Colors of December 2006

#208: Of Pantones and Palettes

*Note: Click on the pics to view larger image.

01








Andrew took me treasure-hunting for my birthday. It was a cross between Amazing Race and a photography trip. My photos weren't amazing but yes, there was racing in and outside the car involved. My favorite part of the day was lunch at Le Kiosk which required that we walk from one beach to the next - saying hello to man-sized penguins and a frozen octopus along the way.


02








Our class decided to end the fourth term by going on an evening sailing trip. The bad thing about this is that this is a sort of farewell party for some of our classmates leaving for good. The good thing about this is that this is a sort of farewell party for some of our classmates leaving for good.


03








The Florida theme pushed through and there was a reasonable amount of support for dressing up on that day. Not as wild as the kind of enthusiasm that you would expect from one of the Philippine parties, but acceptable. (Hey, we even accepted those who came as Hawaiians. We figured, neh, it's part of the US, they have sun and sand. That should do.) What I loved most was Andrew coming as a Senior Citizen complete with funny socks and shirt. If we hadn't introduced voting this year (to give way to democracy) and if I didn't get scared of getting accused of "conflict of interest" (and subsequently getting dragged by the hair and beaten in a cave), I would've given the 2007 Best in Costume award to the boyfriend. (Then again, that would've been mushy. And you would all have dragged me to a cave and beaten me.)


04








One of our instant beach trips turned into a monumental moment when Andrew decided to propose to me at Maroubra Beach. I found out later that the device he used (tying a ribbon around our wrists) was not for life-saving purposes but for purposes of building up to the big question. As it turns out, it is a Celtic tradition to tie wrists together to signify vowing to be together forever. Since forever is hard to comprehend, we've agreed to be together for 120 years.

05








This is Andrew's introduction to the Philippine Christmas. Without the Christmas tree, noche buena, puto bungbong, bibingka, parol, street carollers and traffic. Just opening gifts at midnight. That's it.


06








The following day was my introduction to the Aussie Christmas. The Peters Christmas to be more specific. I haven't received so many presents since companies started being strict with Christmas gift receiving policies! It was enjoyable celebrating Christmas with the future in-laws. However, there's a tinge of sadness knowing that while I am surrounded by many lovely people this day, my parents are back in the Philippines celebrating their 1st Christmas without both kids.


07








Another lovely lunch with the Peters. This time, to celebrate Andrew's mom's birthday. The place was charming and the food was gorgeous. I had salmon baked with lychees while Andrew dubbed his dish the best barramundi he's ever had. Again, there is that shadow of knowing that I would've also been celebrating with my mom around that time. Her birthday is just two days before this day.


08







We waited for more than 6 hours to secure a decent spot in Circular Quay to watch the fireworks. Half an hour before midnight, rude people squeezed into our breathing spaces and blocked a huge chunk of the view we were trying to protect the whole evening. Nevertheless, the display was spectacular. What clinched the deal for me was when the buildings behind us started erupting with fireworks as well. I was back to being a little kid. And I was happy to be holding Andrew's hand this New Year. Best New Year's Eve of my adult life. A top contender to the time we had Watusi Wars with our playmates almost 20 years ago.