Our family reunion has come and gone and yet fresh memories still linger on. How I wish it didn't end that soon. The three days we were together were incredibly inspiring!... My family and I would like to thank Betsy, Rose, Ayee, Manang Cora, Auntie Lou, Cheryl, Alvin, Alne and many others for the fantastic job of organizing and leading the event; Auntie Pancing, Auntie Cion and family (you are tops!) for the most difficult task of preparing a full array of delicacies that fed over a hundred mouths several times over; and everyone who came for making the event a treasure-trove of memories.I thought I'd share with you our diary of activities following the reunion.............
Our maiden trip to California was a welcome treat. Not only did we reconnect with relatives, we also had the chance to visit places we have been hoping to see for a long time.
Las Vegas. That Sunday after the reunion, my family (Ed, Ria, Irene, Apollo, Zack, Trystan and Sheryl) and I headed off to Las Vegas. The six-hour drive was the beginning of a hectic week ahead. Spending three nights and four days in a city that never sleeps was so much fun. Despite the scorching heat that we from this part of the world are not accustomed to, we enjoyed scrambling around the city and taking in as much of what the city had to offer.
Grand Canyon, Arizona. While Irene and family had to go back to Orange County, the rest of us went on a one-day trip to Arizona that took us to the magnificent Grand Canyon. The picturesque view in all directions was like a dream. As we sat and watch the changing play of lights and shadows, we couldn't help but be amazed at God's handiwork right before our very eyes. Such creation is more than an awe-inspiring phenomenon!... And while we took souvenir shots, guess who we bumped into? Sam and Jedd Villanueva and family! What a small world it is.... Much as we were taken by the mesmerizing beauty surrounding us, we decided to drive back to Las Vegas before dark overtook us.
Although Ria and Ed alternated on the wheel, the long daily travels had taken a toll on Ed. Upon our arrival at the hotel, he immediately hit the bed and just slept the night away. After all, he sure needed to rest and recharge before our journey back to California the next morning.
Orange County. Our overnight stay at the Hyatt Hotel made Disneyland very accessible to us. Ria and Sheryl had a great time doing some of the rides. As for Ed, upon seeing the Merry-Go-Round, the child in him came to life and together with Sheryl he immediately jumped in for a ride! That was really hilarious! I was left behind struggling to take a few shots of him... but I wasn't successful. ... In the afternoon, we watched the "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams", as well as, Billy Hill & the Hillbillies. At 9:30pm, the Disneyland sky came alive with "Remember Dreams Come True" fireworks. The play of multi-colored lights and sounds was such a beauty to behold.... The day's activities got us so jaded we almost got knocked out. But not yet...we had to drive up to LA where we were booked at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for a couple of days.
LA. Not wanting to waste any time, we got up early the next morning as we prepared for our next itinerary - Hollywood. Sheryl's friends took us around sight-seeing. Just looking at the names of celebrities engraved in various parts of the Kodak Theatre was enough to pique our curiosity.... Next was a drive to the Santa Monica Pier. Running barefooted on the white, sandy beaches while enjoying the cool, fresh air was magnificence at its best. The feeling was refreshing as it was liberating.
Ed and I met up with Carol late in the afternoon at the Third St. Promenade, a few blocks away from her apartment, which is located in an upscale neighborhood. She was so sweet to take us to a really nice dinner at the Gaucho Grill. (Ria and Sheryl spent the time out with their friends). To save time, we immediately proceeded to Carol's cozy apartment where we freshened up before heading off to Il Moro Restaurant. There we just lounged and listened to the captivating music of a live jazz band.
To cap the relaxing evening, we navigated around Beverly Hills, with Carol showing us famous spots and boutiques and giving us a peak of BelAir.... It was getting late and Carol had to take us back to our van. Much as we didn't want the night to end, we had to say our goodbyes.... And so off back to the hotel we went. (Thank you so much, cuz, for such a marvelous time!).
San Diego. The following morning took us to Ed's relatives at Deer Canyon Place in San Diego. It was also a reunion of sorts since we haven't seen each other for over two decades. The typical filipino in us emerged as we indulged ourselves to food, food, and more food while reminiscing the past. That evening, we were again treated to an elaborate korean dinner, after which we had to go our separate ways.
Loma Linda. On Sunday, Aug 17, Ria and Sheryl flew back to Toronto. It was now time for me and Ed to go fetch my mom in Loma Linda, where she stayed with Auntie Pancing, Leri, Erli and Orville at their beautiful homes. Mom felt so much at home and, as she tells me now, thoroughly enjoyed her short time with Auntie Pancing. I'm absolutely sure this was one moment in her life that will stay with her for a long time.... It was so nice also of Betsy and Rodney to come and see us. The short time we spent together was so precious and I look forward to more times like this. (Thank you, folks, for making our trip to your place a total delight).
