When I landed in Manilla massive confusion is the best way to describe it. Manilla is sort of like NY City on caffeine. I didn't know where I was going, people running all over. I asked someone where should I go, he ushered me into the mens room. Another one takes my bags, pulls out paper towel, turns on the faucet and flashes an American 5, hint: tip expected. And so that was my welcome and what I would expect everywhere at least in the airport, tips and confusion.
I was directed to the check in area and it was orange tiled. The security alert was orange, orange tile but no orange pants.
The first check point asked me where I was staying. I didn't know the address but all the other questions were answered. Next check point, the same questions but this lady wanted another paper. After more confusion and me saying what I don't understand 12 times, we got it straightened out finally. I said thank you dear and she made a look of what? I guess that was a faux pau what ever that word Sharon said I would make, well I made one.
After exchanging dollars to pesos I went to the exit and couldn't find Ruth's brother who was suppose to be waiting for me. I had no clue what was going, where to go with everyone scurrying around, security guards yelling.
Dan, whom I met on the plane came to my rescue. He saw me and said lets call and tell her you are here. Ruth didn't answer so Dan called back and left a text. Dan's party was waiting for him so I said just go I am sure I will find them. Then Matt came over the other guy I met on the plane and asked if I was OK. Finally a security guard who kept yelling at me where I should go and stand said come here. I thought I was going to be deported already but instead he called Ruth for me, got a hold of her and found out where her brother was. I was at the wrong level. Of course I had to tip for the use of his phone that he offered.
The security guard while talking to Ruth said mama a few times, I interrupted and said that is not my Mom. I found out later what mama meant in Tagalog, brother.
OH it stinks, everywhere it stinks!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
korean air
The Korean airport was very very clean and beautiful and huge. Stores and and a luxury feel. You don't need to speak Korean to get around, everything was printed in English.
The flight to Manilla I sat next to a Filipino who was on the same flight from Atlanta to Korea. His name was Dan who lives now in Jacksonville and was going back home. He also told me what to expect. Extremely nice guy. He gave me his number and said call if you need anything..
I got up to use the restroom and Dan was talking to someone. This mans name was Matt from.... Willoughby, He married a Filipina and him and his wife go to the Philippines once a year. He took my email and said I will email you later check your inbox I will check up on you.
stay tuned for more from Filipino-ville
The flight to Manilla I sat next to a Filipino who was on the same flight from Atlanta to Korea. His name was Dan who lives now in Jacksonville and was going back home. He also told me what to expect. Extremely nice guy. He gave me his number and said call if you need anything..
I got up to use the restroom and Dan was talking to someone. This mans name was Matt from.... Willoughby, He married a Filipina and him and his wife go to the Philippines once a year. He took my email and said I will email you later check your inbox I will check up on you.
stay tuned for more from Filipino-ville
Thursday, October 14, 2010
korean flight
I had the window seat for the flight to Korea. It didn't matter. It was night when we left the states and night when we arrived in Korea. So didn't see nothing but black,
The flight was very non eventful other than balsamic vinegar foot. The lady sitting next to me had a bug bite. So the stewardess gave her vinegar for it. Some odors just don't mix well. Feet and vinegar are one.
The Korean stewardesses put ours to shame. Ours aren't pretty and thin. In fact some are males and homos. Even the uniforms if you call it that are sad on the Americans. The Korean girls were a sight to see all made up and marching in order to board the plane. They smiled and looked just as good at the start of the 14 hour flight as they did when it ended.
On Korean Air, the plane with the logo that looks like Pepsi, they feed you quite well. We were only in the air only 20 minutes and they started serving us. Peanuts, orange juice, snacks. One dish was called Bibimbap. And just like anything Asian it came with instructions on how to put it together. That was served with seaweed soup. Its tastes like Lake Erie on a hot summer day. Their hospitality was terrific. Hot wash clothes, checking on you.
I sat next to two real fine people. The lady was from Jacksonville, the man was named Lee from Atlanta a missionary.
When they call it Korea Air they mean. Sure there is English subtitles but they are small. I watched to Korean movies. The Marines are gone, an OLD B movie about the Korean war, The other I recommend is 71 into the fire.
