A Charmed Life: A travelogue:: December 2008

How Would You Like to Spend Christmas?

Tuesday, December 23, 2008 - - 3 comments

Merry Christmas!

Happy Winter Solstice (Dec 21)

This year, I'm home for Christmas. Christmas at home really evinces that particular atmosphere unique to the Christmas season. Last year I was traveling and was in a Buddhist country during Christmas and New Year. It's not that I'm doing something special during Christmas but the over-all atmosphere changes. People act more kind and generous and there is the traditional gift -giving, the night carols, and the display of abundance of food!

This year, I don't have a special plan for Christmas Eve, it would be a quiet one spent in a loving and peaceful observance of the season. I'd prefer it this way rather than in a crowd of company that I don't have a close connection with. For me, Christmas is like Valentine's day, I like to spend it with people I'm close with, or at least with those who share the solemnity of the season and not let it pass with deafening firecrackers, loud music and other such noise.

Last year, I was with someone close but unfortunately, he didn't have the idea about Christmas and New Year being memorable and fun occasions to celebrate even just for an hour with an intimate candle light dinner for two. I'd have to tell him. Oh well, that was an experience :-)

And this year, the ones I want to intimately share it with are far away. Well what to do, I guess I'd have to spend Christmas Eve intimately with myself. A special time to re-affirm wholeness and self-love.

In the past, during my childhood, we always celebrated it with big family gatherings. But now the big family is no more as we grew up and eventually left the nest. That's another good thing though because as the family branched out and formed smaller nuclear families, there are more invitations to spend Christmas with.

However, since I decided to be in the city, I'd better spend it intimately with myself. Although I bet my sister will concoct something and me and my niece will just eat and watch fireworks. I look forward for a solemn celebration!

Koh Phangan

Sunday, December 21, 2008 - - 2 comments

Koh Phangan is a sunny island in the Gulf of Thailand, a favorite destination for backpackers.

Vertical road going to the beach of the world famous Full Moon Party. The beautiful sea sparkling in the sun caught my attention, unfortunately, the beauty couldn't be captured.

Haad Rin Beach, where the monthly Full Moon Party is being held.

Another beach, along the way to the moon party beach. It looks like one of the more rugged peaceful beaches in the island.

That's me

... this is Aykut, a good looking dude I met earlier along the way and decided to travel with.

The beach near where I stayed.

... and another beach in a more remote part of the island. I'd perch on those rocks and meditate.

Travel Period: August 2007

Oble Run Photos and the Real Pasiklaban

Thursday, December 18, 2008 - - 4 comments

I recently received some oblation run photos of the December 05 gathering. Here are some teasers ;-)...

Wowowow! Don't be shy freshies (are they freshies?) this is a tradition ye know?. he he he.

December 17

And for last night's "pasiklaban," I don't have photos of the usual naked fun run. Pasiklaban is the yearly Christmas party where teachers are obliged to show their other selves (not as teachers but as entertainers for the students). They compete among their groups by showing-off whatever other talents they have, including but not limited to: dancing, acting or singing, all for the students entertainment. This is the so called 'revenge' night where students can scrutinize the other aspects of their teachers. They hoot or cheer according to their free judgement, putting aside political and/ or academic correctness. Is it not fun indeed?

The "voice of the north," the University's singing group serenading the campus with Christmas songs.
Wah, it is almost 9 years since the last time I heard those melodious voices.

The teachers from the College of Arts and Communication. Disco dance, anyone?

Waah, teachers these day are surely more creative, colorful and youthful. These are 'instrucresses' from the College of Science.

... and with their santa boys.

entertained? satisfied? Are you likin' it?

aaaaaaay???

Although I was very cold and wanted to leave, I was very curious on how the College of Social Sciences will beat the 2 others groups that came first. And this is it! In my four years stay in campus, the faculty of SocSci have just been standing there and singing, how predictable!..
Nah, :-) but it was worth it, because they sang on top of their voices and the music really reverberated all throughout the trees and buildings. And the songs were not only very funny and joyful but also meaningful. Perhaps they won the best award in the end, did they?

Oops, don't get too carried away or get too excited! Remember, remember, this is only an illusion, and only ONE night in a year. Tomorrow, you'll face reality, terror teachers flooding you with readings, papers, theses, home works, exams, graded recitation, etcetera, etcetera.

Perhaps this will be my last Pasiklaban festival, it is certainly fun but I had my time :-)

Herstory

Monday, December 15, 2008 - - 0 comments

The wheel has turned many times, and there have been many migrations. All the land has shifted, but the backbone of mother earth remained. If the two-legged break her backbone, she will wobble off and die. That is the limit, which even her body cannot stand.

- Medicine Woman by Lynn V. Andrews