It's was a busy holiday month for us, primarily since we took a big, 2 week trip to the Philippines where we spent time in the city (Makati/Manila), the mountain (Baguio) and the beach (Boracay). The kid's not even one yet and has already been on 2 long haul international trips (plus several domestic trips). Not bad, though it's too bad he won't remember them. But, that's what pictures are for. =)
The trip, unfortunately, started off badly. T was NOT happy on the plane. He's usually a good travel companion, but on the flight there he had periodic meltdowns and didn't want to sleep. It made for tired, grouchy parents who couldn't wait to get to Manila where Lolo and Lola, we were sure, couldn't wait to see him.
And, we were right. Lolo was at the airport early in the morning to greet us and take us to the Marriot nearby where he and Lola had stayed the night before (we had several hours to kill before the rest of the gang showed up). It was a fancy new hotel with a nice swimming pool. Knowing how much T loves the water we quickly got in our suits and headed down. Who knew, though, that despite the hot, humid weather the pool would be FREEZING. T didn't care and as someone had to go in the pool with him, Lolo volunteered. Here they are braving the cold water.
Once everyone else arrived, it was time to take a 7 hour van ride up to Baguio. Yup, 7 hours. We did stop for dinner, but it was still a long ride. Surprisingly, T did really well. It was probably a combination of the jet lag, not sleeping on the plane, and being worn out from swimming. Baguio is in the mountains and it was nice and cool up there. We did a little bit of sightseeing (the Minesview), Mommy and Daddy got a couple of massages (they are ridiculously cheap), and we met up with some extended family. Unfortunately, Mommy and Daddy relied on everyone else for photos so the only photos we have are of us at the Minesview. The view was pretty incredible.
After a few nights in Baguio, it was back in the van to drive down the mountain to go back to Manila for a night before catching a plane to Boracay, where we spent Christmas. Along the way to Manila, we stopped for lunch at Gemai's house (Daddy's nanny growing up) in Bulacan (Lolo's hometown) and then for dinner at Lola's best friend's house in Quezon City (again, Mommy and Daddy didn't take pictures).
Getting to Boracay was something else. We took the van to the airport, flew for about an hour, took a 5 minute van ride to the boat dock where we took a 10 minute boat ride to Boracay, then got on another van for about 10 minutes to get to the hotel. Phew. Oh, and the boat wasn't even on a dock. It was a speed boat that pulled right onto the beach (notice the guys carrying our luggage in the background).
However, once we got to our hotel, it was well worth the trip. T couldn't get enough of the pool and the beach. Again, the pool was freezing, but he didn't care. Oh, and apparently sand tastes pretty good.
For Christmas eve dinner we went to the hotel's buffet. T was exhausted and napped through dinner. But, he did wake up later for another family photo.
Christmas morning was just another day for T. Here he is sleeping with Daddy. I imagine in a couple years he will be the first one out of bed.
We all got together for breakfast to open gifts. T didn't quite get the concept of gift opening or gifts.
We also found a fancy sand castle.
And met a couple of Ms. Clauses. T didn't like them any more than he liked Santa.
Oh, and because sunglasses sold by beach vendors are so cheap, Daddy got himself 3 pairs and one for T(too bad the only way he'll wear them is if his hands are held down).
After a few days in the sun, it was back on our trek to Manila/Makati. This time, we did the whole trip in reverse, but had to add a 2 hour bus ride to a larger airport since our plane couldn't take off from our original airport. Crazy. Here is T being entertained by the luggage carts at the airport. Anything to keep the kid a happy traveler.
But, we made it safe and sound to Makati and stayed at the fancy Shangri-la. Ahhh... It was nice.
While we were there, T got to meet Mommy's high school friend, Chris, and his wife, Maui, who live in Makati (they also have a 6 month old, Haru, who we met a couple days later, but again, we don't have a picture).
We spent an entire day relaxing at the Shangri-la. And, then, on our last full day in Manila, we took a day trip to Cavite, Lola's hometown, where her brother, Uncle David, hosted a lunch for us with a lechon (whole pig).
Our trip home was smooth. T did great and was clonked out for most of the flight.
Of course, by the time he left the Philippines, he'd adjusted to their time and, it's only now, 2 weeks since we've been home, that he is finally back on California time (granted, it probably took him longer than it should have to adjust since he got sick, again, and had an ear infection).
Overall, we all had an amazing time in the Philippines and it was a great way to end 2010. Many thanks to Lola and Lolo for all the planning that they did. Not only did we get to see so many different sights and experience different places, but we got to spend time with the family. And, T got a lot of attention and love from everyone along the way. Actually, T was having such a great time that you would never know, at least from these photos, that he was sick for most of the trip (this explained why he was such a grouch on our way there). Even when he wasn't feeling well, he was trying to enjoy himself (he's a pretty incredible kid).
Happy 2011 everyone! May it be full of love and good times!
p.s. In case you're wondering, we spent T's first New Year's Eve at the Rosenfield/Zraick's and celebrated with the East Coast. We were home and in bed by the time the clock struck one here. That's what happens when you have a little one. =)
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