I went on a trip for a few weeks that was transformative, beautiful, educational, and so needed. A very good friend of mind went back to his home country of the Philippines to see family he hadn’t seen in quite some time. I was lucky enough to be able to go, spend time on a beautiful island, plus take a solo adventure of my own.

The Flight
I don’t even know where to begin. Oh, yes I do, with the 17 hour flight. I was so nervous to be in the air for that long. Weeks before I was asking everyone what I could do to make sure I didn’t lose my ever loving mind on that plane. The consensus was to relax, understand you weren’t going anywhere for a while, and embrace the solitude that comes with being completely disconnected. It was actually perfect. Being forced to be fully removed from the world, especially social media, was exactly the precursor needed for this vacation.

Manila I
I stayed at the Manila Hotel for a few days in Old Manila before meeting up with the rest of the group and heading to Sriagao. Old Manila is a mixture of new and old, renovation and rejuvenation, history and heritage. I learned so much in the few days I was there. I walked around the hotel and went to an aquarium that was close by even catching a seal and bird show. I felt like a kid again weaving through all the tanks filled with colorful fish and furry spiders. The space had a few different attractions, so I took my time wandering around.
The next day I had my heart set on going to museum that was a few blocks away but sadly it was closed for repair. As I was sulking near the entrance a man came up to me and offered to take me on a tour of historical sites and get me back to my hotel. I agreed and off we whizzed on a motorized bike for me to learn about the city’s violent and resilient past and way too much about my driver’s scandalous life.

Sriagao

I don’t even have words for how beautiful this place is. It was insanely picturesque- sunny and warm most of the time we were there. When it did rain it was just in quick, bright spurts that barely interrupted the beautiful sunshine. I met some truly incredible people and had some interesting conversations, but mostly I was able to just bask in the beauty of the island. Pictures don’t even do it justice but I will add some more here later.

Manila II
It was sad leaving Sriagao, but staying in a different part of Manila, BCG (Bonifacio Global City)was super exciting. I did some shopping and met even more wonderful people. Went to a drag show and had a flight in the afternoon to the final leg of the trip on my own. I do not recommend partying the night before a 6-hour flight.

Tokyo!
I truly fell in love with this place. I wasn’t expecting to be so taken by it, but all of the little alley ways, the vending machines, the incredible public transit that’s so easy and CLEAN. It was a dream to see the life size Gundam and eat my weight in ramen and tempura. I was there for 3 full days considering travel and I absolutely need to go back. I want to go to different parts of Japan, too.

Black History Month
Taking this trip at this particular time felt special because as a black person, I truly believe it’s important to enjoy rest/relaxation and just revitalize during Black History Month. I’ve written about this before, but the Nap Ministry has so much on the importance of rest as resistance. Not working, seeing the beauty of the world, and getting to learn and experience different perspectives was the best way to celebrate. I felt so grateful to have the opportunity to be on the other side of the world, appreciating all that I have and all that it took to get me where I am today. I have such deep gratitude for my ancestors, my family, and my friends. I think I might make this an annual tradition. A trip every February to commemorate this month. A break away from capitalism on my own terms. This would be something unheard of 100 years ago, which makes it feel even more like a necessity. To see a picture of some of the people I’m celebrating, you can take a look at the post I wrote last year on Black History Month, here.

Happy Black History Month 🖤

And now for a song I cannot stop listening to…