First time to drive in Athens

We rented a car five days ago for one month. The car is a Nissan Micra, automatic, white color. It is light, compact and easy to drive. I wanted this small car because parking here in Athens is hard to find. Just like in Cairo, cars are parked even in side streets in the upscale area, Psychico, in Ambelokipi and even in downtown shopping area.  

Since it was my first time to drive in Athens, I was a bit nervous. I have been around some places here but I was a passenger. It is entirely different when you are actually driving. One has to be conscious  of the street lights, pedestrians  and of course, the direction.  I am not a good map reader, even if I worked in  a map making agency of government for over 20 years.

But as I sat on the wheel for the first time, I knew in my heart that I would not be lost. I prayed one Hail Mary and  the Apostles Creed. And before I stepped on the pedal, I called on Mama Mary for guidance. I assured my friend who was with me not to worry. We took some wrong turns, and before I would go to another direction I would also call on St. Anthony for help. And as if some divine being  was there beside me, whispering in my ear where to go, we found our way to the main street going towards the Philippine Embassy.

Then just when I thought everything was alright I realized we were almost out of gasoline. The first gasoline station was closed, and so was the second one. We thought there was another unannounced strike. The third station was also closed. I prayed and prayed for Mama Mary's help. After a few minutes the gasoline attendant had a change of heart. With a smile he sold us 20 liters!

Thank you Mama Mary for being there for us again today.

Comfortable flight, safe arrival...

It's another cold, rainy day. It's been raining for three days now and everything looks gloomy. And during such times  I long for home, where my family and friends are.I miss the runs around the vacant lots in Fort Bonifacio before the area was developed into what is now known as The Fort. The last time I went there, shopping malls, condos and high rise structures already occupied most of the space.That's the price of modernization.

My friend and I arrived here in Athens last January 3 at around 12:35 pm. We had a comfortable flight, 9 hrs from Manila to Abu Dhabi and another 5 hours to Athens. Actually, the first leg of the flight was turbulent. But luckily we were seated in one of the front rows of the economy class, thanks again to Mama Mary. 

Before the flight, I was able to check-in online but the assigned  seats were located way down the end of the plane. I told my friend I would request for better seat assignments. I prayed to Mama Mary to guide us to the nice, accommodating counter lady who would give us the seats we desired. As we lined up for the counter, an airport attendant offered to help us with our luggage. And we were led to the counter who was nice and accommodating as I requested in my prayer. She readily looked for better seats for us: row 13! That was the second row in the economy class.

We did not notice the turbulence. And we arrived safely. Thank God, thank you Mama Mary! 

DECEMBER 2011

It's been quite awhile since my last posting in October of last year. Now it is 2012, how time flies. The year just past is memorable in many ways both happy and sad. Happy because I was able to travel with my fellow devotees within Metro Manila and nearby provinces as we propagated the devotion to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. And it was also the year when one of my prayers was granted: the posting of my friend to a nice place. She was assigned to Greece, a country of great history and beautiful sights.And I went along with her.


But 2011 was also the saddest year of my life with the passing away of our loving mama. I always prayed that God give her long life. But how are we to know when our time is up? At 86, my mama lived a full, happy life. How I wish I could have spent more time with her especially during her last few years. I really miss her so much. Although the Lord has taken her away from us, I believe she is now in heaven with Mama Mary and Jesus.

                               Grand Marian Procession

 
Last December, I joined the Grand Marian procession, a yearly event sponsored by the Intramurous corp. The rains didn't stop thousands of devotees from joining in the procession which started at the Manila Cathedral. Along the way, we recited the five mysteries of the rosary.Various images of our Lady were paraded for everyone to see. It was a moving and joyous occasion, an expression of our gratitude to the blessings and answered prayers through the Virgin Mary.

                             Photo Op with Ms. Kris Aquino

One of the masses last December for the Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal was offered by the family of Ms. Liz Uy in Quezon City. Ms. Kris Aquino was there too, and obliged us with a photo op.

Before I leave 2011, I would like to post here the image of our own Lady of the Miraculous Medal in our humble house. This was taken also last December.