I'm so lucky! Not everyone would think so, but I sure do. I get to explore the world and have meaningful work, that pays me decently. Am I in the 1%, Sure feels like it here. The Philippines continues to welcome and frustrate me. Since returning from spring break, I realize how much I have adjusted here. The weather does not bother me any more. I still live inside in A/C most of the time, because I can afford to, but the heat is not depressing any more. I enjoy the afternoon breezes and my walks. The traffic is normal to me now, which is a bit scary. I weave in and out with the best of them.
Feb. 17th,
Since last post, I have been to Manila for a day, to renew my passport. I had an early am appointment so I got to spend the day in Manila. I planned my day, with the National library, just a few blocks from the embassy, and the Intermuros, old walled part of the city nearby. I was pleasantly surprised at how clean the streets were, and the walk was pleasant.
When I arrived at the Library, I found the sign that said closed. I asked the guard to let me in and went upstairs.
So this is the frustrating part, in my opinion, there should be an uproar that the library is closed! It is a valuable and much needed public resource. But to object is not the Philippine way. They make the best of what they have? Onward to Rizal Park, I have read much about and some by Rizal. He is a, perhaps the, important leader. I believe he is called a man of the people, yet when I went by his statue, I couldn't get close, there were armed men standing guard. I was ordered off the lawn.
The park itself is delightful and intriguing, Then on to the walled city, Intramuros. There are many churches there, I only went to the big one, where I could pick up a horse cart ride.
I visited the church, love the "Lady of the Philippines" picture, so Mexican, Spanish looking. The stained glass was also beautiful. Does anyone else think the man in the first panel looks like Jimmy Durante? Kippas on their heads?
Back to the airport and home in Cebu by evening. Would like to explore more.
Feb 21, I set out with two colleagues, Elaine and Marj, with Susie in back, for the island of Negros. My plan was to spend the night around Dumaguete and then go to a resort, Mumbukal, that accepted dogs. What a disaster! Dumaguete was busy, wouldn't take dogs, we finally found a resort a bit out of town.
.
The next day I got really lost. i decided not to take the main road to the resort. I went over roads I probably shouldn't have, and back again, sinceIi had to turn around after a couple of hours of this. So we spent two much time looking for a place that took dogs. We stopped for dinner around 7 at a restaurant owned by an Austrian man and family. The result was, we stayed at a house on the property of the man at the next table. He was also Austrian, married to a woman from Cebu, near Bogo. They were kind, interesting and so accomodating! They have a large property in a seaside village. We woke by the sea, and went in search of breakfast.
my companions went back to the city and I rested in a delightful Nipa hut.
Love this exit sign, I needed the reminder.
Feb. 17th,
Since last post, I have been to Manila for a day, to renew my passport. I had an early am appointment so I got to spend the day in Manila. I planned my day, with the National library, just a few blocks from the embassy, and the Intermuros, old walled part of the city nearby. I was pleasantly surprised at how clean the streets were, and the walk was pleasant.
When I arrived at the Library, I found the sign that said closed. I asked the guard to let me in and went upstairs.
The park itself is delightful and intriguing, Then on to the walled city, Intramuros. There are many churches there, I only went to the big one, where I could pick up a horse cart ride.
I visited the church, love the "Lady of the Philippines" picture, so Mexican, Spanish looking. The stained glass was also beautiful. Does anyone else think the man in the first panel looks like Jimmy Durante? Kippas on their heads?
Back to the airport and home in Cebu by evening. Would like to explore more.
Feb 21, I set out with two colleagues, Elaine and Marj, with Susie in back, for the island of Negros. My plan was to spend the night around Dumaguete and then go to a resort, Mumbukal, that accepted dogs. What a disaster! Dumaguete was busy, wouldn't take dogs, we finally found a resort a bit out of town.
The next day I got really lost. i decided not to take the main road to the resort. I went over roads I probably shouldn't have, and back again, sinceIi had to turn around after a couple of hours of this. So we spent two much time looking for a place that took dogs. We stopped for dinner around 7 at a restaurant owned by an Austrian man and family. The result was, we stayed at a house on the property of the man at the next table. He was also Austrian, married to a woman from Cebu, near Bogo. They were kind, interesting and so accomodating! They have a large property in a seaside village. We woke by the sea, and went in search of breakfast.
Love this exit sign, I needed the reminder.
That was just February, more in March. My first year in the Philippines is almost over, I've learned a lot and enjoyed alot!
Love this sentiment, says alot about the Philippines to me, and I love Halo Halo,
http://content.time.com/time/travel/cityguide/article/0,31489,1955442_1955443_1953940,00.html
