Looking back

I travel because I’d rather look back at my life, saying ‘I can’t believe I did that’ instead of ‘if only I had -Florine Bos

I almost skipped this challenge because I struggled with how to approach it. But this quote reminded me of the many memorable moments I’ve had, especially as I turn 66 this Sunday. Sofia from Photographias is hosting this week with the theme of Looking Back.

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget to pause and reflect. Looking back helps us gain perspective and appreciate our journeys.

Jack and I married in 1989, and looking back at these photos brings me emotional memories, especially since my parents are no longer with us. Two years later, we set off for Melbourne, Australia, with our one-year-old son.

Every time I see these baby photos, I feel a wave of nostalgia. Tim is now 34, and Patricia is 30.

My travel journey is filled with many “firsts,” and this was our family’s first trip to Singapore. It was the year 2000, long before clouds or iPhones—our memories captured in heavy photo albums.

This was our first trip to America in 2005.

Our first big trip to Europe was in 2016, a 23-day tour that felt manageable at the time. Looking back, I doubt I could handle it now!

After our 23-day European tour, we embarked on a 10-day trip to Scotland, followed by a 15-day visit to the Philippines. Just thinking about that packed schedule makes me feel tired! But it was eight years ago, and everything was different then.

Going on holiday with my kids creates unforgettable memories that I cherish and smile about long after the trip is over.

27 Comments Add yours

  1. nesfelicio says:

    Wow! Lots of memories! It must have been an emotional experience “unpacking” them.
    I have those “heavy” photo albums too, real treasures.

    1. Teresa says:

      That is true. There is something about the real Photo albums that you feel
      The experience more instead of just scrolling.

  2. restlessjo says:

    We married in the same year, and have a 34 year old son. You’ve certainly lived up to that quote, Teresa, and the photos are wonderful.

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks so much Jo. We basically grew up at the same time but in different environment. Funny our sons are the same age too.

      1. restlessjo says:

        So many lovely connections across the world, Teresa.

  3. arlene says:

    Happy birthday in advance. We have the same birthmonth pala.🎉🎈🎊

    1. Teresa says:

      Salamat Arlene. Kaya pala pareho tayong maganda. Haha

  4. Kudos on having so many trips and family adventures to look back on Teresa.

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks so much. ❤️

  5. bushboy says:

    Lovely memories Teresa

    1. Teresa says:

      Bittersweet memories, some of them.

      1. bushboy says:

        Happy birthday and hope you can make some new memories this weekend

        1. Teresa says:

          I sure hope so. Thanks Brian.

  6. Lovely memories, we married in 88 and I have a son 34 years 🙂 You made a beautiful pride. Thanks for sharing these memories

    1. Teresa says:

      My pleasure to share.

  7. Sofia Alves says:

    I love going through my dad’s old photo albums, when we were kids. It’s not the same, checking photos on a monitor, but it will have to do. I’m so glad you joined us, Teresa. It’s such a wonderful post. I wish that when my son is in his 30’s we’ll still be spending some holidays together.

    1. Teresa says:

      I am lucky in that way. Thanks Sofia I hope your wish do come true.

  8. What a wonderful way to rekindle memories. Good pictures.

    1. Teresa says:

      Thanks a lot Andrew. These challenges make us do that, right?

  9. arlene says:

    Ayayay, you made me laugh Techie.🥰

    1. Teresa says:

      👍❤️

  10. Toonsarah says:

    It’s lovely to see all your old photos, especially the ones of your wedding 🙂 And I like the way you arrange them, almost like snapshots scattered on a table! I was interested to see the photo of you outside New York New York in Las Vegas as we stayed there for two nights just earlier this week. From your image it hasn’t changed much in 20 years!

    1. margaret21 says:

      Interesting times so interestingly presented. So glad you joined in!

      1. Teresa says:

        Thanks Margaret, happy that I joined in the “down memory lane” road. !

    2. Teresa says:

      Glad you liked them as much as I enjoyed reminiscing. These were special times. It was a long time ago but we stayed in the castle like hotel, can’t remember the name, since the kids were still at that age. Thanks for the comment Sarah.

      1. Toonsarah says:

        The castle-like hotel must have been Excalibur, just across the road from New York New York

        1. Teresa says:

          Oh yea that’s it. Just near the big intersection

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