It has happened a couple of times now. I get them in different places, different times, from different people, but it’s the same remark.
I’d chat with fellow-pinoys, usually OFWs. One was traveling with her “amo” in a train in HK, another tending the cashbox in an Aremenian resto in LA’s Farmer’s market, another taking a break from their set at the hotel bar in Chengdu, while yet another was retailing some souvenirs in Toronto.
Then they’d ask: “Ikaw, dito ka ba nag-tatrabaho?”
Then I need to explain that I’m on tour.
Here’s where the common remark comes bugging me (get ready for this).
The OFW says : “Buti ka pa, pa-tour-tour lang…”
It puts me in an uncomfortable situation where they compare my leisure travels to their lack of it. I usually manage to just smile sheepishly and give a grunt or something. I haven’t figured out a more appropriate response to this remark.
Have you gotten this remark in your travels? What’s a good way to respond that isn’t offensive nor boastful?
ka edong
discomfort in your words
well you can’t blame them for saying that. haha.
even i could’ve said that.
how do you do it anyway?
Hi Rae,
How do I do what? Travel?
When you want something and believe that you will achieve it, you just need to make things happen in your own way and the universe will help you along.
Mabu-hey!
Ka Edong