In Korea now. Write more later.
The flight was very non eventful other than balsamic vinegar foot. The lady sitting next to me had a bug bite. So the stewardess gave her vinegar for it. Some odors just don't mix well. Feet and vinegar are one.
The Korean stewardesses put ours to shame. Ours aren't pretty and thin. In fact some are males and homos. Even the uniforms if you call it that are sad on the Americans. The Korean girls were a sight to see all made up and marching in order to board the plane. They smiled and looked just as good at the start of the 14 hour flight as they did when it ended.
On Korean Air, the plane with the logo that looks like Pepsi, they feed you quite well. We were only in the air only 20 minutes and they started serving us. Peanuts, orange juice, snacks. One dish was called Bibimbap. And just like anything Asian it came with instructions on how to put it together. That was served with seaweed soup. Its tastes like Lake Erie on a hot summer day. Their hospitality was terrific. Hot wash clothes, checking on you.
I sat next to two real fine people. The lady was from Jacksonville, the man was named Lee from Atlanta a missionary.
When they call it Korea Air they mean. Sure there is English subtitles but they are small. I watched to Korean movies. The Marines are gone, an OLD B movie about the Korean war, The other I recommend is 71 into the fire.
In Korea now. Write more later.
to atlanta and beyond
Well we finally left Hopkins 1 hour 20 minutes late. One of the few times I was on time and it didn't matter.
We spent more time taxiing and waiting on the runway at Hopkins then it took to get to Atlanta. The reason the plane was late in getting to Cleveland was that the original plane broke down so they had to switch everyone to a new plane. Somethings a pilot shouldn't divulge that and we will take off shortly, our brake light is on, it seems to be overheating once it cools off will will leave. That's fine once we are in the air as brakes aren't needed but what about when we land? Fortunately no trauma in landing in Atlanta.
On the plane though my nose was traumatized. I sat next to the toxic offender. I fell asleep twice only to be woken by the worse flatulence . When they announced drinks, snacks or fruits I was going to demand them drop me off right then and there if Mr. Toxic got any more combustible substance like fruit in him. I gave up on sleeping and kept my head in the aisle
Atlanta's airport seems to be as big as all of Cleveland. Incredible. Its more like a huge mall and I mean huge.
Before boarding I used the mens room. I always worry about being in the washroom on a plane, you never know when you could hit turbulence and things could go flying. So I found the quietest mens room, one with about 27 stalls. I choose the middle stall. A few seconds later someone sits in the one to my left. Then someone uses the one on the right. Why with 26 empty stalls do they have to sit so close, Once the trombones started I hurried up and got out of there,
Thats all for now.
We spent more time taxiing and waiting on the runway at Hopkins then it took to get to Atlanta. The reason the plane was late in getting to Cleveland was that the original plane broke down so they had to switch everyone to a new plane. Somethings a pilot shouldn't divulge that and we will take off shortly, our brake light is on, it seems to be overheating once it cools off will will leave. That's fine once we are in the air as brakes aren't needed but what about when we land? Fortunately no trauma in landing in Atlanta.
On the plane though my nose was traumatized. I sat next to the toxic offender. I fell asleep twice only to be woken by the worse flatulence . When they announced drinks, snacks or fruits I was going to demand them drop me off right then and there if Mr. Toxic got any more combustible substance like fruit in him. I gave up on sleeping and kept my head in the aisle
Atlanta's airport seems to be as big as all of Cleveland. Incredible. Its more like a huge mall and I mean huge.
Before boarding I used the mens room. I always worry about being in the washroom on a plane, you never know when you could hit turbulence and things could go flying. So I found the quietest mens room, one with about 27 stalls. I choose the middle stall. A few seconds later someone sits in the one to my left. Then someone uses the one on the right. Why with 26 empty stalls do they have to sit so close, Once the trombones started I hurried up and got out of there,
Thats all for now.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
at hopkins waiting for take off
3:10 still doing the last of my errands. get on the freway and drive like james bond. arrive right on time at 3:30, whew!
i get checked in after a wee bit of confusion on my part, the flight to atlanta will be delayed until 6:11, hummina hummina.. But whats another 45 minutes when you will be traveling for 36 hours.
in a way it seems as if i am in the philippines, the flight announcer sounds like he just landed from some asian country.
