Old Memories

My first trip outside the US was to the Philippines at a young age to visit my family there. It was really the first time I really got a different perspective. I was surprised at how much I didn't know about the world. The way of life felt cozier and everyone in the town knew each other. I was envious of the giant malls and access to Dragon Ball Z, which hadn't officially come out in the US yet and wouldn't for many years. I brought some pogs with me to play with, which were the trending toy in the US at the time, but the friends I made over there couldn't get into it. Instead, they showed me how they played with marbles instead. I remember jumping onto the back of a jeepney and holding on for dear life because it was full of passengers. I remember the dusty roads and trash filled streets, the slums in the distance that I never saw up-close. I remember the hot humid summer air outside contrasting starkly with the cold air-conditioned chill whenever I walked into a mall or store. I remember the reassuring presence of my grandfather and grandmother during my trip. 

Memories like that remind me how big and magical the world felt when I was younger. 

The world feels smaller and less magical now, but I still do feel a sense of wonder whenever I travel. But whenever I travel now, it's a bit different from that first experience I had when I visited the Philippines. As a kid, I didn't have to worry about anything. I miss that, I guess. The carefree endless summers.