Trip to the USA

July 15, 2009

3AM, My first alarm went off, piercing the silence of the dawn. It is the day when my parents would be flying to the US. A few seconds later, I heard a rooster crowing; that was my second alarm. I opened my eyes slowly but didn't move; listening intently for signs of life downstairs. It was too quiet.

3:15 AM, Careful not to wake the folks and to give them more time to sleep, I started my slow descent. But at the bottom of the stairs, I found them clothed and patiently waiting for me. Quickly, I did my morning ritual and changed while Ma made me a cup of hot chocolate.

4AM, The dog at the gate was barking crazily. Uncle Pete was waiting for us to let him in. Inside the apartment, I took some photos of my folks and also of Uncle Pete before leaving. I'll just insert the pictures here next time.

4:05AM, The van carefully sped along Osmena highway on our way to NAIA. We arrived there with plenty of time to spare.

4:20AM, At the departure area, the flights screen flashed different flight numbers, destinations and ETD. We proceeded to the entrance, but the guards gave us confusing instructions. One was telling us to wait at the far end of the wall, while another was telling us to proceed to the entrance. It was 4:20AM--they must have been feeling the need to sleep.

4:48AM, I got a call on my cell phone. It was Uncle Ombing, my mother's oldest sibling. Uncle Pete spoke with him.

4:50AM, I waited just outside the departure area until my parents passed the metal detector and were given wheelchairs and assistance in checking in.

4:56AM, Ma sent me a text message saying they're at Gate 3 for boarding. Meanwhile, Uncle Pete and I were at the Kayumanggi Restaurant. He was telling me about his childhood, and describing Mama Gulang (their mother).

6AM, I returned home to sleep and Uncle Pete went on his way.

8:22AM, Ma texted that they're boarding the plane to Hongkong.

11:22AM, Ma texted their arrival at Hongkong International Airport.

12:33PM, Ma texted their departure for Chicago.

2-4PM, I watched a film at home, then went to a net cafe to update my siblings; chatted with my older sister who's in North Carolina.

6PM, I returned home, had dinner and retired early.

9PM, My friend, the Eco watcher called; we talked a bit about his day; he asked about my folks. I told him they'll be at Chicago by 2:16 AM, Philippine time and that I was waiting for Ma's text message.


July 16, 2009

2:30AM, I woke up but there was no text message. I decided to sleep and wait.

8:33AM, Uncle Ombing texted me asking about my mom.

9AM, I called Ma's cellphone but couldn't get through. I informed my brother through text message and then replied to Uncle Ombing's text.

12:42PM, This waiting game for my Ma's text message was making me nervous. I decided to clean the apartment after having my lunch. It was at this time that I got a call from Uncle Benjam.

2:04Pm, Ning, our youngest also texted asking about the old folks. I was almost done cleaning the toilet.

2:18PM, We were all getting anxious about the travellers since they are seniors; Ma is 62 and Dad, 67. It's their first time to travel; Da is just recovering from stroke, walked slowly and Ma is half-blind, wearing a prosthesis.

I called my brother's cellphone. It was promptly answered by my sister-in-law and the phone immediately given to my Mom. Sigh. After all the worrying, I finally got to talk to my parents and they are both happily jet lagged.