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| My cousin Russiana, the author, Aunt Nelly and cousin Baby Francine. |
They say when you dream, dream BIG! It was July 10, 2011 I had always dreamed of this and it’s hard to believe it has finally happened. I had my first ride in airplane when our entire clan went to Boracay Island last July 10. It truly was a dream come true. As a toddler, I remember I used to say Buh-bye each time an airplane passes by our home. And I used to draw pictures of me riding on it, so when I was told last January that I’d be turning my dream of flying into reality, I got so excited.
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| the author on the airbus window seat. |
From that time on, I had counted the days and nights I had to sleep before that BIG day. When I had encountered that car accident last February, I thought I’m not going to make it anymore because the said trip was already booked and it’s non-rebookable and non-refundable.
And due to that car accident, I got an avulsed wound (read: open wound) on my entire left foot and I thought it would probably take sometime before I could walk properly again. I guess I’m blessed because after three weeks of using crutches, and two and a half more months, I could not only walk—I could also run too. I got myself into street soccer right away (even if sometimes my foot still aches or my wound still bleeds). When summer came and my foot got a few skins back, I knew that my dream of riding an airplane will soon become a reality.
The day came and I could not hide my excitement. I even had to excuse myself from class for three days just so I could join the trip. The minute I got into the airport, I looked around and entered a place where I could whisper a prayer. I wanted to be sure, I had to ask God for a safe and happy trip.
I was also glad to know that there was a play area for kids like me at the airport. My cousins and I played for sometime while the adults waited for our departure time. When boarding time came, I had put on my jacket and sling my handy binoculars onto my neck. I wanted to be sure I’d be seeing an aerial view properly. I had asked for a window seat, just to be sure.
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| The author with his reliable mini binoculars. |
The minute I got seated on the Zestair’s window seat, I fastened my seatbelt right away. And then finally we were flying up in 26,000 miles above sea level, I had used my binoculars to see what’s below us. I saw trees that looked like the size of broccolis, buildings as small as matchboxes. I began to understand the Philippine map, the way crooked lines were done, with all the other islands dotted in between. I loved being so close to the clouds, they made me feel like I’m already in heaven.
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| The author with Aunt Jicelle going onboard Zest Air flight to Kalibo. |
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| Still feeling high up in the sky. |
While up in the sky, we had also experienced some air packets, they’re like humps in the streets except that they’re up in the air. Even if the plane does move, when you’re inside it, it felt like it doesn’t. It’s just in a steady mode with occasional movement here and there.
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| The author with Aunt Jicelle and Grandma Rica after touchdown in Kalibo International Airport. |
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| Aunt Jicelle, the author and Granma Rica enjoying Boracay's white sand. |
Then after almost an hour, it was time for touchdown. I felt happy for making one of my dreams come true. I know I am blessed because not everyone’s given the chance to ride a plane. I wish to ride some more in the future. This trip is only the beginning…
