Home Sweet Home-Good to Go, Good to come Home!

I flew into Manila very early in the morning. I thought I would have coffee at the airport and try to regroup before forging on, so my first task after landing was to find an ATM machine. Manila is the biggest city in the Philippines, I think, and modern, so it should have ATM’s. Someone pointed me in the right direction and off I went, limping along. The airport was quite tranquil at this hour and I was in no hurry. At the far end was the ATM. Put in my card, entered PIN and amount(had to think in terms of Pesos now, not Dong), and waited. And WAITED, and WAITED. I could hear the machine working but nothing was happening. Finally, the machine actually shut down and restarted itself. This took at least 10 minutes. And NO money came out. So now I worried a bit that the money actually might have been deducted from my account, so I wrote down the phone number to call for later. At least, the machine spit out my card. I found another machine that looked better and actually worked. (at my hotel later, I looked at my acct. on line. The first ATM actually deducted money but then credited my acct so that was good). Now, I relaxed a bit at the coffee shop before looking for a taxi.


The hotel I booked online looked acceptable as I checked in. Because I was early, the room wasn’t ready so I just left my bag behind the desk and decided to try to accomplish another task. I brought a netbook computer with me and I need to give it to Jimmy, a guy who is in a college north of Manila. I didn’t think we could meet because of his schedule, so I decided to leave the netbook at a Catholic church near the hotel. After walking for a while, I found the church and waited until Mass was over to talk to the deacon. The deacon took me to the office where the secretary agreed to store the netbook until Jimmy came to pick it up. Mission Accomplished!!

My room at the Casa Bocobo was fine except for the heat. It is very hot in Manila and the room had AC but it was still quite warm. So, I asked them to bring a fan in too, which then made it tolerable for sleeping at night. The hotel room came with breakfast which made the mornings easy. After breakfast, I tried to do some exploring around Manila. One day, I visited the National Museum. I was surprised as it didn’t have a lot of artifacts or memorabilia. I also visited a wonderful Oceanography museum. Here there lots of tanks filled with stingrays and sharks and other fish native to the country. It was quite interesting and the information was all in English. One evening I went to a great cultural dance performance that included dinner. College students performed during dinner, singing and dancing in some period clothes. In the end , they asked people in the audience to come on stage and dance. The program director wanted me to go on stage, but I knew my leg was still a problem and jumping over those bamboo poles just wasn’t doable for me now. I had seen a similar dance in Vietnam.

A unique thing about Philippine people is that they don’t mind standing in line. In the mall, at the ATM machines, it is no exaggeration to see as many as 25 people waiting in line to use the cash machine. I was amazed, especially when you could walk a short distance and find another with a much shorter line. Also, at the airport and outside the mall, people would wait in long lines for a taxi. Again, the line could have 40 people or more. On my plane trip back from Davao, I landed in Manila. I walked outside to get the taxi. I see a line of about 50 people. I thought this is unreal. I decided to then leave the airport and go to a nearby neighborhood street. I knew this was a bit sketchy, but I thought it was worth the risk. Outside the airport, there were taxis waiting and no people. haha! So after talking with one guy, I took his taxi. It worked out fine and actually cheaper. Taxis, that is another thing. There are all metered but they always offer you a flat rate. The first few times , I took the flat rate thinking it was cheaper. Not so!! The meter is actually better. But live and learn .

Another unique thing about Philippine people, is that they are very polite and hospitable. If I looked confused or lost on the street, someone would immediately speak to me, asking if I needed help. Many people try to sell you things on the street, like watches, jewelry, drugs, sunglasses, and a plethora of American Silver Dollars. Each time , I would say No Thanks and they would gladly accept my response, yet still ask me again the next day. haha! But always very pleasant about it. As to the drugs and sex that I was constantly offered, it is a complete mystery to me. This is a very religious country, with churches filled with people. I even saw people praying at the Mall or at the beach. I found it quite a contradiction but that is the Philippines.

I flew to Davao, which is a southern city and stayed a a nice small hotel in the city center for a few days. From there, I traveled to the a place called Paradise Beach, a small island near the city. I took the ferry to get there, but it only took about 30 minutes. At the Beach, a lot of locals come with their families to enjoy the day. The beach was nice, lots of food for sale, and some rides and games, a good place to relax and rest. There was a nice aviary with some exotic birds. I had to ride on the motorbike to get there through a semi-remote area. After that I flew back to Manila, and waited to meet up with Jimmy, who had emailed me and said he could get to Manila on his day off. Great!

In leaving Manila, I checked with the front desk of my hotel, inquiring about the cost of the Taxi and time to the airport. The receptionist told me about 200 pesos and one hour. Later, I asked again at the desk and this time they said 300 pesos and about one hour. Also, I should take the hotel taxi which was better because they use the meter plus 50 pesos. I decided that was a good idea. So, I took the hotel taxi. When I got in, I asked the driver about the cost. He said 700 pesos! Wow! So I immediately told him what I was told by the receptionist. He then said 300 pesos. hahaha! I got to the airport in about 25 minutes, which was fine. To enter the airport, you have to show your passport and they immediately check your bags. Then I found the Asiana Ticket counter, another long line, but it moved efficiently. It was far better for me to be early than on my previous frantic rush program!!

