"MAMIMISS KITA (I'M GONNA MISS YOU)"

BANGKOK, THAILAND

Temperature: 31 Degrees Celsius

Track of the day: "Never Say Goodbye," Bon Jovi

"One thing about my family that you'll learn," Alecs says as we sit at the kitchen table, "is that my aunts and uncles won't fight over money, but they will certainly fight over chocolate." This is coming after a long conversation with Tita Menchie about the many problems surrounding the chocolate Alecs' mom sent to the Philippines inside the infamous box. Among many other things seven bars of chocolate were sent, one for each brother and sister, but it seems news of the coveted chocolate has spread like wildfire and everyone is vying for a piece. Alecs, B.A. and I can't help but laugh as Tita Menchie worries over something we all consider to be so 

meaningless. "I think I know what to bring as gifts next time we come eh," I say to Alecs, digging into breakfast which consists of eggs, pork sausage and of course rice. Alecs nods his head handing me my medicine and insisting I take it this very moment. "Yes sir," I say obediently taking a spoonful of Robitussin, mocking him all the while. Kristine walks past me carrying little Jupiter and I can't help but pick them both up smothering them in kisses - kids and dogs, a recipe for happiness! The morning is getting warmer and I excitedly take a cold shower that makes me feel worlds better. B.A. sets up the PlayStation 2, another one of the many items inside 'The Box' and we all enjoy playing the many games that also came with it. Tita Menchie in particular seems to like the Simpson's game and spends quite some time learning the controls and running over old ladies for bonus points. After dinner that night we set up our Wii for everyone to play and end up spending hours laughing as we compete in a few tennis, bowling and boxing matches. "I think I'm going to make it a late night," Alecs says sighing, "I just don't want it to end and we're leaving tomorrow." We all agree a late night sounds like the perfect plan so Alecs and B.A.  join each other in a more than comical Wii Boxing match that has them punching and jabbing the air as they jeer or whine with every virtual hit. After putting

Kristine to bed, Tita Menchie joins us in the living room where try to unsuccessfully make time slow down. "Can't we just cancel our flights and spend the next year here instead," Alecs whines as he sits on a chair strumming his new guitar. "I wish," I say, thinking about the possibility of this, "but we're going to like Australia, I'm sure of it." Despite knowing more adventures are awaiting us, it's still hard to say goodbye, especially when family is involved. We are all finally too tired to stay up and reluctantly head to bed. 

"Mamimiss kita, (I'm gonna miss you)," I say, squeezing Kristine tight, not wanting to let go, "alagaan mo si Pluto at si Jupiter okay (take care of Pluto and Jupiter ok)." I fight back tears as we catch a Jeepney one last time, glancing back at the house, missing it already.  Tita Menchie and Kristine join us for the

journey on the Jeepney to our bus, delaying the inevitable. B.A. Alecs and I take our seats on the bus and bid Tita Menchie and Kristine farewell. As the bus departs we wave out the window, wiping away tears and sitting in almost complete silence for the three hour trip to Calamba. I glance at Alecs who has nothing comforting to say and the reality that our trip is coming to an end begins to set in. A few hours later Alecs spots the sign for our stop and we gather our luggage to disembark. Being the helpful and considerate cousin B.A. is,

he insists on waiting with us until Tito Noel arrives. "Thank you so much B.A.," Alecs says, "we had such a great time and it's all because of you." Indeed, B.A. really did make this experience extra special and we both cannot wait until our next visit. Just as it begins raining, Tito Noel and Tito Hans arrive and we quickly give B.A. a hug and hop in the car. "Hi Tito," Alecs says, fastening his seat belt and adjusting to the plush leather seats of their air-conditioned SUV, "how was Tito Hans' birthday party last night?" Yesterday Tito Noel and Tito Hans had a catered Mexican themed birthday party at their new house with over a hundred guests. Due to the late arrival of our box from Canada we missed this party and jealously listen to the details of the nights events which sound like the party of the century. Back at their house we have little time to catch up before Kuya Sherwin picks

us up to have dinner together one last time. He takes us to a great little pizza restaurant overlooking Taal Volcano with some delicious favorites from home including chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks and fettuccine Alfredo. Trying to stretch out the time we move over to Starbucks and chat away the night. Sighing heavily we succumb to the clock and before we know it we are wishing each other well and trying to sneak into the house without waking Tito Hans or Tito Noel up. 