The security code alert is orange. Should of wore my orange pants, would of been color coordinated.
wow did this free lap top come in handy.
Gotta Go Go!
i get checked in after a wee bit of confusion on my part, the flight to atlanta will be delayed until 6:11, hummina hummina.. But whats another 45 minutes when you will be traveling for 36 hours.
in a way it seems as if i am in the philippines, the flight announcer sounds like he just landed from some asian country.
The security code alert is orange. Should of wore my orange pants, would of been color coordinated.
wow did this free lap top come in handy.
Gotta Go Go!
Carey's Philippine Connection
Friends... I will be out of town from Oct.13 through the 27. Please send important political emails, prayer requests, and work related emails only until I get back. THANKS!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey Gang,
I am venturing out to the Philippines to meet Ruth. I will be leaving on October 13th and returning the 27th. I know its right in the middle of my busiest month with the fall cleanups and my cleaning business, (even though its still very slow) and this year its even busier with all the campaigns I am helping but this is how it all fell in place so I am going for it.
One of my accounts during late winter this year had to let me go for a few months. She referred me to another client who wanted work done. I am not sure what happened but I only worked a few times at this new house and never heard from them again. The older account wanted to resume the service so I bounced right back to them. Now here is the connection. The wife at the house I maintained only a few times was half Filipino. They go to the Philippines a few times a year. Her husband told me what to expect if I would ever travel there and if I wanted to try Filipino food go to Nipa Hut in Parma.
So I went to Nipa Hut. I found out besides being a grocery store and restaurant the owner sells plane tickets and hotel reservations for the Philippines. He said the best time to go is October because it is the off season for tourism. I told him well if I ever decide to go I will be back. Connection 2
In mid July Ruth and I set a date to meet in October because that was her vacation. I went back to Nipa Hut and was able to get a very good deal on a round trip because of the month. Connection 3.
In September I called my credit card to make sure I could use it in the Philippines. When the lady heard where I was going she got excited and said I just got back from there. Her dad is Jewish but her Mom is a Filipina. I asked where the credit card call center was and she said I am in Iowa. She gave me some advice on what to bring, sun tan lotion, bug spray and take lots of pictures and said I am going to really enjoy myself.
Connection 4. At work recently someone threw out a Dell laptop. It looked almost new so I brought it home. It was able to be fixed. So I am bringing it along with me. Whats the connection? 36 hours of flying and layovers you best have something to do.
Connection 5. I have been self employed for many years and never ever received a government refund for taxes. This year was the first time, that's how slow its been. So I used that money for the plane ticket. Someone said maybe I should save the money for a rainy day. But I did. I'm going to the Philippines and its still the rainy season there.
An unconnection. Its so hot over there so I went to Best Men's Wear to find a pair of thin material dress/casual pants. I found the perfect pair made of micro polyester which is VERY lightweight. The pants were even the perfect color - orange. When I told Ruth she said the men here wear black or blue pants, don't bring those I don't want you to look to much like a foreigner. I said Ruth I am use to it, in my own country I look like a foreigner a lot of times. But she won, no orange pants. Kind of reminds me of the lime green suit story.
More on Nipa Hut.
I went back to Nipa Hut to make sure all was set with the airfare. I had a lengthy conversation about life, religion and politics with Poli the owner. He was telling me the Philippines will always be his home but he loves America and this is where is he staying. He has been here about 25 years. He said some people think China is the greatest country but they aren't, America is. America makes the world go round. Even though China makes everything the country is hurting economically because America is not buying enough from them. China depends on us. China can't get themselves out of this economic slump because they can't afford to buy their own products, they don't pay their workers enough. Interesting.
I told Poli I needed to leave to eat. He said our restaurant is open go sit down, my treat. He served me a spring roll, rice porridge and palabok. The spring roll and porridge were delicious. The palabok is a noodle dish with pork rinds. It was OK but if you love pork rinds than you would enjoy it.
Nipa Hut is located at 6775 W.130th St., Parma Hts., Ohio
I will be reporting in when I can from my trip but only posting here on my blog, no emails. So if you want to read where I am at and hows it going go to my blog.
