Weeds

 

I was due. I knew I had to visit Davao sooner or later. After several attempts last year, I finally got my chance. Albeit a very short (and I mean very short trip – less than 24 hours in Davao), I would like to believe that I was able to achieve my purpose.

Davao was soaked when I arrived. Few minutes before landing, I noticed that it was all gloomy. Sadness enveloped me. For what reason, I wasn’t sure. Maybe it’s the thought that my homecoming was all pure work. And perhaps the thought that I no longer have a family to see me is dreadful.

The airport porter told me that the heavy downpour started at 1:00PM. What a way to arrive.

Like my previous homecoming, I stayed at Marco Polo Hotel. Well, at least if it’s work related I get to stay in this modern landmark in Davao. Thirty minutes rest then I was off to my meeting.

Four hours later, I was lying in bed, wide awake. I gazed outside my window. Everything was a blur. Must be the mist or the rain. I knew that at daytime I would be able to view Orchard from my room.

Tomorrow I’ll visit Pop.

I fell asleep with Josh Groban’s Awake playing on my Ipod.

At 7am the next morning, I was praying infront of Pop’s tombstone. The sky is blue today. I can still feel the cold breeze brought by the rain last night. The grass were damp. But I was happy, the weeds were not long.

There was lump in my throat. I terribly miss Pop. But I had to leave Davao now and go back to my reality. I promised I’ll be back.

There might be more weeding to do next time.

Arrivals and Departures

November 18 (Tuesday)
Zurich to Basel

I arrived Zurich at 6:10AM (1:10PM Manila Time). I was a bit jittery because I had to catch the 7:04AM train (Swiss Railways) to Basel. The Swiss Air guy at Hongkong International Airport issued me a boarding pass that says I should have boarded the train at 6:55AM otherwise I will not be accepted. Once in Zurich, I was amazed at how fast I was able to get through immigration, customs and baggage claim and still have about 10mins to wander in the train station.

At exactly 6:55AM the train arrived. The coaches all looked the same to me and I couldn’t figure out which to board. I finally decided to settle in “sector B”. Four stops later, I was wondering why nobody was checking the train tickets. Commuters come and go. After a while, a Deutch speaking conductor made his way through the half-filled coaches checking tickets. All commuters have a card-type pass. Just flash it and you’re okay. As for me, I had a boarding pass with Cathay Pacific logo. The Chinese looking girl in front of me squinted her eyes, probably wondering what was I holding.

November 21 (Friday)
Basel to Zurich

For some strange reasons, I woke up at half past four in the morning. I deliberately avoided opening my eyes, well not after I checked the time on the plasma TV. I knew I needed to get some sleep. I slept at midnight so that meant I only had 4 hours sleep. And I thought of the long day that awaits me and to think that I would only be able to sleep at half past 11PM after Swiss Airways flight 138 have taken off (good thing I was on business class!).

Three hours after, I was still in bed but was not asleep. Who ever said “counting sheeps” works. I finally succumb and finally decided to run through in my head the plans for the day. First thing, tour Basel by foot. Sure I could take a lot of pictures, but I also realize that there would be no picture of me taken in this wonderful city. Geez.

A couple of “would please take my photo?” and frosted lips later, I was back at Ramada Basel, packing and settling my hotel bills. Next agenda was to go to SBB station and see if they can accept my luggage for early check in. I was delighted to learn that I do not have to wait for my 6:40pm trip.  I could board any train that headed for Zurich Flughagen (the airport…).

At 2:15PM I was already on board the Interregio (IR) SBB train to Zurich. Though I was a bit worried about travelling on a schedule other than my original reservation. 

I arrived Zurich airport and proceeded to check-in for my flight to Hongkong. Thanks to the invention of self check-in kiosks, getting boarding passes and luggage tags was a breeze. I intentionally decided to go early so I can still explore Zurich but the thought of rain and cold left me a coward to leave the terminal building. Who cares? There’s Esprit, Swatch and a gamut of shopping stores inside the building. I wouldn’t have stopped except that my feet was shouting, “Dude, quit walking! I’m hurt”. Let’s get some rest, I said. You’ve served me well. It’s the hands turn to do it’s purpose. Let’s make some notes and BLOG!!!