"Wow Tito those orchids look great," I say the next morning after we finish breakfast, gesturing to a plethora of beautiful hanging plants creating a colourful floral wall. "We'll be getting a new addition to our family this Friday," Tito Hans tells us as the sun begins to warm up the air, "a friend of ours is bringing over a new puppy." Feeling quite jealous I congratulate them nonetheless,

wishing I could have my own dogs with me right now. "We should get going to the airport," Tito Noel says after some time and both our spirits drop as we realize this is the end of our Philippine journey - at least until next time. Hugging Tito Hans and leaving behind the resort house we sadly join Tito Noel and the driver, Jay heading to Manila. Tito Noel runs some errands, giving us the chance to see the awe impressive Mall of Asia one last time before he drops us off at the airport. "Thank you so much Tito," Alecs says as we stand on the curb of the airport departures, "we really appreciate how much you guys did for us." With that we are off to catch our plane and before we know it we are on the tarmac looking out the window, solemnly reflecting on our journey here. "Ladies and Gentlemen we are now beginning our descent into Bangkok," says the Captain over the airplane intercom, "current local time is 11:45PM." I look over at Alecs who gives me

the kind of sigh that seems like he's carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. "We'll be back there in no time," I assure him as the city lights come closer and closer, "and we have Australia to look forward to, don't forget that." Nodding his head he packs up our bags and we wait for the seat belt sign to turn off. Outside the airport we hail a cab and head back to the familiar streets and back to the same hotel. After checking in at the Trinity Silom Hotel counter we are given the keys to room 220. "That's so weird?" Alecs says as we take the elevator upstairs, "we were room 220 last time we were here." It seems rather fitting that we started and ended our journey in the same country, the same city, the same hotel and even the same room. At nearly 2AM we decide to hit the sack, dreaming of the Philippines.

"Do you remember what station to get off at," Alecs asks while we sit in the skytrain heading to Paragon Mall. "Yea, it's this stop here," I say pointing out the window, "see that's the mall right there." Paragon is one of the biggest shopping malls in Asia with hundreds of stores, high end shops, restaurants, a theater and as I notice upon entering- an aquarium in the basement. "Siam Ocean World," I say, pointing to a sign, "wanna go?" Alecs nods his head in excitement and we purchase our tickets to southeast Asia's largest aquarium with hundreds of different ocean species. We begin our tour through Zone 1 - Weird and Wonderful - which features giant crabs, sea snakes, strange exotic fish, moray eels and even brightly coloured sea horses. "This is really neat," Alecs says as we stare at the giant 'Deep Reef' aquarium full of huge fish, "I'm glad we decided to come." We race through the exhibit to find the 'Live Mermaid show' in the Open Ocean section. Rushing past prehistoric looking fish, otters, penguins, reef sharks and finally

into a stunning massive glass aquarium filled with sharks, manta rays and hundreds more fish. "Wow look at that," I say to Alecs pointing at a huge shark with jagged and scary looking teeth swimming directly above us. "I know," Alecs say, "and look, the mermaids are in the tank with them," he adds pointing to three young women swimming through the water performing a beautiful dance for the massive crowds watching on. We join the group of people for an incredible display of athletic ability, lung-capacity and theater all mixed in with sharks and many other predators. As it's almost time for our movie to start upstairs we decide to make our way to the exit but not before Alecs purchases 

some bubblegum flavored cotton candy. On the fourth floor Alecs drags me to the side where several luxury car stores display their prized vehicles behind glass windows. Alecs drools as he moves from one window to the next admiring the cars from every angle. "Hun, we're going to miss the movie," I say, finally dragging him away and heading to the theater upstairs. We walk into the VIP theater and purchase two tickets to 'Race to Witch Mountain' and wait in the swanky lobby for the doors to open. "You can take your seats now," the attendant says, guiding us to our plush leather seats. We immediately recline in our chairs, throwing the silk blankets over ourselves, propping a pillow behind our heads and digging into our popcorn. "Now this is how you watch movies," Alecs says sitting back down after rising for the national anthem, "I could get used to this." We manage to stay awake for the duration of the movie this time, although it takes quite restraint not to succumb to the comfort and relaxation of our seats. The evening ends with a delicious Italian meal at the

the mall before we return for our last night on the road. "I can't believe it's really over," Alecs says as we  settle into bed, "it seems like just yesterday we were in this room beginning this three-month trip." It does seem like this vacation has gone by in a flash and although Australia is another adventure awaiting us, we can't help but feel sad that this particular adventure has ended. "We have the rest of our lives to do more trips just like this," I say closing my eyes, "we just have to keep our eye on the goal."

Until next time so long,

Alecs and Meg in Bangkok