love + travel = forever?

THEY say that the best way to find out if you and your partner can stand the test of time is to travel together. That way, you find out about each other's idiosyncrasies and can test your patience to the max.


Now whatever differences my husband and I  may have (taste in music, hobbies, jobs, interests), we at least like to travel together (or at least stand each other to last the trip).


Much to our son's dismay, Ned and I can find any excuse under the sun to ride our trusted orange Chug-A-Bug or creamy Dolores (VW beetles) to attend a birthday party in Morong, Rizal, a reunion in Angeles or Guagua, Pampanga; a christening in Bataan and make a side trip to Subic, spend New Year's Eve in Los Banos, Easter in Sta. Rosa, a summer weekend in Tagaytay.


Just say the word and we're ready to pack -- clothes, books, magazines, tapes, firs-aid kit, junk food, juices and water.


"How long will you be away?" my dad has been known to ask me every time he spots our large heavy-duty blue sportsbag which can hold clothes for about a week.


"Overnight," I'll say without blinking, then add, "Buti na ang ready..." while my dad simply shakes his head in amusement. Buti na lang walang limit ang luggage sa kotse.


And while others are content with simply taking the expressway to get to their destinations fast, we prefer to take the loooong and winding road. That way, we are able to look at old houses and buildings, take the off-beaten track, check out if there's something to be discovered -- an antique shop, a small dining place, a bookstore, a museum mayhaps, a second-hand store, maybe even an old Beetle!)


Yup, travel is a sure way to test a relationship, and summer is the best time to do it. That is, if you don't kill each other first. Or your son does.