Gotta GoGo!!
Carey
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey Gang,
I am venturing out to the Philippines to meet Ruth. I will be leaving on October 13th and returning the 27th. I know its right in the middle of my busiest month with the fall cleanups and my cleaning business, (even though its still very slow) and this year its even busier with all the campaigns I am helping but this is how it all fell in place so I am going for it.
One of my accounts during late winter this year had to let me go for a few months. She referred me to another client who wanted work done. I am not sure what happened but I only worked a few times at this new house and never heard from them again. The older account wanted to resume the service so I bounced right back to them. Now here is the connection. The wife at the house I maintained only a few times was half Filipino. They go to the Philippines a few times a year. Her husband told me what to expect if I would ever travel there and if I wanted to try Filipino food go to Nipa Hut in Parma.
So I went to Nipa Hut. I found out besides being a grocery store and restaurant the owner sells plane tickets and hotel reservations for the Philippines. He said the best time to go is October because it is the off season for tourism. I told him well if I ever decide to go I will be back. Connection 2
In mid July Ruth and I set a date to meet in October because that was her vacation. I went back to Nipa Hut and was able to get a very good deal on a round trip because of the month. Connection 3.
In September I called my credit card to make sure I could use it in the Philippines. When the lady heard where I was going she got excited and said I just got back from there. Her dad is Jewish but her Mom is a Filipina. I asked where the credit card call center was and she said I am in Iowa. She gave me some advice on what to bring, sun tan lotion, bug spray and take lots of pictures and said I am going to really enjoy myself.
Connection 4. At work recently someone threw out a Dell laptop. It looked almost new so I brought it home. It was able to be fixed. So I am bringing it along with me. Whats the connection? 36 hours of flying and layovers you best have something to do.
Connection 5. I have been self employed for many years and never ever received a government refund for taxes. This year was the first time, that's how slow its been. So I used that money for the plane ticket. Someone said maybe I should save the money for a rainy day. But I did. I'm going to the Philippines and its still the rainy season there.
An unconnection. Its so hot over there so I went to Best Men's Wear to find a pair of thin material dress/casual pants. I found the perfect pair made of micro polyester which is VERY lightweight. The pants were even the perfect color - orange. When I told Ruth she said the men here wear black or blue pants, don't bring those I don't want you to look to much like a foreigner. I said Ruth I am use to it, in my own country I look like a foreigner a lot of times. But she won, no orange pants. Kind of reminds me of the lime green suit story.
More on Nipa Hut.
I went back to Nipa Hut to make sure all was set with the airfare. I had a lengthy conversation about life, religion and politics with Poli the owner. He was telling me the Philippines will always be his home but he loves America and this is where is he staying. He has been here about 25 years. He said some people think China is the greatest country but they aren't, America is. America makes the world go round. Even though China makes everything the country is hurting economically because America is not buying enough from them. China depends on us. China can't get themselves out of this economic slump because they can't afford to buy their own products, they don't pay their workers enough. Interesting.
I told Poli I needed to leave to eat. He said our restaurant is open go sit down, my treat. He served me a spring roll, rice porridge and palabok. The spring roll and porridge were delicious. The palabok is a noodle dish with pork rinds. It was OK but if you love pork rinds than you would enjoy it.
Nipa Hut is located at 6775 W.130th St., Parma Hts., Ohio
Gotta GoGo!!
Carey
Monday, September 27, 2010
Richs vacation
Hey Gang,
My friend Rich and his wife Suzanne are leaving next week for vacation. He sent these links of where they will be staying and places and things they hope to see.
Enjoy!
Gotta GoGo!
Carey
http://www.centerharborinn.com/index.php
http://www.funspotnh.com/
http://weirsbeach.com/
http://www.cityoflaconianh.org/
http://meredithareachamber.com/
My friend Rich and his wife Suzanne are leaving next week for vacation. He sent these links of where they will be staying and places and things they hope to see.
Enjoy!
Gotta GoGo!
Carey
http://www.centerharborinn.com/index.php
http://www.funspotnh.com/
http://weirsbeach.com/
http://www.cityoflaconianh.org/
http://meredithareachamber.com/
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