Cagayan de Oro Photo Diary | see more photos
Just like that a month has passed and I can't deny the fact that Cagayan de Oro city became my home away from home.
I was surprised at how quickly I've adjusted to the heat on the most scorching days and how out of the ordinary things became every day instances. Most of the time, a lot of things felt so freeing like singing my dad's favorite folk songs from his childhood and letting my hair down and embracing more of what's natural everyday.
I also realize it wasn't so much the sights I've seen but the family I found.
And I'm so thankful to have experienced a lot of these firsts in my life:
1) Spending my first birthday in a different country.
2) Tackling white water rafting for four hours!
3) Meeting family on my Mom's side.
4) Having my first celebratory banner with my face on it (Haha, a cultural tradition for big events).
5) Staying out at a 24-hour Karaoke bar.
6) Conquering the longest dual zipline in Asia. (I repeat: in ASIA!)
Just yesterday I met a neighborhood friend of my cousin's that just gave birth to a beautiful baby. She was born prematurely and had to stay in an incubator for four months.
She also survived being born with a hole in her heart.
Witnessing the cutest miracle baby in front of my eyes, she was born with the name of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom.
As you may know by now, I like to tie in all my experiences into something bigger in my life and I've certainly gained wisdom, discovery and self discovery, a new lead in never taking for granted what I already have, and to never saying "goodbye" but a "see you soon."
Traveling is so necessary, but I understand a lot of people don't get that opportunity to in their lives.
If you do, take it. I encourage packing those bags one day, leaving whatever it is you need to behind, and setting your heart and soul into getting out of your comfort zone.
There is literally an entire world waiting on you.
Though, traveling back and forth since January has been exhausting. I do miss home and it's true when they say there's no place like it.
I'm ready for you.
Ready for what's next.
There's no doubt I will take these experiences with me.
So, until next time.
xo A
What's (or where to) next?