Home Sweet Home. After almost two weeks of gallivanting, we departed LA in the early morning hours of Monday, Aug 18 and arrived in Toronto at 2pm. Coming home and getting a warm welcome by our cuddly, half-pomaranian/half-bizon puppy gave our vacation a fitting conclusion.
Our maiden trip to California was a welcome treat. Not only did we reconnect with relatives, we also had the chance to visit places we have been hoping to see for a long time.
Las Vegas. That Sunday after the reunion, my family (Ed, Ria, Irene, Apollo, Zack, Trystan and Sheryl) and I headed off to Las Vegas. The six-hour drive was the beginning of a hectic week ahead. Spending three nights and four days in a city that never sleeps was so much fun. Despite the scorching heat that we from this part of the world are not accustomed to, we enjoyed scrambling around the city and taking in as much of what the city had to offer.
Grand Canyon, Arizona. While Irene and family had to go back to Orange County, the rest of us went on a one-day trip to Arizona that took us to the magnificent Grand Canyon. The picturesque view in all directions was like a dream. As we sat and watch the changing play of lights and shadows, we couldn't help but be amazed at God's handiwork right before our very eyes. Such creation is more than an awe-inspiring phenomenon!... And while we took souvenir shots, guess who we bumped into? Sam and Jedd Villanueva and family! What a small world it is.... Much as we were taken by the mesmerizing beauty surrounding us, we decided to drive back to Las Vegas before dark overtook us.Although Ria and Ed alternated on the wheel, the long daily travels had taken a toll on Ed. Upon our arrival at the hotel, he immediately hit the bed and just slept the night away. After all, he sure needed to rest and recharge before our journey back to California the next morning.
Orange County. Our overnight stay at the Hyatt Hotel made Disneyland very accessible to us. Ria and Sheryl had a great time doing some of the rides. As for Ed, upon seeing the Merry-Go-Round, the child in him came to life and together with Sheryl he immediately jumped in for a ride! That was really hilarious! I was left behind struggling to take a few shots of him... but I wasn't successful. ... In the afternoon, we watched the "Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams", as well as, Billy Hill & the Hillbillies. At 9:30pm, the Disneyland sky came alive with "Remember Dreams Come True" fireworks. The play of multi-colored lights and sounds was such a beauty to behold.... The day's activities got us so jaded we almost got knocked out. But not yet...we had to drive up to LA where we were booked at the Crowne Plaza Hotel for a couple of days.
LA. Not wanting to waste any time, we got up early the next morning as we prepared for our next itinerary - Hollywood. Sheryl's friends took us around sight-seeing. Just looking at the names of celebrities engraved in various parts of the Kodak Theatre was enough to pique our curiosity.... Next was a drive to the Santa Monica Pier. Running barefooted on the white, sandy beaches while enjoying the cool, fresh air was magnificence at its best. The feeling was refreshing as it was liberating. Ed and I met up with Carol late in the afternoon at the Third St. Promenade, a few blocks away from her apartment, which is located in an upscale neighborhood. She was so sweet to take us to a really nice dinner at the Gaucho Grill. (Ria and Sheryl spent the time out with their friends). To save time, we immediately proceeded to Carol's cozy apartment where we freshened up before heading off to Il Moro Restaurant. There we just lounged and listened to the captivating music of a live jazz band.
To cap the relaxing evening, we navigated around Beverly Hills, with Carol showing us famous spots and boutiques and giving us a peak of BelAir.... It was getting late and Carol had to take us back to our van. Much as we didn't want the night to end, we had to say our goodbyes.... And so off back to the hotel we went. (Thank you so much, cuz, for such a marvelous time!).
San Diego. The following morning took us to Ed's relatives at Deer Canyon Place in San Diego. It was also a reunion of sorts since we haven't seen each other for over two decades. The typical filipino in us emerged as we indulged ourselves to food, food, and more food while reminiscing the past. That evening, we were again treated to an elaborate korean dinner, after which we had to go our separate ways.
Loma Linda. On Sunday, Aug 17, Ria and Sheryl flew back to Toronto. It was now time for me and Ed to go fetch my mom in Loma Linda, where she stayed with Auntie Pancing, Leri, Erli and Orville at their beautiful homes. Mom felt so much at home and, as she tells me now, thoroughly enjoyed her short time with Auntie Pancing. I'm absolutely sure this was one moment in her life that will stay with her for a long time.... It was so nice also of Betsy and Rodney to come and see us. The short time we spent together was so precious and I look forward to more times like this. (Thank you, folks, for making our trip to your place a total delight).
Home Sweet Home. After almost two weeks of gallivanting, we departed LA in the early morning hours of Monday, Aug 18 and arrived in Toronto at 2pm. Coming home and getting a warm welcome by our cuddly, half-pomaranian/half-bizon puppy gave our vacation a fitting conclusion.
"Life gives us brief moments with one another.... but sometimes in those brief moments we get memories that last a lifetime...." - Unknown.
Ravadilla siblings: Ria, Ryan, Irene and Alan
