So Beach Time Is Here Again!

Vacation time came early in the Philippines this year. Last year (and every year for the past thirty something years I’ve been alive), February was the time for thick blankets and almost-fresh strawberries from Baguio city. It was the time that the last of the cold winds float during the early mornings to chill our bones. But not this year.

I guess this may be global warming at its earliest stages, which means there’s more torture to come, eh?

However, there’s no denying that it’s vacation time again. With school closing soon, people will start flocking to the provinces to experience the Lent season in more rural areas. And, who can miss the beaches full of tourists? There are even families coming in with their whole clan in tow to visit sights and churches. If you’re thinking of doing this, however, you must always have a few emergency stuff on your car because the traffic jams are going to wear you out. Since it’s so hot, your vehicle might break down and you have to deal with repairs in the middle of the road. It’s a shame that we don’t have quick on-the-road emergency assistance like in NA (check out goodsamers.com for more info on RV assistance on the road).

So why do families travel to the more rural areas during summer? In Manila, everything was business as usual, but in the provinces, it’s like the whole world changes when Lent draws near. You’ll start seeing people walking half naked and hitting themselves with homemade S&M devices (did I just say “S&M”?!?). Then, you’ll see people getting crucified. Well, this is the extreme version. Some merely sit down with others and sing songs that tell of Jesus’ suffering.

Whatever you plan to do this Lent, be careful and have fun.