CEBU (THE JOY OF SWIMMING)

It has always been my dream to learn how to swim. Growing up in the Philippines, surrounded by beautiful beaches, crystal clear to blue-green bodies of water, you name it we have it!Most of all, weekends spent there with families and friends bring tons of wonderful memories. One would think I know how to swim. Unfortunately I never did get that chance. Parents already anxious by the inherent dangers of the water and the times when Mother Nature unrelenting and furious during typhoon season. So most of the time we would be pulled back to shore and just sit and look around, the water lapping at our feet, inviting, teasing. The temptation all too real. But worst than giving in is the punishment😉.
Until I moved to Canada. I noticed most Canadians knew how to swim. I’m not sure if Niagara Falls had something to do with that😃. So I challenged myself to someday take that much desired swimming lesson. But work always got in the way😔.
Funny how life makes us think that being in another country affords is those missed opportunities. Ironically another trip to Motherland would finally make that dream a reality. Plus the extra, Nike push to ‘just do it!’ AND before hitting the big 5-0😱.
Viola! Just 1.5 hours of basic swimming lesson and I got it! It wasn’t perfect and I can’t say I can beat Michael Phelps now! But it just felt good! I was like fish in water, I could’ve grown fins lol just kidding! Seriously I felt comfortable and my fears washed away.
Lesson learned: teach your kids to swim or enroll them in basic swimming classes. And if you’re Filipino? Living in one of the 7,100 islands it is a must!!