First Week Back

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Seventeen hours after I landed, I was back to work.  I was still woozy from the long flight and crossing so many time zones but had to attend a meeting because I’ve been away long enough.  I took the Ambien that my sister gave me as pabaon, but the full night’s sleep I got as a result of the sleep aid wasn’t enough for me to recover.  

My co-workers seemed eager to hear my kuwentos from the States, but nobody wanted to sit beside me.  Blame it on the H1N1 scare… made going to the U.S. less glamorous and an actual cause for alarm for the people around you.  For 10 days after I arrived, I had to pass by the clinic just to have my vital signs checked.  Too bad there weren’t any cute doctores there haha.

It took me the better part of the week to recover from jetlag.  It took a shorter time for me to miss all the kalinisan and kaayusan that I enjoyed in the States, even in simple things, like being able to count on having hot and cold water even in public restrooms.  It was funny, it was the first time I was able to travel outside Asia, but for the most part, I felt comfortable while I was there… probably because I grew up watching American TV shows and movies.

Added to this, I did feel an instant affinity to the Bay Area.  There were so many things to love there.  As soon as I can afford it, I’d want to go back for another visit.  But I don’t think I’d ever settle there, or anywhere else for the matter if I can help it.  Iba pa rin ang ‘Pinas e.