Book Review: Eat, Pray and Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

For the past few weeks, books have been my only confidante, my best friend and my soulmate. Amidst the chaotic ramblings of my mind, they have offered a sense of companionship no other man can offer. They have been non-judgmental despite my shortcomings and misdemeanors. They stayed with me through every tube journeys, drudging night shifts in the hospital, and moments of occasional psychosis. These manuscripts have been a source of inspiration and in the vein, it has kept my sanity intact. Without which, I might have lost it altogether. Uncunningly, every trip to the bookstore has proved worthwhile. The smell of a new book thrills me like a young child awaiting to get his balloon after a Sunday Mass. It has taken me to new heights – away from everyone. I felt safe again – under every letter from A to Z of every book's hologram.

Eat, Pray and Love has started this addiction. Serving as a platform for the Julia Robert's movie, I am a fan of anything that tackles the subject of self-discovery or go-isolate-and-f*ck-yourself-until-you-know-what-you-want kind of story. The book has outshined the actual Hollywood movie. The tongue-in-cheek details of the E. Gilbert's life story never fails to enthrall and fascinate the avid reader. After a few pages, I began to regard it as a travel blog and love story merged into one. Towards the middle, I found myself humming words like “Attraversiamo” which translates “Let's cross over” in Italian. I was mumbling these foreign phrases whilst I was in the tube that other passengers might have thought that a severely attention-seeking psychopath was in their midst. I couldn't care less. I couldn't care any lesser. After all, I was transcended into another world – the author's that is – a world of infinite realm of possibilities in the phase of travelling in deep thought and realization.

By the end of it, she lets herself get carried away by her older but wiser Brazilian lover. She hesitated for one moment but helplessly conceded in the process. She adhered to her heart's desire. She gave in to love. I acquise to her compelling life-changing decision. And so will I. Then there's only one thing to do – Attraversiamo... Let's cross over!

27, 28, 29, TURKEY!

2am and amidst the equanimity of my Rhodes hotel room, this entry is being woven into shape with ingenuous details and an extra push of Turkish delights. Having just sailed off from an hour and ten minutes ferry (Catamaran as they call it here!) ride from Marmaris to Rhodes, it is safe to assume that I will be dead tired as of this time from strolling around the southwestern-most point of Turkey. But nope, I'm wide awake as an angry bird raring to destroy multiple blocks to the very core and much to the amusement and addiction of its iphone user (where did that come from?!?!?).

Enough being said, Turkey is not exactly assonant to its Greek neighbor. Although my first instinct would tell me otherwise in regard to its proximity between the two Mediterranean countries, I began regarding Marmaris (or Turkey for that matter, sorry for the generalization) solely as a tourist hub for impervious and express holidays. Every corner resonates typical British holidays – enjoying the sun and not withstanding anything else. I reckon that more square meters had been allocated to self-catering villas and two and three star hotels in contrast with local houses and establishments. Not that I have an aversion to this apartments but it simply overshadowed the supposed Turkish charm that I was expecting to unravel at that point in time.

Nothing was sort of spectacular. It would have been a welcome change to see a coalesce of Moorish and Modern Architecture but instead I was greeted by the Marmaris Castle who looks more like an abandoned crack house rather than a prime tourist attraction. It was more of a viewing deck of the Marmaris harbor rather than a historical site. That 3 euros entrance fee was definitely not justifiable. To add insult to injury, the guy in the tourist information center totally snubbed me when I was inside in my attempt to ask for directions to the castle. He was deeply submerged into a telephone conversation. Nothing else mattered. It felt like I was wearing Harry Potter's cloak – invisible.

The bazaar was also synonymous to Turkey's despairing inuendo to save their ailing economy. Pushy sellers will rub you of any feasible euros/Turkish Liras (TL) – down to its last bit. A typical turkish lamp, for instance, will initially sell at 65 TL where in fact you could grab them at 40 TL or even less (my bargaining skills worked somehow). The bazaar and hundreds of restaurants resonates a Turkish desert and character – destitute and empty. But then again, I have never been to Istanbul or Ankra so this might just be an early and unfledged judgment.