I really enjoyed the Philippines this time even though it was terribly hot. I hope I can come back again. My flight home was good. Transferring in Seoul, I only had 55 minutes but made it with plenty of time. Incheon Airport is very efficient and well organized. In Seattle, I had more time but it took a lot longer to get to my Horizon gate, so again not much wait time. I left Manila at 12:40 pm Thurs. and arrived in Portland at 4 pm Thurs. Weird! Now, to get over my jet lag.!! hahaha.

Take care all. Hope it wasn’t too boring. My next trip?? I would love to go to Cuba but don’t know if that is going to work out. Peru in late July.. beyond that , who knows. Happy Trails!!

Leaving Vietnam

Yes, I know it has been a long time since I have written. Lazy, busy, and also not motivated. hehe! But today I will try to convey some of my experience.



After the wedding finally ended, I decided to head to Ho Chi Minh for a few days before leaving for the Philippines on Sunday. I planned to go by taxi with Thu, Kim and Binh's other son but we had to attend one last family gathering of Binh's family. This was really a memorial service in the house of one of the uncles. The VNese, like most other Asian cultures, have one room in the house with photos of their parents and grandparents who have died. At the home, their were probably about 50 people, young and old, who were here for the wedding and were going back home soon, like me. There was a prayer service lead by the uncle and lasting about 30 minutes. Then after that, it was candy and drink, seated on the floor in a large circle in the same room. Always no furniture and tile floors. Getting down to the floor is no problem; it is just getting up after 30 minutes or more that is the challenge!! I always try to find a wall to brace myself up against, a way of cheating. haha! The Vnese people are used to this so it is no big deal to them. I was surprised that there was no beer at this event - a first!! Again, I was like in the inner circle.


Then Thu and I left for Sgn in a taxi, which is about a 2 hour ride. We would split the fare, so my part was about $15 or less. It was now about 4 pm and for some reason the traffic going into Sgn was the worse I can ever remember. I wasn't on a timetable, but at this rate, it would take forever. I guess there was a fire somewhere, which might have caused part of the problem. The driver decided to take a shortcut for part of the way. I am not sure that saved us any time. Finally, in Sgn, he would take me to the hotel first. It was then that I could tell he did not know Sgn at all. All the landmarks that I mentioned were unfamiliar to him. Finally, he was on a road that I knew, so we got to the hotel. We both go out and then Thu took a different taxi to his friend's house. I checked into my usual guest house.


I spent a few days visiting friends in Sgn, and just relaxing. I somehow mentally miscalculated my departure date. On Tues night, about 10:45 pm, looking at the calendar, I realized my flight was leaving in about 2 hours. YIKES!!! I thought I had another full day before leaving. I have never packed a suitcase faster(packed it the wrong word), or checked out quicker. I was out of the room, and downstairs trying to explain to the hotel guy that I had to leave immediately. He tried to use his VISA card machine but it didn't work. Glitch!! So, he said he had to go to the next door hotel. It was then he mentioned my laundry that I was going to pickup tomorrow. NO, I will take it now, wet, unwashed, or however, so he sent someone for that. At 11 pm, I was walking with my bag down the alley to the main street. Luckily, I saw a parked taxi who said he could take me to the airport.





In the taxi, I urged the driver to get there as quickly as possible. Again, the planets must have been aligned, as at this time of night, there is not a lot of traffic, so we were there by 11:25. He did hurry but I noticed the tab was quite a bit higher than normal. Not a time to debate, just pay and be thankful. hehe! The driver looked at the fairly deserted airport, and announced it was closed. I wasn't sure. I told him to wait and found a reader board and my flight. So inside I went, found the ticket counter to check in. There were only a few others in line, as I was the last one to check in. Wheww!! Rushed on through security, which didn't ask me anything, didn't have to remove my shoes, or take my laptop out. hhaha! Again, god was looking out for me. I actually arrived with 15 minutes to spare..Now, I could breathe again. I don't care to relive that experience. Now in the Philippines.


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The Wedding Story

Wedding day started early and without much sleep the night before. At 3:15 AM I started to get dressed. Now, this house had 5 guys sharing one bathroom, which had no light, so I ended up shaving in the dark. I did my best to take little time and still look presentable. I put on my suit and went downstairs. I felt sorry for the bride, who I am sure began dressing at 2 AM, but at her house. Actually, there were two perks to this early hour: the weather was somewhat cool and we could just walk a few steps to the church.





