That's how long I was away from home. It would have been great to come up with a blow-by-blow account of all the things that happened to me while I was in the US--save for the most significant ones, anyway (for reasons I shall carry to my grave)--but as I actually have a full-time job and (something that resembles) a social life, I guess I'll just have to chronicle some of the highlights:
Textbook NY tourist
I had such a gracious hostess in my brief visit to New York. Tita Ade really took care of me, and made sure that I got a taste of Pinoy living right in Queens. Her daughter Ria with whom I went to high school, was so great, too, meeting up with Tita Ade and me twice and giving me access to Broadway discounts, yey!! :-)
Since I was unable to do it last time, I paid homage to the city's top celebrity: The Statue of Liberty, of course! Part of the package was Ellis Island, which was actually the one place I'd been wanting to visit since seeing "Gangs of New York" several years ago.
"I Dreamed a Dream"
Finally, after years and years and even more years of dreaming, I got to see Les Miserables on Broadway. AND, the huge bonus was that I got to see it with Lea Salonga playing Fantine! I swear, a 10-page journal entry cannot capture my delirious joy. And I didn't even care at all that I had to watch it "On My Own." (shucks, I'm so corny.) And did I mention I also stalked her quite a bit to get an autograph? No re-touch din for me prior to the stalking so dyulalay look ako sa picture namin. Hehe..Weeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!
24
It could've been on primetime TV: my 24-hour Washington, DC visit, hosted by dear friends M/T and J. With more than commendable patience and energy, these two got me on a marathon tour of the city and beyond, culminating in wine and good conversation right at their porch. May I also just say that I loooved their house? J's so sweet, too, with the welcome sign at the guest room door and the graciously served breakfast, making me anticipate going back for a longer stay :-)
"What happens in Vegas..."
I never thought I'd say that line, but for totally different reasons from the usual (no wild, drunken parties here), I am keeping mum on most of what went on there. Suffice to say that it was absolutely fantastic to be able to spend time with my family, and more so to be able to celebrate Mom's 50th birthday. So happy to be with my mother, bond with my baby sis, see dada again, meet my new brother Mario, and meet Minnie! The Camaras also treated me to dinner, and it was great to see them there. And, the trip to the Grand Canyon was just to die for!
Just have to say this, though: After getting over the lights and the glitter, one can't help observing that Las Vegas is such a lonely place.
Anyway, there goes my US trip summary, which took an unbelievable 6 months to complete. You don't want to know why ;-)