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.