At the Church, we all lined up outside the front door, in a double line or paired up. The Bride and Groom walked last. The bride is in a beautiful white dress that the groom''s mother has picked out but rented.. This parade consisted mostly of family members and me, but I am family to them. We were to occupy the first 4 pews. As I got to the front, i slide into the 4th pew, but I was immediately drag to the front row, one person removed from the groom. The men sit on one side of the church, while the women sit on the other. The church wedding is quite similar to a church wedding in the states. There was the Mass, with the bride and groom reading some scriptures, then the exchange of rings and vows. The whole ceremony took about 90 minutes, so that wasn't too long. (the next day at the church there would be another wedding with 4 couples all getting married at the same time, which would take much longer). After the wedding, we again, all parade out. Then there are some group photos on the front steps of the church.





Now the groom's family goes back to their house, and serves a small breakfast to some honored guests. The priest comes too, and eats with me; he can talk some English. The brides family has gone back to her house. Later, we all try to rest, but now it is hot and still noisy, so I don't think I got much rest. In the afternoon, the groom's family is going over to the bride's house for a reception. Again it is parade, all the family walking several blocks to the house. This time, Kim gives me a job. Kim, the groom's mother and my friend from Portland, asked me to bring up the rear and make sure they don't lag too much. I readily accepts this task. Now it is hot and we are still in our dress clothes. The groom's family is bringing several gifts to the brides' family too. Once we arrive, the family of the bride has a formal tea welcoming of the groom's family; this takes about an hour. Then all the guests start to arrive, They are all seated at round tables with 10 persons to a table. I am inside eating with the brides uncles at the "head table". The food is great. There are about 7 courses, plus all the beer you can drink. I always somehow find a way to communicate with the guests. They seem to enjoy learning about me, and genuinely thrilled that I am there. I always feel very welcomed by everyone at the party. There is a live band that is performing and they sound good, but so loud. The bride and groom, now the bride in a traditional Chinese like wedding gown, and family members have some formal toasts with champagne. Then it is time for eating and drinking. After a while, i proceed to mingle with the guests, which I enjoy, but most want me to drink or toast with them. I try to drink only a little, but it didn't always work. Anyway, I have a great time meeting everyone. This goes on about 3 hours. Kim asked me to stay with Danny, the groom, until it was over. I stay until most left but some we not leaving because of the free beer. Haha!





That night I was very tired, and I should have slept well, but my mind would not shut down. It was like an out of body experience. I need to just enjoy the moment. The next day was the groom's reception. This started about 11 AM. Again more food, beer, live band, hundreds of people. Thankfully, Kim gave me another job so I felt useful. She told me to be the greeter at the door, welcoming people and to try to get them seated. I was made for this job!! Many were surprised to so me at the entrance, maybe didn't understand what I said, but flashed a beautiful smile back at me. A few of the cousins' saw what I was doing, and proceeded to help me, so we became quite efficient. Also, both of these parties, we held in the street with a canvas awning covering. Again, more great food and lots of beer. I don't think I have ever drunk so much beer in such a short time, even in my college years. Some of the people looked familiar but many were new to me. I found myself circulating among the tables, meeting people, learning who they were, and taking some photos. Kim and Binh(the groom's parents loved that I was so friendly with all their guests, otherwise I wouldn't have done it. ) There was Karaoke singing at the party. The VNese LOVE Karaoke!! The groom's family had told me they wanted me to SING at the party before we left Portland. I dreaded this idea, but was going to force myself if necessary. Now, at the party, only the son sang and he sang with another guest. And he had music and sang in VNese. If I sang, I would have to sing without music and in English. Luckily, they didn't press the issue. Later, there were a few people dancing, and the woman asked me to dance on stage with her. So, I thought, I can do this. Now, even this thrilled the crowd. It was so loud on stage, and the song went on and on.. Actually, I danced to two songs. Now, I was really wringing wet. My dress shirt looked like I just taken it out of the washer. Again, this party went on for hours. The bride was in a different dress again, very beautiful each time. Total exhaustion set in. But finally after two days, it was basically over, I thought. There was only more small custom in the evening where the groom and his family walked over to the bride's house and brought her back to the groom's house. She packs her things in a small bag and then begins her life with the groom.





I am sure I have gone on too long. But I could have said much more. I am sure if I thought again, I could write even more. But in conclusion, I would like to just comment that I feel really blessed, honored, humbled, and appreciative of this friendship, the love. This family is so good to me, and to be so included in the ceremony brings me to tears, tears of joy. This whole community is so friendly and open. I can't tell you how many strange houses I had tea or beer in. One day, I was walking in the neighborhood, and 4 guys on motorbikes stopped and asked me in hand gestures to come with them to sing Karaoke. So I hopped on the back of the bike, not knowing where I was going. Pretty soon, we were doing down a bumpy dirt road, in an area I was not familiar with. We stop at a house, and I am invited in. A man who speaks some Eng. but a complete stranger, is thrilled to see me. Soon I am sitting on the floor, Indian style, eating strange food, drinking beer again, and listening to them sing. But they are all very aware of any needs of mind, so after a while I tell then I have to go back. They understand, thank me profusely for visiting, and one man brings me back. This is a wonderful feeling. I will treasure this lifetime experience of a long time.





It will probably be a while before I write again. I hope you all had a wonderful May day!!!



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