This side of paradise

Here I am in my favorite spot of the house. The smell of instant coffee and the birds singing outside while they take refuge in low-lying branches of trees and railings gives me the idea that I'm still here--alive and ready to face another day.

The sun is gradually rising over the horizon; its rays illuminating the earthly splendor of the Lingap Kalikasan Park, our home since we relocated here more than a month now. And I like it here: the stillness of the place, the imposing environment, its cobbled roads. I like the smell of the air in the morning, while dew still covers an endless carpet of grass lawns. I like the sound of mahohany leaves ruffling in the breeze, just as if a storm is on the way.

Everyday here is like waking up in paradise. I like myself here.