wanderlust.

the moment my six-year-old eyes saw a map of the world, i knew then that traveling will be a big part of my life.  maybe i was an airplane in past life.  i love the thrill of flying, in taking off and landing.  i love the thrill of the journey itself, of the possibility of getting lost, of smelling and seeing and experiencing new cultures.

traveling also made me appreciate the richness and beauty of this country.  batanes still lingers in my mind.  to be surrounded by God's masterpiece, it almost felt like a spiritual journey.  and then, there's bohol that never ceases to fascinate me.  davao's natural gardens and the long stretch of white sands in boracay always, always take my breath away.   and i will forever remember the mystical charm of baguio and banaue.

i can't wait for my trip to bantayan island next month.  i've been there twice before.  there is something very peaceful about this place.  something that feels like home.  i will be going to ticao the week after my bantayan trip.  they say ticao is beautiful.  oh nature, surprise me.

i remember how i allowed myself be surprised when i first set foot in china.  i went there without expectations.  their culture is as big as their country. 

there are places i want to go back to.  like japan, because one week is never enough to really explore this country full of contrasts.  and paris, too.  who doesn't want to be engulfed by its romance and lights and art?

and there are places i want to go to.  like greece (and get spoiled with myths in crete).  like the small island of carriacou (and meet the mermaid artist, calliste).  like spain (and be inspired by flamenco dancers).  like bhutan (and be awed by this mythical, dream-like kingdom).  like the US (and be surrounded by great friends).  like the UK (and visit the queen).

summers do this to me.  i reminisce about past trips, get excited about upcoming ones, and dream about places i haven't been to.  wherever i'll go — to an island in some faraway country or to a secret bookstore around the corner — i will always see the world with my six-year-old eyes, wide-eyed in amazement and wonder.