Surviving summer

Watching the news the other night, I found out that Monday, April 5, was the hottest day on record for Manila. And since we are always a notch above Manila in temperature, I imagine we were hotter than their hottest! Yet, summer is really early and fierce this year, as forewarned by our meteorologists. (I mentioned this about two columns ago.) I feel enervated most days since March stepped in, due to the cauldron that is the Philippines, sitting on the Equator as we are. My cook was down with fever and intense headache after she fetched her daughter from school at noon one day last month. Following her, I too was down with fever and a sore throat. And to think that I hardly get to my bed, thank God for my daily vitamin regimen. I had also been telling people all around to be wary of the heat, keep away from the sun, drink plenty of water, etc. There is no escaping this heat!

With the close of classes, young people are all over with time in their hands and the eager anticipation of a fun vacation. Money woes notwithstanding, we can still have fun and establish family bonding time nearby. Here are some clues:

1) Check out the resorts in the province. Because of multi-sector tourism thrust, resorts are in place, making some out-of-the-way towns interesting spots. They even have weekend offers for families.

2) My dentist Dr. Russell Reyes went to Cagayan de Oro for some exploratory water rafting, with his wife, Dr. Emily Tan-Reyes, also a dentist. Both came back beautifully tanned and excited with what they just experienced. Russell assured me that the rafting romp is ok even for non-swimmers and “scaredy cats” (like me) as everyone will have helmets and life jackets. And there are placid places for swimming in between rapid shootings. Cool!

3) Stay away from the usual summer destinations like Boracay or Bantayan. The waters will be swarming with vacationers and you may not enjoy your time in the sea and sun. Besides, accommodations will triple and so do all the other costs.

4) Why not consider the mountains? It would be a refreshing break to breathe in clean mountain air and stay at one of the mountain resorts that are now operating in Cebu. Consider bird watching and mountain trekking; biking and camping at dusk. Aside from being healthy activities, these inspire camaraderie.

5) Going out of the country, consider nearby destinations like China. That is if you want to get out of the heat. It’s still cold out there, although they have been suffering from smog in some places. Nonetheless, Shanghai is always a pleasure to visit, especially for shopping.

6) Still cool and going into autumn, by May, is Australia and New Zealand. One disadvantage is a visa requirement. Yet, if you want something different for your summer break, then to Tasmania you will go. Watch out for the Tasmanian devil, the wombat and the casuari, aside from the familiar koalas and wallabies.

7) For the shoppaholics, there’s no place like Hong Kong and Thailand. Since Thailand is in disarray at this time, check out Vietnam. Then, there is always Singapore…a bit expensive but the items on sale are top of the line, and you are not likely to be duped with your purchases. Sentosa Island has become a fun place with numerous activities for young and old. Take note: Universal Studios has opened in the Lion City. Clearly this is a close competition to Hong Kong’s Disneyland.

There you are, take your pick, according to your budget constraints. If the sky is the limit to your spending (lucky you!), then off to the U.S. or to Europe you go. Maybe take the Orient Express for a luxurious trip across farmlands and valleys?

Travel safely….and travel well!