New Year Escapade

El Dia de los Reyes!

Happy Three Kings Day! The last day of the twelve days of Christmas ends every sixth of January. Not everyone celebrates this day because it's not as popular as Christmas. In countries like Spain, Latin America and most of Europe celebrate it which includes some traditions other than gift giving. Additionally, this day is celebrated to pay homage to the Three Kings who offered gifts to the baby Jesus

I have heard of people saying and greeting others Happy Three Kings on January 6 when I was still little. I thought it was just some lame greetings on the 6th of this month. Until I became interested lately to do some research about it. And I found it does exist.

Anyway, this article isn't about it. I just add it knowing that this article will be published by the sixth of January. If I haven't heard someone outside saying happy three kings to someone she met while passing by our house then I would not have googled about it

On New year's eve, we were busy at the kitchen. My dad had to take charge of the baby because my younger brother needed a hand in preparing the foods for New year. He had cooked more than enough to last the whole of January first. Extras were kept at the fridge

We were all tired and sleepy before midnight. Thankfully, the kids slept early at the living room where their grand dad had laid the king size foam. No one wanted to sleep in our room because they said they would love to watch fireworks display. It would be easier for them to go out. But when New year arrived, they were all snoring soundly and can't be awakened

They were a little disappointed when they weren't able to wake and watch when they woke up so early in the morning. Because we weren't complete that my other younger brother went to pickup my sister and her kids. Her husband couldn't come because there's no one to feed their pigs and chickens.

We enjoyed the day bonding with each other though our other brother wasn't present. They were at his wife's home town. The kids had been grilling marshmallows and hotdogs all afternoon

My family doesn't have any beliefs that come along with welcoming new year. However, we, especially my parents who have rooted faith pray fervently for good health, more spiritual growth and strength, internal strength to overcome upcoming challenges for the days ahead, and a bountiful year. Talking about faith, I think I lost mine

We didn't have any plans for going out-of-town because we don't want to tire our father in driving. Our other brother will be reporting to his boss when he requires him to.

Nevertheless, we loaded the car the following day with foods and swimming clothes. It was nearly mid day when we left that every resort we passed by were fully crammed. Thus, we ended in Ilocos Sur.

The first two resorts in Bissayot were no difference from the others we passed by. We didn't have any choice but to go to Edralin's resort, the one which we visited on May.

We reached the place pass 12. We were a little shock because the place was so crowded. There were lots of cars parked. But the one incharge of the parking space said that there were lots of spaces at the back and there were also many empty cottages

We went to the farthest line of cottages at the back. There's a group already occupying one cottage. And we occupied two. There were still 12 cottages empty and the other two were also occupied by a group of men who just came after us

The pool in this area was filled with water only to knee level when it should be 6 feet. It was also dirty that's why the kids can't go swim in it. The kids kept insisting in swimming but I told them not yet because there's no one to assist them. They were only able to play at the swing

When we first came here, it was father's day. It was only us because resorts weren't open to the public yet that the pools were turned to fish pond and were filled with tilapia.

We enjoyed the serenity of the place. But this time, it was like there's a feast. Good thing we were at the farthest part and it was secluded with hallow blockings because my baby would be disturbed. He doesn't like noise

There's no more available grillers so my brother had to improvise from available materials. We also brought my sister's butane gas stove which saved us. Because the kids were already hungry that they ate spaghetti and the ube jam I made.

My third child also like to swim but I don't want him to because there were really lots of people and my oldest niece won't be able to watch all 5 kids while assisting the youngest. He was somehow entertained by the group of men near us as they play the gong. He then forgot about swimming until we ate at nearly 3 in the afternoon.

At pass four, we started to pack our things while the kids take a bath at the shower room. Then, we left the place at 4:46 pm. My son who was inclined in watching the men playing the gong doesn't want to leave yet. He was carried by my dad even if he wanted to stay and struggling from my dad's embrace

It was already dark when we passed by the Pikaw resort. We only took shots from the entrance because the area was also packed with cars and people who are there for pictorial. Another thing was, the baby was already fussy and everyone was tired to walk up the road because cars are not allowed to go in.

Having quality time once in a while is worth it.

01-06-22

Z_Graeden