The Shore Within

I was about to make a poem about the shore

Starting.. .

In the middle,

... in the process

But never finished.

Nevertheless

I am always fascinated by the shore.

Whether shared or not

With other people or alone

Within reach or far away

In reality, in dreams, imagination or otherwise

Shores...

Provides an environment of serenity

An inner peace

That everyone looks for.

I am fortunate and am grateful

To have this in me

The shore

and the peace

Within me

Forgive my promise that you`ll never see me cry

And

Forgive my promise that I'll send you off with a smile.

This song PERMANENT by David Cook, which I believe he dedicates to his departed brother who succumbed to cancer, kinda hit the bulls eye of what I really felt... and what I still feel when my father and mother left us.

Forgive my promises... 

my broken promises.

When all we know is temporary...

believe in something permanent.

 

Is this the moment where I look you in the eye?

Forgive my broken promise that you`ll never see me cry

And everything, it will surely change even if 

I tell you I won`t go away today

Will you think that you`re all alone

When no one`s there to hold your hand?

And all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary rest your head

I`m permanent

I know he`s living in hell every single day

And so I ask Oh God is there some way for me to take his place

And when they say it`s all touch and go I wish I could make it go away

But still you say

Will you think that you`re all alone when no one`s there to hold your hand?

When all you know seems so far away and everything is temporary, rest your head

I`m permanent, I`m permanent

Is the moment where i look you in the eye?

Forgive my promise that you`ll never see me cry

(Song property of RCA 19 Records.

R.I.P. Andrew Cook.)

City Lights

The city of Hamilton, Bermuda. At night.

As I walk on its main street (Front Street), often John Mayer's song Neon comes to mind. I dunno, but I somehow relate the song with the way I feel as I while away time whether alone or not.

Of course, I always have my camera with me.

I took the photo below aboard a ferry boat from a 'tour' to dockyard.

Cruise ships docked along the bay of Front Street is a common view especially during summer season. 

Kids at Play

I was surprised to find this in my laptop.

I know my kids borrowed this mac a couple of times during my most recent visit to the Philippines. Never thought that they will be this creative.

And now

the Promdi Pinoy Production

in association with google's blogosphere

proudly presents 

the Promdi Kids at play

Starring Abram and Yohan

A Visit to Fort Scaur, Bermuda

Fort Scaur was a big deal for a long time, to the British and to the American military, but it's now a wonderful place to spend an afternoon walk or picnic. There are 22 acres of gardens to see and stroll, and a hefty climb up to the Early Bermuda Weather Stone with its cutesy inscription. 

On a clear day, it provides a view of the entire island of Bermuda, from east to west.

Also known as Scaur Hill Fort, this old historical slice of land was important to the British who, after the American Civil war, feared the US would invade Bermuda. At that time in history, Bermuda was a centrally-

located pivot point of British Colonial power in the New World, and Fort Scaur

 was heavily armed and fortified for this reason. Scaur Hill Fort was the grand master of forts in

 Bermuda, with most of the British fortifying funds in 

the 1800's going into this particular fort. It's situated high up on a hill and was used from 1870 to 

World War II, when American troops from the 52nd Coast Artillery Battalion were stationed there. Back in its early days,

 Fort Scaur was equipped with enormous cannons that were mounted on recoiling platforms. 

The guns are gone now, but visitors can walk along the gallery and look out the windows where the cannons once were housed.

A Day At The City of Hamilton

One sunny afternoon, I brought my camera and wandered around 'town' as it is popularly called here. Well, the town is actually the city of Hamilton - the capital of Bermuda (I hope this is right, hehehe!) and hosts most government and administrative offices in the island.

Aside from being a good tourist spot, having the most shopping venues, this part of town is also the center of entertainment as it has my favorite bars and pubs and my only favorite movie theatre. 

Fortunately, this is where I work  just like more than half of the island's inhabitants. Sometimes, during my lunch break, I just walk around town to while away time.

Based on its site, the city is presently 185 acres in size, substantially more than when first established but still one of the smallest cities in the world.

A trip around town is really worth it as I observe how people interacts and greets each other along the way... a diverse set of people in terms of culture and race... 

see how people break traffic rules, whether on foot or while driving vehicles... and how it also has problems of homeless people just like any other cities... 

and how the city has maintained very nice and truly reinvigorating parks within... or how I got stuck in traffic during rush hours.

The city of Hamilton, a truly unique experience to be a part of.

September forever changed...

our lives...

September 2009 to be exact.

My siblings and I became orphans, officially that month. My father passed away last year and mom did this September. Now, we are orphans.

It hurts. There is pain. But that is the truth. We are orphans.

I know it is a normal feeling after the loss -  the pain... the emptiness... there's always this lump in my throat... what feels like a dagger in my heart. They may see me smiling as I promised to offer my mother to send her my smile to her grave. But it really really hurts.

September we buried our mother. On the same location where we buried our father last year. Now they are together. Now their sufferings and worries are over and I am glad about that. 

But...

September really made me feel the heat bursting from my eyes. Like a a dragon breath, waiting to burst at any moment. 

Especially when I remember the lessons learned from both my parents. Lessons that are sometimes unique to me... Or I interpret in a different way, making them little life's values that are especially meant to guide me.  Values that I consider helped molding who I am and still makes me a better person. 

Most people believe or perceive that I am strong. I do believe I am.  I have been through different challenges and struggles of life and I never give up. I always give a good fight. And yes, I am strong.

But...

Since September,

I am feeling the loss.

I am feeling the pain.

I am feeling the emptiness....

. . . . . No matter how strong I am.

Bermuda Sun

At Admiralty Park.

The Crystal and Fantasy Caves of Bermuda

Recently visited two caves in the island during one of the island's holidays.

The rock formations are so amazing, so breath-taking.

It is forbidden to touch any of the stalactites, stalagmites, helectites or any of the 'living' rock formations since they are still growing and forming.

In about a century, this stalactite and stalagmite will be joined, forming a 'column.' The tour guide said he will get our numbers so he can call us and invite us to visit again when these two become one.

The area is about 12 minutes away from where I live. Everything is so near in this island!

Tobacco Bay

One of the best beaches I've ever been.

Serene.

Calm.

Warm.

Clear water.

Interesting rock formations.

Very ideal for snorkeling.

A lot of small colorful fishes near the edge and rock creases. Some swim right between your legs!

And a lot of tourists as well! 

A visit to the island won't be complete without a trip to this amazing beach.

---

Tobacco Bay, Saint George's, Bermuda

Of Rocks and Waters

No wonder why Bermuda is called "The Rock."