Leaving Something Behind

When I decided to finally join my wife in Singapore, I suddenly felt I am beginning to miss the place I used to call home. Leaving behind familiar places, familiar sights and sounds and tastes. You would even leave behind the people to whom you grow up with. And it’s partly difficult.

Well, after finishing law school, in ways I just want to keep to myself, haha. I felt that for whatever the Philippines is, I will just miss the old place. The usual jeepneys I would take whenever I have to go somewhere. Many people think that leaving the country would be the priciest life achievement but, I have realized moving away from home when you have somewhat established yourself in there would be like dying to your old self.

You grew up in a place where everybody knows you. Everybody likes you. You understand every part of them. But, lo and behold, now you are in foreign land, with such little acquaintance and perhaps a handful of friends.

You will miss the hustle and bustle of streets. You will long for clankering of street vendors or their distinct cajoling of their offerings of basketfuls of puto, or pail of silken tofu (taho), many many things come to my mind.

But I like it here, in many aspects. I like the cleanliness, the orderliness and efficiency of public transport, something that my place lacks. But for now, this place will be my refuge. I must learn to love it, as slowly I am.