Originally Posted by Northerner
But the ugliness is right there in my face, the sight of so many people struggling to get by and the streets are dirty.. The next time I am here it will not be for as long.
It seems to me that you are finding it very difficult to get over the cultural shock.....
Poverty in Phil is in your face, you cannot escape it, is all around you, from morning till night, it follows you and keeps reminding you it is there all the time, it is endemic.
Despite all the problems caused by this poverty, you cannot stop admiring the Filipinos, for their contagious smiles and resilience, against all the adversities that life and destiny throw at them.
It is your first time overthere, and everything looks and feels strange, out of place, nothing that you can compare it with and so leaves you slightly disillusioned and wanting to put it behind you... Escape it...
You can't.
The sooner you realize that Phil is different, the sooner you will be able to relax to it and enjoy your experience that little bit more.
If you are going to the Ayala centre in Cebu, I can recommend a very good and inexpensive eating place, The "Cafe Laguna" on the basement floor is outstanding.
