Muriel Jonylyn C. Alimasa a.k.a Em, M, Emyat
Hobbies: Travelling, Discovering new things
Location: Grünwald, Munich, Germany
She is my sister currently here in Germany. Last August 14, 2013 she took a 10-hour train trip from the Munich to Sylt just to be with me and my family. She is working as an Aupair, which I think as an excuse since she is a ''Lakwatchera'' ( a term in Filipino which means one who travels and goes around A LOT ) and just wanted to travel around. I capitalized the word A LOT, because this sister of mine had been Island-''Hopping-ing'' the Philippines. (Whew, 7, 107 islands --good luck elephant! ) See her albums in Facebook. Mind you I wouldn't count anymore. (*winks) Click the link
Emyat's Travels
This lady loves to travel. I showed her a german book ( 101 Places to go in Germany ) and she was able to visit more places than I did, she even told me
''Mas madami pa akong napuntahan kaysa sayo'' ( I have been to some places more than you did) I jokingly told her:
'' Hindi ka naman nagyayabang niyan ng lagay na yan? Partida, nasa Munich ka. (Bragging? You have that certain advantage since you are in Munich) And ended the conversation with: '' Were you able to go to Sylt 7 times already?'' And then we both laughed.
During these 10 lovely days, I was able to observe a new side of her:
1. She is now more open, assertive in a way. Last year, I used to ask her before I get a response. Now, she knows what she wants. She shared me what direction she wanted to head to. She told me about someone who she cares a lot. Love! Love! I dont know that side too much, I don't usually ask about that. This time she told me about him. I think he is a good match for her. <3
2. She handled Kathrin with flying colors. She was bold enough to restraint Kathrin from her tantrums yet gentle enough just like an Aunt. I was amazed that Kathrin love her despite Em would say no. Afterall, kids love that. She taught Kathrin Filipino words and actually had fun learning it. Kathrin speaks German, Em answers her in English and vice versa.
3. She initiates. Last year, I was telling my mom, that she is not doing anything. This time I was relieve from some housework chores because of her. She ironed the clothes neatly--twice (mala Sundalong Plancha), cleaned their room and even nagged at me, for not picking up the strands of my hair in the bathroom. I wonder if I can make her my aupair for the next months! hahahaha!
4. I just realized that Muriel is a low-maintenance person. Not that she has no expectations, of course she has, but she is happy with the things we offered her-- food, time, entertainment. I love her for her simplicity.
5. She can take super pictures and is super patient editing them. Believe me, I am not bragging or boasting, but I am just horrible with cameras and pictures. She taught my husband patiently how we navigate our cameras correctly and took time to study it. Photography is indeed one of her strengths.
The 10 days passed, days we spent together well, they were indeed beautiful! Here are some of our adventure:
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| Westerland Beach, Sylt |
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| Wenningstedt, Sylt |
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Uwe Dune, highes dune on Kampen, Sylt
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Rote Kliff, Kampen, Sylt
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| Em with Kathrin swimming in 20° water |
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| Em, Karsten (my brother-in-law), Kathrin & I |
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| Morsum, Sylt |
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| Morsumer Kliff |
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| Along Morsumer Kliff |
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| Still in Morsum |
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| Rausch Chocolate Factory, Peine |
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| Rausch Chocolate Factory, Peine |
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| Ritz Appartment, Brunswick |
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| Brunswick |
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| Still in Brunswick |
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| She left her heart daw to.... J |
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| Schloss Arcade, Brunswick |
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| Rathaus, BS |
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| Eiermarkt, BS |
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| Brunswick |
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| Braunschweiger Dom |
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| Hornum, Sylt |
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| Hornum, Sylt |
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| Porsche Pavillion, Wolfsburg |
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| Inside the Porche Pavillion |
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| Waiting in vain |
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| While waiting for the show |
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| Kathrin & Tante Em em |
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| <3 |
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| Still waiting.... |
Finally the show...I must admit that I was very happy that evening when we went to the show. Em & I were laughing out loud. I forgot the reasons why, but I am just grateful that she was with me to see & experience the water show!
I remembered what she told me after the show: ''Pinaghintay ka na, binasa ka pa!'' and then laughed.
(They let you wait for hours and then you get wet afterwards! or in German: 'Sie lassen uns lange warten, und dann wurdest du nassgemacht!)
Since I had Kathrin, I haven't seen any evening shows for the last five years. So it was good that Em was here and it was a day after my birthday, so I can 'demand' to finally see the water show.
6. Lastly I realized that Muriel is all grown up, independent and confident and that I can finally let go.
Let go of my worries being an 'Ate', that she can handle things on her own and is accountable to her own decisions. As the eldest sister, I was totally hesitant about the idea, she being an Aupair, I used to protect her, help her in any possible way that I can, guide her and all. I remembered she told me, when I asked her if she is sure about this. She assured me: '' Ate, I need this, I need to be on my own, I need to learn this.''
But seeing her now, a small voice is telling me,
''Hey, it is okay to let go, let go so she may learn to be on her own, let go so you may learn to trust her more, let go so you may trust her with her decisions and her instincts, let go so she may learn from her mistakes and make new ones and finally let go so she may see the world on her own.''
I will be forever be her sister, as she is to me, we will always be part of each other, and will always laugh on things no one knew except us, but now is the time for you to write your own journey Muriel, so you will discover more of yourself, the way I discovered mine, when mommy let me go have my own journey.
Sabi nga naman ni Lao Tzu:
Do the difficult things while they are easy and do the great things while they are small. A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.
I love you Em,my roommate in the camp, thank you for the well spent time. Next stop Spain & Prague?