I never, for one second, ascertained that I was in a safe place. The glances and accession of every local dweller will put Bin Laden's forces to shame. I was branded and called a “Jackie Chan of Marmaris” or greeted “Ni Hao” by merchants and residents alike. Evidently, Asians seldomly sojourned the place. Quite unsurprisingly, I found a sense of isolation and desolation in no time and I was hasting to go to back to Greece – where a more welcoming hand awaits me.

Overall, Turkey fails to deliver to the discerning tourist. And if I have ever been asked if I wanted to go back to Turkey, let's just say that I will just buy those lovely Turkish delights elsewhere in Mediterannean shops in London. In that case, I never really needed to waste 3 hours flying time – harsh but ardently true.

Rhodes: Mia Thési̱ Ston Ilio (A Place in the Sun)

When I think of Greece, I only think of two places to go: Athens and Santorini. Athens, being the capital will surely enamour every traveller with its ancient monuments and traditions. Having been known as a melting pot of civilization, it will satisfy anyone's penchant for Greek Mythology or anything Greek for that matter – from Greek food (the eat-until-you-feel-like-vomitting experience) to Greek luxury package holidays (read:all inclusive) to Greek “sizzling hot” men/women with aquiline noses and bodies that will surely guarantee not just a second but a third look.

On the other hand, Santorini is famed for its picturesque views that are jaw-dropping (Tagalog term: tulo-laway). Notable as the location for the Filipino movie “For the First Time” (yep, I watched this and im definitely jologs!), everyone who realized that I'm heading to Greece felt thwarted that I'm not goin' to Santorini (my twitter account can testify to this!).

Why Rhodes then? Well, I just came across the website at onthebeach.co.uk which really offered all-inclusive cheap holidays abroad and they suggested Rhodes. Being tired of city tours, I opted for a real vacation without the pressures of having to roam around the city with your limited time schedule. So like a lottery-type overturn of fortunes, Rhodes seemed to be reasonable and enticing enough to be the next leisure loco-motion. Unsurprisingly, they said its a second-rate island holiday for anyone who can't afford the more renown island of Santorini.

I despise this.

It exceeded my expectations. First, the Greek foods are to die for. I'm telling you that I absolutely hated vegetables or anythin healthy for that matter. But Greek foods are the only exception - just don't take off the feta cheese. In addition, gluttony is the name of the game with all-inclusive holidays where you get buffet meals three times a day (not to mention unlimited drinks/snacks/cocktails/booze).

And whoever thought that Asian hospitality is the best seriously needs to re-learn what that word really meant. Those smiles and welcoming/assisting hands are definitely not simulated. Add together the fact that they're down-to-earth good-looking (I hate people who know they're attractive and flaunt it!), it's a win-win situation.

Lastly, the combination of the Old Town's charm and New Town's ultramodern twist will give you that feel-good impression that will leave you coming back every afternoon for more (just hanging around the old-town plaza is gratifying in an unexplainable kind of way). In line with this, this place is just a hop, skip and ride away from all the great beaches and nearby islands (did I mention that I'm going to see Turkey tom?!?)

In the vein, this unassuming island ticks all the right boxes. Currently, I'm just writing this blog in the patio of our hotel room with great views of the mountain and the seaside, relaxing at 11pm with the most ideal weather you could ever imagine. There was an old emblem which states “The Glory that was Greece”. And then it hit me, whoever quoted this would have been in the same exact position that I am.

TWITTER!

I am ready to take a step forward.. And stop punishing myself.. I am moving on from facebook and going to twitter... Hopefully, it would be a worthwhile choice.. Im tired of the endless bashing and berations.. Im ready to have my first taste and slice of twitter.. So, brace yourselves.. yummmmm...

BLOG WRITTEN FOUR YEARS AGO....

