In, to, and into the Eagles’ Nest

Beyond the intellectual stimulation one experiences in an international conference, heartwarming stories of friendships and togetherness abound…

Ladies and gentlemen, we have just landed at Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport… The temperature outside the aircraft is approximately 15 degrees Celsius…

This announcement marked the beginning of a new academic journey for 18 Math Ed Eagles, this time to an international congress in Sydney. Inside the plane, I sat on the window seat expecting the nicest view of the grounds, overly excited as this was my first international flight. To step on foreign soil has always been a dream – and that dream began in this journey. It was a sunny Thursday morning, 9:20 AM in Sydney.

In contrast to the scorching heat we left in the Philippines, we were welcomed by the crisp, invigorating chill of Sydney. Being in a first-world country requires a dramatic life and mind shift – not just in temperature, but also in food, movement, and overall lifestyle. In a world where the standard diet revolves around fish, burgers, and fries, this Eagle accustomed to having rice at every meal found himself in a culinary conundrum.

The vibrant neighborhood of Pyrmont, with its sidewalks covered in maple leaves, served as our welcoming hosts as we entered what we would call ‘home’ for the next 12 days. Fourteen of us stayed in this rented nest, courtesy of AirBnB, while the rest of the Eagles booked at hotels. After many hours of travel, with some on red-eye flights, we finally entered the nest but not without jaws dropping, eyes widening with delight, and loud exclamations of astonishment at the elegance and charm of the exquisite design of the house, which we have named The Eagles’ Nest. Our accommodation was perfectly situated – a 15-minute walk to the congress venue – on a street lined with grocery stores, coffee shops, diners, and bustling markets all within easy reach. Whether grabbing a morning coffee, or enjoying a leisurely meal, or wandering through vibrant markets, we were immersed in the rhythm of Sydney life, making our stay both enriching and enjoyable.

The initial days of our stay were delightfully filled with wonders and curiosities. Surrounded by brilliant minds—seasoned PhD holders and those at the cusp of earning their degrees—we found ourselves in a quest to unravel the mysteries of everyday modern appliances. We activated our mathematical intelligences as we tried to decipher how to start the dishwasher, how to engineer the buttons of the microwave oven, how to maneuver the mechanisms behind the washing machine and dryer, and how to solve the puzzle of opening the front door, with three consecutive numbers that have a product of 120 as the pass code! The small wins and everyday life lessons were a shared triumph, adding a touch of adventure to our academic journey.

The clanging of the kitchen utensils served as our alarm clock early in the morning, signaling the start of a new academic day. The aroma of Doc Cathy’s brewed coffee woke up our spirits to jump out of bed, while Doc Lester and Doc Angie’s breakfast menus would stir our hunger to quickly come to the dining table for a sumptuous breakfast. I marveled at how fortunate I was to share these moments with such a warm and wonderful family, their love and care infusing our mornings with a sense of comfort and belonging. Indeed, a home transcends the mere walls and roofs of this space; it is a sanctuary shaped by the warmth and positive energies of those who surround us – we found a home away from home.

Each evening, our conversations of awe and wonder fill our nest, as we recount the breathtaking Australian landscapes that had captivated us during the day. Our nights were filled with the magic of our daily discoveries, from the stunning works of architecture, to the natural landscapes, and to the mesmerizing skies above. I listened with rapt attention as my friends animatedly shared their encounters with the very experts they have referenced in their research papers. Their joy was palpable and their stories radiated a vibrant pulse of excitement that resonated deeply within me. These treasured moments of connection unfolded around our dinner table, accompanied by indulgent Tim Tams, rich chocolate bars, and crisps, creating a delightful symphony of shared experiences and achievement.

Throughout the 12 days nestled in our cozy retreat, we wove a tapestry of cherished memories. Each night, as I drifted off to sleep, I marveled at the happiness and tranquility I experienced far from the Philippines. Passing by the stunning architecture and impressive facilities on my way to the venue and back to our haven, I would often whisper, "Sana ganito rin sa aming bayan" (I wish this were the same in our country) wishing for a slice of this beauty and sophistication back home. I knew that the laughter and joy we shared would forever echo and linger within the walls of our temporary sanctuary. Beyond the concrete of that space, one thing for me is very clear – that we enjoyed the true magic of deep connections and camaraderie. These 12 nights, filled with warmth and togetherness, were by far my most treasured moments while being away from my lupang sinilangan (home country).

With some of our friends leaving for another conference in New Zealand on the 12^th day, and others moving out earlier to catch their flights back to Manila, I felt the familiar anxiety of separation. Our nest was not just a place where I comforted myself with the soft and bumpy pillows while watching the maple leaves billow in the winds, nor was it just a place for me to savor the coffee and breakfast prepared by my friends, nor was it just a place to simply rest. It was more than just a place – it was a home. Our nest witnessed how we cared for one of us who was not acclimated upon arrival, how we shared adobo while away from the Philippines, how we clung to each other’s arms just to feel some warmth against the cold winter breeze. It strengthened in us the spirit of connection and comfort.

In that street of Pyrmont, we built memories that would certainly last a lifetime, and would always have special places in our hearts. Albeit short, the togetherness we shared in that nest will forever serve as our grandest memory. I will always miss that place. With a bittersweet smile, I took a last glimpse of our temporary home. Tears secretly rolled down my cheeks as I closed the door of our rented Uber. We then headed to the airport to fly back home to Manila.

As the plane ascended the skies and Sydney faded from my view, I closed my eyes to sleep – grateful for the memories, and eager to return to the familiar scent of the streets of Metro Manila and to venture into the warm atmosphere of the Philippine shores. Till then, Sydney.

“Kalalapag lamang po natin sa Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Ninoy Aquino. Maligayang Pagdating sa Manila…” (We have arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Welcome to Manila.)

The Eagles are finally, and truly, back home.