Christmas Plans 2009

Our holiday plans are coming together. Andrey and I recently decided to take a trip together the weekend after Christmas. Since it is just the two of us, and frankly because Andrey's parents gave us a little Christmas money, we have decided to make use of that free weekend and get out of the city. I really need a break from the city. Lately the noise and traffic have been affecting me more than usual. Part of it is that December just seems crazy around here. I'm not sure if it's just my perception or if traffic really is worse but it sure seems that way. And there are times when I find a very low tolerance for uninvited noise in our home. Every evening lately we've been listening to a marching band in our neighborhood practicing for Sinulog (huge annual event coming in January). I've gotten used to the marching band and even can kind of enjoy it but it means I can't have a podcast on while I'm cooking in the kitchen or music or any other kind of competing noise as it's just too much. Well the last few evenings there has been the neighbor's radio again. I don't think they realize how well it carries into our house. I couldn't take it last night I had to go hide in our bedroom with the aircon on and some classical music to get away. All that to say, I'm really, really looking forward to a break!! Even if for two days.

We will be staying in Moalboal, a beach zone about a 3 hour drive from Cebu. We have just booked an adventure tour - Canyoning at Montaneza Falls. This is very out of character but we realize this is the kind of thing we'd never find on our own. We watched this video on YouTube and thought we'd give it a try. Both of us ache for some activity in nature, which is seriously lacking in the city and is hard to find elsewhere as well. We recently read about this action adventure company in the Lonely Planet. They've been around for a long time apparently and have the reputation of being very professional and have really fun day tours. We're going to learn how to repel for the first time!

We were trying to decide between this and going to a different island where this isn't much to do. We decided this may very well be the last trip we take just the two of us without kids so we want to do something we probably wouldn't do if we had kids. I'm pretty sure we wouldn't take a young child canyoning down a river valley!

I'm working on Christmas Eve, then Andrey and I will have the day on Christmas to relax and have a nice meal together to celebrate. Then we go away for 2 nights. We both are off work till early January.

On January 1st, Andrey's aunt, uncle and three cousins are coming to see us in Cebu after they spend Christmas in Taiwan. Fun! Coming from freezing Saskatoon, their dream is to go to the beach so we'll be taking them to Bantayan Island for two nights. We spent our 5th anniversary on Bantayan in 2007 and loved it but haven't been back since. For the photos of that trip go here.

I know, we really have nothing to complain about and I am really quite thankful for this upcoming opportunity to travel but I also have been a little home sick these days. It being Christmas and all, I find myself aching to be with family and our closest friends (who are like family). Last year we had Andrey's parents here. The year before we were in Mexico with dear friends, Dana and Andrew. This year will be a bit different but enjoyable nonetheless. Just feeling the distance a bit lately. However, we have much to be thankful for and enjoy, in the present.

Merry Christmas!!