Bellydancing with the Family

As something "new" for 2007, a Tanada Bellydancing Sisterhood of the East was formed -- members are: Trixie (the instigator), Bambi (flaunting it in the photo at right), Marites & Trina (sisters & fellow cousins), and me (the new girl). Though none of us has the intention of "jiggling" professionally, we do try to take it seriously (giggle). Imagine our talented Filipino "DI" [dance instructor] -- yes, he's gay -- slavedriving us with “Continue!” “Louder!” and “Push!” as we do hoopless hula hoop moves to the pulsating rhythms of Pussycat Girls and Shakira. After much sweating and wondering if we might dislodge a hip from its socket, we get to 'cool down' to 1970s & 80s songs like "Do the Hustle" and "I Wanna Dance with Somebody." Fun aside - it is a good way to exercise your Abs.

Watching the Clouds Break

6:30AM, Bulabog, Boracay, Philippines:
The rooster caws, and I make an effort to get up earlier than usual to watch the clouds in the sky slowly break …They lighten, before they darken, before they sink, upwards... the slow-moving "backlight" under the clouds is the morning sun "coasting" ... and growing bigger ... I think this is what is called "the break of dawn" ; it happens without a whisper.

The breeze on this side of the island is wonderful, a refreshing change from urban tropical life. Directly below where I am standing, I see blue clouds in the water.

Yesterday we took a short hike up to the neighboring development for a look at their view. My back and shoulders are now sunburned! I forgot sunscreen and how, despite this 'cool' breeze, tanning is effortless here.