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Golf Fest 2007, Part 5 (Touring continued)

                                                    Part of the fun of travel is the things we learn about ourselves and about others, the new things and people we encounter, the memorable sights we see. The touring part of Golf Fest 2007 left me with many memories. I met new friends, saw new places and tried new things.

                                                                 I could write many more columns about Golf Fest 2007 but I've decided that this will be the wrap-up of the trip. I want simply to mention a few more highlights. One beautiful touring stop was at the site of the bamboo organ. Located in Las Pinas, near Manila, the bamboo organ is nearly 200 years old and was recently restored. The bamboo naturally gives the organ a unique sound and, to my surprise, I found that I was a unique visitor. As I waited for my friends to exit the church, I noticed that I was providing a sight-seeing opportunity for the children of the neighborhood. They shyly walked back and forth in front of me, pausing to catch a glimpse, and even brought their friends to enjoy the spectacle. For a brief moment and in a minor way, I was treated as celebrities must be treated. I wasn't upset by the attention, I was merely interested.

                                                                    While we were in Las Pinas, we also stopped at a jeepney factory. Jeepneys are a a local form of transportation based, originally, on World War II surplus jeeps. They have become works of art, colorfully decorated by their operators, and while not comfortable to someone of my size, they are an important part of the transportation system.

                                                                 Another interesting and beautiful stop was the Coconut Palace. Now a museum, it was built as a luxurious guesthouse. Named the Coconut Palace because because most of the building is made of products of the coconut tree, it's a gorgeous example of local craftsmanship as well, it is argued, as an example of ostentatious waste of public funds.   

                                                                 These sights will always live in my memory. I have pictures and souvenirs to help me remember. But there was one "find" I made that I've been able fully to enjoy at home: calamanci juice. Calamanci is a small green citrus fruit that makes a delicious juice. I was able to drink it everywhere we went in the Philippines and other participants in Golf Fest have found it at home. I look forward to a glass of calamanci juice every day now.

                                                                 Just reminiscing about our Philippines trip reminds me of how lucky I am to have been able to experience this trip, in all of its facets. One of my friends urges that we all list things we are grateful for as a way to drive away negative thoughts. The more I try it the better it works. Look for the gratitude in your life. You'll feel better and so will the people who care about you.

3-12-07