We were young (8)

We were young (8)... 

(If you ever had MSN messenger, you'd understand the (8))

I felt is was necessary to try and remember my first few times ever riding on a plane. Sooo, here it is. 

September 1994.

I remember...

We were actually immigrating to Canada from the Philippines. I remember getting out of the vehicle and in the airport parking lot. My mom's family was there. I remember mama (who has now passed away) and ate Yeye. I remember there was a pink blanket (that I still have) and vaguely, I remember her saying, "we can all cry in this." It was the first time my mom had ever been separated with her family and she sacrificed it for us to have a better life (insert sad music here). 

I don't remember much of the plane ride. Actually, I don't remember the plane ride at all.  Looking back, I assumed we passed through immigration already and have claimed the title: "landed immigrants." I don't know if they had the term "permanent resident" back then.  The only thing I do remember is us pushing the cart that had our luggages and going through a set of sliding doors. I remember my dad making the same surprised face he always made when we were kids...

Fast Forward...

1996

I was in grade 3. My first time on a plane since moving to Canada and off course, it was to go back to the Philippines. Lola B. was sick but unfortunately we didn't make it to say goodbye. We arrived in time for the wake and the burial. I can't even remember the month but we were there for about a month. 

April - May 1999

This would be the last time I went home with my dad and brother. It was a vacation, again we stayed for a month or a little over a month. We actually were able to go around. I remember going to Baguio and staying overnight there. We also went to Tagaytay but I don't remember much of that. 

It was also Ate Yeye's debut and we were part of the entourage/cotillion. We spent a lot of time practicing while we were on vacay. Caused some family drama between both sides but it's over with. The debut was fun. We went swimming after but I can't remember the resorts name. 

Am I really doing this (?)

Hello, My name is...

Jessica Camille aka Jesscafer aka Jess. 

25. Canadian in America. Nurse by profession, world traveler at heart. 

I have never been one to post any blogs/journals or anything really personal for that matter. I just found it to be "too out there" and it's really no one's business except mine but yet, here I am. Blogging. On a public domain. The irony. 

Why do this [?] Because far too many times, I regret not doing it. "Regret." It's actually taunting in a way because when I travel, it's the one thing that will push me to do something I never thought I would or even could. "Will I regret it later on?" More often than not, it is a good idea. At least I think it is.

 To my future self...

I hope you look back at these memories and smile. It hasn't been the easiest journey but hopefully it's been worthwhile. Always remember, you are not lucky, you are blessed. 

Favourite travel quote [?]

"Once a year, go someplace you've never been before." - Dalai Lama

The title [?]

Until I can think of a title that makes me happy, the title shall be as thus. Pretty self explanatory if you ask me. 

[!] Disclaimer: None of this is really to appease anyone but myself. Everything I write will be how I'm feeling or recollections of what happened during past trips. It will probably also be clustered and disorganized because I do get anxious and thoughts just jumble around in my mind. If I offend anyone, I apologize and ask you kindly to click the [x] button on your browser.