First visit - first meeting – first impressions

[Mrs Daddy]

ohhh thats reminded me of mine as well. cant wait for next chapter

[paulgee]

When reading accounts of bf’s travelling out to for a first meeting with their gf, there are two things I look for: First obviously was how the couple got on together when they finally met. The second was the impressions of the country itself. I knew it would be hot, humid, less developed than Britain. Some said they felt safe wherever they were, others preached caution. One thing I was hoping for was for a friendly country where I could feel at ease.

As I walked down the path to the meeting area I was not quite at ease. I may have been jetlagged, though that only caught up with me later; after 2 long flights I was unshaven and crumpled and now hot. I had expected to be nervous, but the main feeling was of worry; I was to spend 2 weeks with my gf and if we did not get on well that would seem a very long time indeed.

I walked the short distance to letter G. Across the road a figure in red mirrored my movement, spoke to a guard, a gate was opened – and across to me came Shirley. I don’t remember the first few minutes in great clarity. We hugged, remembering advice read about first meetings I kissed her on both cheeks, was that a traditional Filipina greeting? Whatever, it didn’t do the trick, so a proper kiss swiftly followed that.

Looking at photos of couples on the Forum, I have always been struck by how ‘hands-on’ Filipinas are with their partners. And so it was with us, as we waited for transport, hand in hand, then arm in arm. A foretaste of times ahead, and already we were comfortable with one another. I had booked accommodation for the first week at the Mabuhay Manor Hotel, before a short trip to Boracay Island. The hotel fulfilled several criteria; it was only 15 minutes away, they had free collection from the airport, they were reasonably priced, and had good reviews generally.

As was to prove the case a lot during the time we were together, it was invaluable having a ‘native speaker’ with me. Everyone spoke some English, but time was often saved by Shirley being able to speak the local lingo! She phoned the hotel, hastened our transport, and minutes later we were on our way. Driving habits in Manila, seen for the first time, were ‘interesting’, the horn being used as a tool for carving through traffic. I was glad I didn’t have to drive.

I saw jeepneys for the first time, hundreds of them, whilst en route to the hotel. I was to enjoy much travel in them during my stay. The hotel was in what I thought a narrow road, but was typical for the area. Cool air conditioning, a welcome drink, smiles from the friendly staff - and I had arrived ………

And more later ………