paulgee
5th January 2009, 21:02
I think it is true to say that, when I made my first visit to the Philippines, Shirley was the one more certain of her feelings and before meeting me had already decided that I was THE man for her. This had been a slight worry for me, bringing unwanted pressure. What if she did not prove to be the woman for me.
As others will know, emails, phone calls and above all chatting on Yahoo Messenger via webcam all ensure a degree of familiarity and closeness before actually meeting in person. So when we met I was relieved that we got on as well in the flesh as we had when many miles apart.
So this second visit was really make or break. Mutual love had been declared before this visit and, unknown to Shirley, I had gathered and brought much of the paperwork required for a visa application.
I had travelled by KLM this time, on a cheap late deal. Yes, their movies were better than Kuwait Airways, but both got me safely there so really price would continue to motivate me in my future choice of airline.
As an old hand now at this I strolled confidently down the slope to the meeting area at Manila Airport, eagerly scanning the girls across the road (as one does!). I had been looking forward to the sight of seeing her crossing the road to greet me, but a tap on the shoulder and there she was. A friendly guard had let her across before I had arrived.
It was funny, but within minutes it was as if we had never been parted for the last 2 months, as the hotel car picked us up to speed us to a welcoming air conditioned hotel.
Everything was as I remembered it from my first visit; the heat, the jeepneys, tricycles and bicycles. And of course the people, how different and welcome an attitude from many in the UK. I can understand why many foreigners decide to move there permanently.
After a few days in Manila we travelled a few hours north to stay at a hotel near her family. It was a welcome reunion with them, I had brought as much chocolates, liquers etc for them as I could pack. Whereas I had supplied them with much for their sweet teeth, the first meal made for me at their house was - bitter melon! And yes, it is bitter. But in the context of the meal prepared I did enjoy it. And no, I never did get to eat a single one of the chocs I had brought over.
It was only halfway through my 10 day visit that we discussed our future. and I knew by then that Shirley was the one for me and we both knew that we wanted to be together forever.
Her family were happy, we bought the engagement ring, filipino white gold, and then ...... it was time for me to leave. So guys, why do we go halfway round the world to find a wife, knowing that the road to happiness will be such a long, drawn out and stressful time? Yes ... I do know the answer, but sometimes it can feel quite daunting.
I am writing this several weeks after returning, and the thought of my next visit – and then leaving my new wife to fly back to the UK - is already filling me with foreboding. When we parted after my first visit I had been preoccupied with getting into the airport and our farewells were, on my part, somewhat rushed. Shirley kept her tears back for when she was in the taxi as she left, and I had felt regretful but not too worried as I sorted myself out in the airport building.
What a difference a visit makes. This time I had felt fine as we approached the airport. But as we arrived outside the departure lounge I started to feel very emotional and upset - so this is love eh! I had to bid a hasty farewell to avoid looking like ... well, looking like I was leaving behind the woman I loved I suppose.
I queued at the departure entrance to have my luggage scanned, still too upset to think of much. Standing alongside the queue was a man in uniform together with 2 uniformed girls (pilot/ stewardess type attire). "Hello," said the man to me, "are you alone?" "Yes," I replied (being renowned for my quick wit and ready repartee!). "These 2 girls are single" he said, indicating the uniformed girls. Nice girls they were, but I could only summon up a weak smile and greeting for them. However, the incident lifted my spirits somewhat.
Having now told my family/sons of my engagement I have an appointment tomorrow to apply for my cni ... we hope to get married in February. End of story for a couple of months!
As others will know, emails, phone calls and above all chatting on Yahoo Messenger via webcam all ensure a degree of familiarity and closeness before actually meeting in person. So when we met I was relieved that we got on as well in the flesh as we had when many miles apart.
So this second visit was really make or break. Mutual love had been declared before this visit and, unknown to Shirley, I had gathered and brought much of the paperwork required for a visa application.
I had travelled by KLM this time, on a cheap late deal. Yes, their movies were better than Kuwait Airways, but both got me safely there so really price would continue to motivate me in my future choice of airline.
As an old hand now at this I strolled confidently down the slope to the meeting area at Manila Airport, eagerly scanning the girls across the road (as one does!). I had been looking forward to the sight of seeing her crossing the road to greet me, but a tap on the shoulder and there she was. A friendly guard had let her across before I had arrived.
It was funny, but within minutes it was as if we had never been parted for the last 2 months, as the hotel car picked us up to speed us to a welcoming air conditioned hotel.
Everything was as I remembered it from my first visit; the heat, the jeepneys, tricycles and bicycles. And of course the people, how different and welcome an attitude from many in the UK. I can understand why many foreigners decide to move there permanently.
After a few days in Manila we travelled a few hours north to stay at a hotel near her family. It was a welcome reunion with them, I had brought as much chocolates, liquers etc for them as I could pack. Whereas I had supplied them with much for their sweet teeth, the first meal made for me at their house was - bitter melon! And yes, it is bitter. But in the context of the meal prepared I did enjoy it. And no, I never did get to eat a single one of the chocs I had brought over.
It was only halfway through my 10 day visit that we discussed our future. and I knew by then that Shirley was the one for me and we both knew that we wanted to be together forever.
Her family were happy, we bought the engagement ring, filipino white gold, and then ...... it was time for me to leave. So guys, why do we go halfway round the world to find a wife, knowing that the road to happiness will be such a long, drawn out and stressful time? Yes ... I do know the answer, but sometimes it can feel quite daunting.
I am writing this several weeks after returning, and the thought of my next visit – and then leaving my new wife to fly back to the UK - is already filling me with foreboding. When we parted after my first visit I had been preoccupied with getting into the airport and our farewells were, on my part, somewhat rushed. Shirley kept her tears back for when she was in the taxi as she left, and I had felt regretful but not too worried as I sorted myself out in the airport building.
What a difference a visit makes. This time I had felt fine as we approached the airport. But as we arrived outside the departure lounge I started to feel very emotional and upset - so this is love eh! I had to bid a hasty farewell to avoid looking like ... well, looking like I was leaving behind the woman I loved I suppose.
I queued at the departure entrance to have my luggage scanned, still too upset to think of much. Standing alongside the queue was a man in uniform together with 2 uniformed girls (pilot/ stewardess type attire). "Hello," said the man to me, "are you alone?" "Yes," I replied (being renowned for my quick wit and ready repartee!). "These 2 girls are single" he said, indicating the uniformed girls. Nice girls they were, but I could only summon up a weak smile and greeting for them. However, the incident lifted my spirits somewhat.
Having now told my family/sons of my engagement I have an appointment tomorrow to apply for my cni ... we hope to get married in February. End of story for a couple of months!