The long road home
 

I’m sitting in a 15^th floor suite at a hotel in Manila while the sun plummets towards the ocean, and on this journey.

It’s been quite a day. Earlier I woke up, shook off a few cobwebs from last night’s birthday celebration (told you I'd make it), did some frantic last-minute shopping at the Boracay market, boarded an outrigger boat for a 10-minute ride to Caticlan, snapped a MacArthur-esque photo (“I shall return”) that I’m quite pleased with (left) after stepping off the boat, then hopped on a plane to Manila. From here, it’s off to the U.S. and, from what I understand, absolutely frigid temperatures.

I’m not ready to leave, but such is life.

Before we shove off, one final story:

Two days ago, when my group was at the airport connecting to Boracay, we had some problems with our paperwork (which were quickly resolved) and the woman behind the counter was visibly frustrated. Suddenly, all five members of my group realized something at the exact same time: That was the first time all week we’d seen a frown on a Filipino face.



Now I’m not trying to paint this place a some kind of fairy tale—there are real problems here, ranging from the lack of a middle class to repeated coup attempts on the government—but there is a completely different vibe here than in the U.S. (Also, there's no snow) It feels great to relax, smile constantly, bask in great weather and say hello to complete strangers, and that’s exactly what you’ll do if you’re ever fortunate enough to visit the Philippines for yourself. Also, if feels great to know that I've received so many massages and devoured so many mangoes that I should be able to go two years without worrying about pulling a muscle or developing scurvy. Finally, while you're here, I can also promise that you’ll also have the opportunity play some great golf. What more could you want?

Thanks to the Philippine Department of Tourism and all of my guides who led me through each island stop. It wouldn’t have been the same without you.

See you soon, America.   

Read more about the Scenes from the Philippines!

• Going Global Once Again!
• Part I  - Greetings from Manila
• Part II - Taking on Manila
• Part III - The island experience
• Part IV - Making the most of rainy Cebu
• Part V  - Beaching it in Boracay
• Part VI - The long road home