Cebu Island: Trading Worries


How did we end up on this idyllic island in The Phillippines? It took all day to get here from the capital city of Manila. We flew on an early morning plane and then took an all-day taxi across the island and finally arrived for dinner. It is a Pacific paradise with a balcony view of the ocean, pools, and a short walk to island restaurants and bars. The Filipinos are friendly, kind and have big smiles. Cebu Island has two seasons: wet and dry. It is a relaxing place for my mind. and body too. I read, swim, write, swim, walk the beach, swim again and by then it's sunset by the beach. Cebu was known for trading long ago, and I will trade this island for peace of mind any day.

Our morning begins with a cup of coffee on our balcony with a sea view followed by an ocean swim. We discovered two scary sea creatures while snorkeling today. Triggerfish will bite you if you get too close to their baby fish. They swam up to my husband to protect their babies. Jellyfish attacked me and left a rash on my legs. Other than that, it is just another day in paradise. However, even paradise has its issues. I feel relaxed, but my husband says I keep asking him the same questions over and over. There's not too much to ask about here, so I will try to read and write more. Watching the ocean waves and the boats from our hotel balcony calms my mind. I am surrounded by friendly faces and healthy food. Life is good on Cebu Island.

It hasn't always been suitable for the original settlers on this idyllic island in the Philippines. There are 167 small islands in this Filipino province. Cebu Island is the 126th largest island in the world and stretches 122 miles from north to south. The population is 4.4 million people and most of them smile all day long. Cebu has much to offer both tourists and the local islanders. There are beaches, coral atolls, and rich fishing grounds. Half of the population is under the age of 23 and likes to have fun. They always have a smile on their face and know how to enjoy life. I can learn a lesson from them to keep smiling no matter what life brings my way. 

Our lives have two seasons just like the Cebu Islands. Wet and dry. seasons. Wet is when we pour out happiness, kindness and forgive those around us. The dry season is when we feel sad, unhappy and sorry for ourselves. I can go to the dry season easily now with my recent Alzheimer's diagnosis. It hits me in the middle of the night and when I'm sitting around with nothing to do. I combat it by walking, talking to others and finding something to do. I need to be outside in the fresh air and moving around. I feel like I'm driving my husband crazy because he likes to lie around watching old movies, sports, and classic TV shows. I am antsy and can't sit and watch TV. So I just get up and walk and do exercise videos. I also like to sort and clean. The problem is I am constantly sorting things on this trip and misplacing items from my backpack. We are living in tiny rooms, but somehow I can't find things, I just have to sit down, take a deep breath and try to look for items again. I've read these are common symptoms of Alzheimer's, but they make me uneasy and drive my husband crazy. I will try harder to channel my energy in productive ways and exercise more to enjoy each day. I am in Cebu, the island of trading. I will trade my worries for peace of mind on this Pacific island surrounded by clear water with a beautiful blue sky. 



 

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