Windows to the Past

© Joselito Briones

I'm loving the picture windows in the new apartment. They're like ultra HD tv's and you can pan the picture by moving about in the room. The one in the bedroom frames this really tall tree behind the building. I lie in bed and look at it, I see the leaves swaying, I hear the rustling sound, and I get transported back to the Philippines of my childhood when, after a heavy lunch, playing in the sun, and getting forced to bathe by grown-ups who are against the smell of the sun on my skin ("amoy araw ka na", they'd say), I'd just lay on a bamboo mattress under a mango tree and take a nap, until it's time to have merienda and run around the neighborhood again.

Sigh...

The cow was a present from Nico.


XXX

Escape artist

© Joselito Briones

Back to Erlangen. Back to unpacking. Only I didn't know where to continue. I'm stalled. I couldn't unpack all closet contents because the closets aren't built yet, couldn't build the shelves because it required moving out of the way heavy photography equipment (enlargers) that I couldn't move by myself. After cleaning up and doing the laundry, I decided to escape to the park. The students lying on the grass, soaking in the sun, was a nice sight. I didn't stay long there though, I had to go to the pedestrian zone to get some money and do the grocery.

I also went to Handelshof (their version of Walmart). It's a short walking distance from the apartment. I got carried away and didn't realize I've bought too many things to carry by myself. I managed to get home only after having to stop and pause a few times.

Tonight I made humba (or something close enough).


XXX

Slap me silly and call me happy...

© Joselito Briones

It's a beautiful, beautiful, day!!! The sun is all out.. the sky is clear blue, there's a cool breeze constantly blowing, all the trees are in bright vibrant green and every single one seem to sparkle as its leaves reflect the light, the flowers are in bloom bursting with colors. Ladidi ladada... I've got a silly grin on my face, and it took a lot of effort to stop myself from skip-hopping while walking today on my way to Marktplatz (Okay, maybe I did a couple of times when I was sure no one was looking).

Call me silly, think me corny, but today, I'm very happy.

XXX


P.S.
In case you're interested to know, this is my 100th letter to you!


XXX