A Journey of Firsts

      Photo © Robin Bryan Gatmaitan Balbin

       In 2015, when I was in third grade, I went on my first school field trip. It was an exciting moment for me because it was also the first time I would be riding a bus without my parents. There were three places on our list to visit: Art In Island, Ocean Park, and Enchanted Kingdom. I was really looking forward to exploring each of these places. However, my mom couldn’t join me on the trip because we couldn’t afford an extra ticket, so I had to go alone. Most of my classmates had their parents or guardians with them, but I was on my own.

    Our first stop was Art In Island, an interactive art museum known for its optical illusions. As soon as I entered, I was amazed by the paintings on the walls and floors that looked like they were coming to life. The museum was full of 3D artwork that made it seem like you could step into a painting. One of the most striking illusions was a large waterfall painting that looked so real that you could almost feel the water splashing. My classmates were busy taking photos with their parents, posing in front of each artwork to make it look like they were part of the scene. I, on the other hand, walked around quietly. I had a small cellphone with me, but it wasn’t as nice as the cameras and phones my classmates were using, so I didn’t take any pictures. Instead, I spent my time admiring the art, taking mental pictures of everything I saw.

      After our visit to Art In Island, we were supposed to go to Ocean Park, but due to the bad weather, the trip was canceled. I was a bit disappointed because I was excited to see the marine life there, but I knew there was still one more place to look forward to: Enchanted Kingdom.

     Enchanted Kingdom is a large amusement park, and it was my first time visiting a place like this. When we arrived, I was immediately drawn to the towering rides and colorful attractions. The first ride I tried was the EKstreme Drop Tower, a ride that took us high up in the air before dropping us straight down. At the top, I was able to see the Laguna de Bay. The feeling of the drop was both terrifying and thrilling at the same time. After that, I decided to ride Anchors Away, a huge pirate ship that swings back and forth like a pendulum. I sat in the middle, trying to balance the fear and excitement. The rush of the wind and the way the ride made my stomach flip were unforgettable! So terrifying! Hahahaha.

        Next, I went to Rio Grande, a water ride where you sit in a large circular raft and drift down a river with splashes of water hitting you from all sides. I got soaked, but it was one of the most fun rides of the day. I also walked around to see the other attractions, like the giant carousel and the magic shows happening throughout the park. Even though I was by myself, I enjoyed exploring the park and trying out the different rides.

      But as much as I loved the rides, there was something missing. Every time I looked around, I saw my classmates laughing and sharing their experiences with their parents. It was at that moment that I realized how different my trip was from theirs. While I enjoyed the adventure, I couldn’t help but feel a bit lonely. Still, I tried to make the best of it, telling myself that this was my own unique experience.

        Looking back, this field trip was not just about visiting exciting places—it was a trip of many firsts for me. It was my first time on a bus without my parents, my first time exploring new places alone, and my first time in a Enchanted Kingdom. Even though it wasn’t perfect, it was an experience I will never forget.