Finally here

[Arthur Little]

When I booked the second of my two trips, it'd originally been my intention to stay for the same length of time as I HAD on the first occasion, i.e. 3 weeks. However, having just got married, I was naturally reluctant to leave so soon afterwards. And besides, with Christmas/New Year on the horizon ... and being retired ... it made sense to remain there over the Festive Season ... since it seemed likely to be the only one my new wife and I would spend together in HER homeland.

Once Myrna's visa application had been lodged with the Embassy, I AGAIN extended my stay ... in the vain hope of her being granted Entry Clearance to coincide with my return to the UK so that she could travel back with me. Somewhat ironically, the visa arrived within three days of my departure.

As it happened, my last fortnight in the Phils was fraught with tension and anxiety ... not helped by the overpowering humidity and incessant mosquito bites. I therefore grew increasingly 'wabbit and crabbit' ... a vicious circle that seemed to co-exist with a gradual worsening of my recurrent hearing problems. Moreover, like Sean, I developed an *aversion to having rice with every meal [perhaps it's *"a British failing"!] and frequently found myself seeking out the nearest McDonalds.

Oh ... and of course, I too, had difficulty in trying to ignore the beseeching looks and outstretched palms ... especially those of the young kids who hung around ATMs, shop fronts and under/overpasses - either with or without their parents.

But for all that, I have nothing but praise and admiration for the Filipino people in general. Their engaging smile in the face of hardship and adversity, is a joy to behold - capable of melting the hardest of hearts.

[JimOttley]

Oh ... and of course, I too, had difficulty in trying to ignore the beseeching looks and outstretched palms ... especially those of the young kids who hung around ATMs, shop fronts and under/overpasses - either with or without their parents.

But for all that, I have nothing but praise and admiration for the Filipino people in general. Their engaging smile in the face of hardship and adversity, is a joy to behold - capable of melting the hardest of hearts.

I agree Arthur.

Regards the food, I am actually very fond of rice at every meal, Chicken Tocino with some rice at breakfast is very nice I cook like that at home now most of the time.

And although I found it strange at first I actually find myself missing the sweet tasting bread, lightly toasted, with scrambled egg and black pepper that Ana makes me for breakfast sometimes (this'll kill me quicker than anything but it makes a nice change)

I really like the food but we are lucky we have 2 and 1/2 good cooks in the family when I am in the Phils, Nanay and Ana are the two and I am the 1/2 as I only cook sometimes but the family really like my take on Asian cuisine (I've been single all my life so I had to learn to cook and rice has always been big on my menu).

I am sadly going to miss Christmas this year which will be the first time in a long time that has happened but we have to tighten our belts.

Always get bitten by ants or mosquitoes when we are in bed they never seem to touch Ana you get used to it eventually

I also think that as a westerner you have to look at the place with compassionate eye's but even then you can't help everyone, the problems there are too big.

They are a lovely people and if you don't judge they will take you to their hearts, and for a lonely old Scot like me that is a very precious thing.


Jim

[Tawi2]

Dirt and squalour in Pinas Is there really?I spent a year in India before visiting Pinas for the first time so everything in the islands looked super modern and sparkly compared to downtown Calcutta Pinoy food?You get used to it,as I always say owts better than nowt But steer clear of the Malls,never understand westerners who go to Pinas and spend all day moping around a Mall,get yourself a mask and some fins,hit the beach,and try your best to shrug off your 'Chaperones' and go walkabout even for a day on your own

[Northerner]

Yeah I was letting off a little steam before.. But as today is my last day in Valencia it seems kind of shallow...

The joy of today is waiting for my salary to go into the bank. Seems it has yet to go in, although it was 1.30am UK time when I checked But hope it goes in soon otherwise Cebu will be a day later.

Once in Cebu, I will get a chance to wander again. Rizza plans to go back to work on saturday so I will have the day to myself... Go and see Alan and explore some more perhaps...

As for Rice.. I buy a bag of it every month back home, it is a staple part of my diet. But, I also have a lot of other options. That is perhaps the reason I am miffed with it..

[Northerner]

Another minor gripe.....

The Filipino taste in music

Every morning I get to listen to christmas songs from an album that would give Cliff Richard shame if he owned it A bouncy mix like black lace would be proud to call their own, really it is THAT bad... And it is very popular in the house Why I am still trying to figure out...

[triple5]

Another minor gripe.....

The Filipino taste in music

Every morning I get to listen to christmas songs from an album that would give Cliff Richard shame if he owned it A bouncy mix like black lace would be proud to call their own, really it is THAT bad... And it is very popular in the house Why I am still trying to figure out...

I guess nobody told you xmas starts in September over there?

[aromulus]

I guess nobody told you xmas starts in September over there?

It seemed to me that the Crimbo tree never came down....