The big and scary " 2 - 4 "

May 28, '07 6:24 PM for everyone

DISCLAIMER: I WROTE THIS BLOG ON MAY 26, 2007. IT JUST STRUCK ME WHAT MY THOUGHTS ARE DURING THOSE TIMES. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE WORTH RE-POSTING TO THIS BLOGSITE.

As i looked back on the past 24 years of my existence, I have decided to finally embrace the colorful art of writing a blog in the internet.. I must admit it took me ages to have the initiative this since i always find it bizaare for people to make all of their thoughts known to the public.. plus the fact that i have always noticed that people are way trying hard to be profound on whats the hurly-burlys of their minds.. but anyway, too much on the introduction.. :)

I always have the phobia of getting older.. and sometimes I find it odd of celebrating your natal day too much for a day.. and that it seems to pass so quickly.. so why bother.. hehe.. but most of all, i am afraid of getting older and really going nowhere.. especially in my career and achievements.. being the obsessive-compulsive that i am, i always want to make things done perfectly and the soonest time possible.. i dont know but there is always an angel of misery and melancoly running after me.. and it was as though at times that i was over-reacting to the chaos on my minds.. (which is the main propelling agent for this blog).. hehe

and as i looked back, i came across the things that i regret in my life.. i will not go about the usual pageant answer that i dont regret anything since it made me a better person.. but heck.. we always made our mistakes.. and though we learn from it.. it was a whole lot better if we havent done it at all..

so here are the things that i regret - from the menial ones to the most critical ones..

number 1, i wish i won my last table tennis tournament in high school.. it was as if i am afraid to make the shots and make the calls.. the stamina and energy was low.. and it cost me a lot -- a championship in table tennis.. i took the SECOND PLACE.( haha.. imagine how it still hunts me sometimes.. how trivial)

number 2, i wish i didnt make the answers long in the mr nursing pageant.. thats why i end up SECOND PLACE -- 1ST RUNNER UP..

number 3, i wish i strive harder in high school.. so i would be the valedictorian in high school.. i end up salutatorian.. SECOND BEST AGAIN..

number 4, i wish i took up nursing on my first college years.. so that i dont have to shift from one course to another.. and it would not cost me 6 years to finish college.. and make a jump start on my career earlier..

number 5, applying in the nursing home where i am currently working.. never thought too much filipinos could cause so much turmoil.. whew..

i dont know if theres a curse in me but i always end up second best.. BUT BUT BUT.. there are things that i certainly thought were the best decisions i ever made.

number 1, shifting to nursing... dont want to explain on this.. but all im aware of is that i follow my dad's piece of advice..

number 2, studying hard.. and keeping my goals at hand.. it gave me the boost to believe in myself. and eventually believe in happiness and the future.

 

 

 

 

 

number 3, ADHERING TO GOD THRU EVERYTHING.. He was the one constant in my life.. and though i am not the best Christian in the world..in fact i think i am one of the worst sinners around. He still loves me for who i am.. my life is empty and dense without Him in my life.. and i will always stick to Him no matter what happen.. He is my strength and salvation.. IN HIM I TRUST.. GOD ROCKS! HE RULES...

so happy birthday to me...!!! :)

DEFINING MOMENTS AND FAMILIES...

I have a thinking about families. We have all been raised and brought up differently. While others may scourn the way their very own family structure works, I was in a very good position to say in a "pageant-ly Q&A manner" that I WOULD NEVER CHANGE ANYTHING when it comes to my family. What I am now is a mere reflection of the past -- and a big part of it is my family.

It was amazing how my parents thought us about the antithetic lessons of life. We were moulded in an old-school Filipino fashion but with a taste of modern expedience. I really don't know how I am suppose to express myself in this one -- but the tandem of my mom and dad working together as parents is so perfect that I could not find any loopholes in this game called "parenthood". While it is impossible to completely narrate the anecdotes of my childhood, I would like to highlight some keypoints that I could vividly recollect.

