travel bug

As most of my friends know, I love to travel. And I do. The downside of traveling however, is needing a vacation from going on vacation. As much as I love it --seeing the world and experiencing new things-- I end up being overly tired and prone to catching a cold after every trip. These days, its one trip after another --not even flying, but long drives instead.

Starting from my sister coming to visit for a week during the 4th of July weekend to this past weekend, I have been, it seems like, on a non-stop trek to everywhere. During that 4th of July weekend, I found myself driving to Ocean City, MD. Though I would, if given the chance, pick another beach destination, I had fun just laying out in the sun and doing absolutely nothing. The only problem I had that weekend was occupying the same room as my aunt who snores. And, however much I tried to get her to stop --turning her to her side-- the snoring never seized. I think the only reason why I actually was able to doze off was because I was overly tired.

After Ocean City, the next trip we had instored was a visit to Toronto, Canada for my cousin's wedding reception. Yes, you read it right, wedding reception. She and now husband ingeniously decided to have a destination wedding and only had to prepare for a small enough gathering a week after the ceremony. The drive was quite miserable. It was fine at first but after the 5th hour, I was bored, tired, and stiff. I tried working at the back of the car but could only keep that up for an hour (I'm quite surprised I lasted that long) before I started getting nauseous. It took us 12 hours to get there. I was quite relieved.

But with any family outing, there's always bound to be drama. My cousin Jen felt that we don't give her the proper respect as we do my brother's and sister since she's next oldest after them. Thing is -- she has quite a different disposition as compared to my siblings. Any kind of respect she expected slowly disappeared when she's pissed off or annoyed most of us when she nags. The thing is, in my culture --yes, respecting elders is a given but those near your age that type of respect can go either way. I think when you're close in age like Jen and I (about 4 years) you have to earn the respect. In my opinion, she lost whatever elder respect I had for her a few years back. Her position in the family can only gain her so much.

There's so much to be gained if you just meet other people half way. Demanding things from others will only result in pushing them out even more. I hope our relationship changes for the better. My fear however is that it will not and we will continue to grow apart. That just breaks my heart.

Anyhoo, after much drama, food, walking around, and chillin' at the pool, we all went home Monday. This time however, it only took 9.5 hours. I think its because I drove most of the way and took the lead with the caravan.

Four days later, the girls --Jen, mom, Tita Louis, mama, and I drove to East Hampton for the weekend. Yes, you read it right. East Hampton.

...to be continued.