I just came from Manila and the words “manic” and “marathon” come to mind when I think about my schedule there! It was a 10 day trip. Usually I lose the first and the last day, because the first day I arrive at 5:30 in the morning, I need to recover and sleep, while the last is for packing, last-minute errands and “bilins.” More on my Manila trip after the jump.
So the 8 days were absolutely packed. I get only about 3-5 hours of sleep per day! Just check out my planner! (I had to remove a 6 Post-its full of added tasks so you could see what was in there!)
Since it was a short trip I kept it simple. Yes that’s my version of simple! I didn’t include many of the more mundane (yet time-consuming) stuff!
- Quality time:
Spend time with with my family, especially my dad, step-mom and siblings coming Mindanao and catch up with relatives I haven’t seen in ages.Meet up with OC Mom in Manila and (eye)candyMeet up with my best friendsMeet up with Livin La Vida Lanka’s mom & give gifts for Luna!- Meetings:
Bank- Insurance agent
Realtor- My cousin’s wedding
BacheloretteFittings for bridesmaid’s dress– I think I went to 4 or 5 of theseHair stylistNail SalonGet my rings cleaned- Shopping – I tried to keep it to Christmas gifts and stuff I can’t find in Jakarta.
- Finish Christmas shopping – not quite done with this
Spinkie products– at the Flame Tree open house!Meet with Bailey Wrap makers– Serendra- Check out Sinude bags – at Rockwell bazaar. So sorry I didn’t get to do this!
Make Room– amazing home and travel organizers!Check if Muji is cheaper than in Jakarta– yes it’s definitely is! i.e. only Rp 13,000 or Php 65 pesos for a penParksquare Makati– for macro lens and new flashKamiseta– bottoms that are perfect for my body type!Fino– didn’t buy anything this time because I spent money on camera accessories- I’ve to confess that there were detours along the way
- Errands:
Have camera fixed at Canon service centerHave passports re-validated at the DFA
I agree with my friend Orange, when we go back home to the Philippines “there’s never enough time for everything no matter how long you stay!” SO true. I think any Pinoy living abroad will agree.
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mymommyology says
November 16, 2011 at 2:29 AMI TOTALLY agree! For an upcoming trip to Manila with the kids, I already have a list of people to see, things to do (errands, socials and what not) and places to go; and already I’m out of breath.
It’s because everyone and everything is in Manila. So everyone wants to see you. On top of which, the traffic is bad / unpredictable (vs here in the states, I know it will take me 10 mins to get to point x!)
diplomaticwife says
November 16, 2011 at 12:19 PMGosh I’m glad that you can relate!!! Sooooo true! I’m already setting up all my reunions and doctors appointments for December! We are the opposite when it comes to traffic POV… coz’ traffic is worse in Jakarta… whenever I run errands in Manila, I feel like “wow… this is so not traffic at all!” LOL! In Jakarta usually I only schedule one thing per day. And travel time takes up the rest of the day. But it’s so unbelievable that in Manila I can go to paranaque, ortigas, sta.mesa, back to ortigas and several places in Makati all before 5 pm!
You know what I really admire are mommies like you who can travel with kids and do everything at the same time! I hope I will be as elegant when I have kids too. =)
Tala says
November 16, 2011 at 12:57 PMMeet up with my mom – check! 🙂 I wish I had a chance to visit Manila! Oh well, till April! Will you be able to go home around that time? Let’s align schedules!
Diplowife says
November 26, 2011 at 9:25 AMYou said it! But you are at least lucky that you can go at least every 2 or 3 months, I have to wait a year maybe two since we are posted so far away. And yes, even if I have month as compared to your ten days, it’s never enough. But I do prioritize like seeing doctors and dentists and of course the family is a must and always top of the list.
diplomaticwife says
May 12, 2012 at 12:21 PMI agree Diplowife. When you are based abroad and you go back even a month is never enough! And the longer you stay the more you expect out of your self right! Hay! That’s Diplo/expat life =/