to me while the bamboo was rustling in the breeze. everything calmly doing it's own thing.

and all the places had something associated with them. the gate where d would hit his head. the deck where roms and i finally figured out the pH meter. the computer room where we'd spend hours chatting. the kitchen window curtains where we'd hang our cellphones to get signal. the tv room where we'd watch MG, obsessed like madwomen.

in fact, out of habit, i walked straight into my old room before realizing that i was staying in the other room next to it. kareen and i had a laugh about it. and realized we'd missed being roommates.

the very first time i stayed at bolinao, i couldn't wait to go home. now, years after, i felt sad leaving. so. this post is for bolinao. it's charms. it's memories. the lessons it's taught me. stay simple. do honest work. calm down. quiet. inner peace. it's become part of me. and it will always be one of the most special places on earth.