After the Mariott Hotel Blast in Pakistan–I am doubly convinced that home is the best place to be
Posted on September 24, 2008
Filed Under Blogging and the Internet, LIFE, Parenting and Family, Travel | Viewed 344 times
The more I think about it, the more I am now convinced that home is the best place to be, and I am in a much better situation. For almost two years now, after 15 years of traveling, I am HOME. Now, my kids feel more secure—knowing that I am just here, on call anytime they need me.
With the young mothers of Bangladesh.
More so, they do not anymore have to worry, as they did when I was frequently traveling to places where there were often threats to order and security, to name a few, the frequent hartals (general strikes) in Bangladesh, the bomb blasts in Pakistan, the remaining mines in Cambodia, the Tamil Tigers in Sri Lanka, the melamine-laced milk and dairy products in China (if I were to travel now), the restlessness in Thailand, even the air packets experienced in the Singapore sky—ALL THESE FOR THE SAKE OF DEVELOPMENT WORK.
In Lahore, Pakistan.
Fifteen years of travel, with more than 250 boarding passes in my name and without any casualty is I guess, more than enough experience, something to be thankful for.
The Great Wall of China
Taj Mahal in Agra, India
Of course travel is an experience anyone would welcome, especially when one travels in comfort and style—first class or business class, executive airline lounges, 5-star hotel, side trips, and a generous travel allowance. But when one travels to places where dangers and hazards lurk, while working 24/7 in meetings, field visits and report completion, sometimes one gets wary, and the situation becomes stressful for those family members who are left at home.
in Dambullah, Sri Lanka
a mosque in Islamabad, Pakistan.
I am saying this because of the most recent bombing of the Mariott Hotel in Islamabad, Pakistan. I used to stay in that hotel (or other Mariott hotels in other countries for that matter). There were times in the past when I was close to real life attacks, a bomb blast in Pakistan, just a few minutes after I left the airport, another bomb blast in a city in Bangladesh where I was at the moment, a hartal in Dhaka which kept me stranded in a Bangladesh hotel for 3 days or a frightening hail storm, a coastal town in Sri Lanka which was completely washed away by the great tsunami a month after I visited, another town which required a lot of security clearances and wearing a bullet proof vest, and the more than 50 degrees centigrade temperature in an Indian summer which I could not stand.
with primary school children in Cambodia (one of my favorite pictures)
I am also wondering why most often than not, when I landed in Singapore, it was raining and air packets were experienced.
Landing in a Bhutansese plateau was always a challenge, and so was land travel, with some roads lacking in side rails, and the surroundings shrouded in mist—one mistake as the car climbs up 10,000 feet above sea level, and you would fall in a ravine, leaving no trace of the accident unless there are witnesses.
Bangkok, 15 lbs ago.
Now guess what? I am home, and can do just anything that I want, sleep during the day, work at night, blog hop, write my poems, write my projects—thanks to online, read, watch movies, concerts, the UAAP games live, go the park, bike, go out with friends, look after babies, go to church, and many more—I am in control of my time. Except that I do not get to wear my high heeled sandals and step-ins anymore. It was only after 2 years that I wore my 3-inch silver stilettoes to the Philippine Blog Awards. And it is only during formal talks do I get to wear my work clothes—I have practically given most of them away. I don’t mind, because home is still the best place to be for now.
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10 Responses to “After the Mariott Hotel Blast in Pakistan–I am doubly convinced that home is the best place to be”
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Dine Racoma is Sexy Mom, a Filipina doing what she likes best—writing, her passion. She writes freelance, does research, advises on new media, and manages a virtual assistance office for home-based jobs. A mother of 7 (what joy!) foremost, a wife, MIL, grandma to 2 pretty girls and an angel in heaven, sister, daughter, friend. Was in the corporate world for 27 years, the first 5 as Executive Secretary to an affiliate of the country’s biggest drug chain, and the last 22 as an international civil servant in an international development bank with HQ in Manila. Traveled extensively to many countries bringing about rich experiences and lessons learned to share with dear Readers. All these—in The D Spot
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A few days ago, I’d read that tourists were kidnapped in Egypt. I felt sad for them. They’ve gone on the trip thinking of having a holiday yet they become victim to those with cruel intentions. I wish that someday traveling to these parts and those you mentioned would not be dangerous.
oohhh..i love your post sooo much…im still 33years old and i feel that im soo old because of the development work that i have been doing..soon, ill be embarking again on a new challenge – this time scope of development is more international than where i am now…life is short that’s why we have to think of what matters most to us…
Well, I guess there’s a reason why we always say “home sweet home” di ba?
Wow Tita you have a colorful and adventurous life back then. So I guess being at home is really something that you need to take advantage. Life of an Expat is quite difficult especially when kids need your presence but then you were able to give everything they need even you were away :D! That’s what I call a SuperMom
!
Every place you’ve visited must have a special place in your heart. You must be grateful for every experience and knowledge you’ve gained during your travels.
I agree, the home is always the best place to be. I’m sure your family is very happy that they can spend more time with you now.
I agree, there’s no place like home!
Buti ka pa nakapasyal na sa Taj Mahal, haven’t been there – YET. Hope to visit that place soon!
Wonderful and exotic places to visit but if there’s danger at almost every corner (I exaggerate of course) one’s expectations are not really met.
Thank God you were out of harm’s way then
250 boarding passes! Yes, I would say statistics could have been against you when you travel. But I am glad you’re intact and you’re home to your children and to us, too. Aww, you’re wearing my favorie polka dots.
[...] that I am home, we are all able to enjoy each other’s company, do activities together, which are not always [...]
[...] give me the creeps, though I mentioned in an earlier post (After the Mariott Hotel Blast in Pakistan) that I am doubly convinced that home is the best place [...]