WE WERE NEVER TOO POOR. And even in the phase of utter devastation because of hundreds and thousands of outstanding loans and unpaid credit cards, we never felt like we are poor. It takes absolute shrewdness for a parent to make sure their children never feel the financial strain despite the ongoing monetary instability issues.

We always get a "pasalubong" almost everyday from sbarro or KFC. We were getting enough allowances to carry on through our daily classes at school. We ate sumptuous meals then and again. We check-in at hotels at various occasions. My dad picked us up whenever and wherever we are (My youngest sister took advantage of this mostly!). We wore braces when we needed to. We could shop 'til we drop especially when we excel at school. We went on holidays in and out of the country. So who would dare say we are poor?!?

NADA.. Well, don't get me wrong but I'm not here to brag about the luxury or any piece of commodity that we have had. That is not the point. The point of enumerating all these is to serve as a reference and proof that my parents never deprived us of any good thing in this world. And yes, they gave us heaven and earth and move their asses from one place to another just to sell a piece of jewelry and maintain the kind of lifestyle that we have always experienced. And one of my goals is that one day, my parents could read this particular blog and illicit a smile or a tear on their eye because they knew that they did a MAGNIFICENT job in raising four kids in the time where times are constantly changing and when everything has a price tag.

But you know what the funny thing is, WE WERE NEVER RICH EITHER. My parents never made us feel that we were a cut-above-the-rest financially. We were asked to do household chores. I always run errands for my mom to go to "Bayan" (Meycauayan City). We were taught about the value of money without really imposing us that we have to save money and earn some extra ones so we could help them out in the future. Say, for instance, when I graduated, I never heard my parents telling me to extend help to my sister which was studying in university that time. And yes, I do help them as much as I could these days. But I did it.. Not because of obligation. IT WAS A CHOICE. Some things are better done out of love rather than out of obligation.

We do live in a bungalow - not in a mansion. Nothing spectacular. But my dad adorns our house with Christmas lights and decorations that make us feel that we are the richest family in the subdivision. ;)

I remember my dad telling me about the importance of being good-natured and charitable especially in out neighborhood. He narrates, "Anak, alam mo hindi tayo 'yung pinakamayaman dito sa subdivision pero kapag may mga emergency sa baranggay. Sa 'tin sila lumalapit kasi alam nila na maaasahan tayo at mabubuti tayong tao. At kung may listahan lang ng pinakamaraming kasal or kumpil or binyag na pinag-ninang/ninong-an, panalo na tayo. Kaya dapat marunong kang makisama at makipag kapwa-tao..". I really look up to my dad when it comes to these things. It is something that I am naive or completely lacking of. I am more of an introvert or a suffer-in-silence sort of person. But it was during this DEFINING MOMENTS, that I said to myself.. THANK YOU LORD AT BINIGAY MO KO SA PAMILYA ROQUE...

I wouldn't have it any other way. Even Prince Charles wouldn't stand a chance...

Truer answers...

Since I started living on my own, I have formed the habit of taking snapshots of my everyday life - it varies from food to sights to people to absolute nothingness. I have become dependent to these pictures that my nursing ROTA and opening hours of the laundry shop and everything else could be easily located on my iphone album. I found comfort in knowing that all important pieces of information is just a tap, slide and click away from my iphone.

Aside from this, a smile always grew from face whenever I look back to the pictures of the days gone by. Pleasing or not, "amateur-ish" it might be, the mere fact that I was on that particular moment in time gives me the chance to reminisce every single fiber of the past. It then gives you the platform to re-think about decisions made, re-collect memories and re-decide about various facets of your life. But the best way to do it is to do it ALONE.

I have a not-so-secret hide-away found somewhere along the lines of regent park and northwest london. It is where I always find myself in times of trouble. It gives me a certain peace of mind found nowhere else. It is my safe haven. Rather than jumping off the window and kill myself, this particular sight save me from the doom of insania.

And true enough, it is in solitude that everything becomes clearer. You start finding answers -- truer answers, truer things...