I am so confused by everything that I am seeing. In some ways Filipinos are more advanced - like their malls. And they are more together and clean - like the way the store clerks, waitresses, service field and security guards dress. But in other ways they are back in time, years back in time.
For instance I have yet to see a vacuum. Everyone uses a small broom that is about 3 feet long and fan shaped at the bottom. Maybe bamboo made? Everywhere and everyone uses this broom, yard crews, motel workers and home owner. I was watching the waiter sweep the floor at the restaurant of the hotel. He used this broom. Bent over and sweeping with one hand. It took him about 45 minutes to sweep a room about 30'X30'. Why they don't use a push broom or vac puzzles me.
At Dakak resort. The grounds were neatly manicured. Very nicely maintained. But they didn't use a leaf blower. I saw an old lady, 75-80?', in old style Asian dress with one of those small brooms walking around all day sweeping dead leaves and junk.
And at the Grand Astoria Hotel the staff was constantly cleaning. Mopping floors but I never saw a pail of water. I am not even sure if the mop was really wet or just damp. But with all this cleaning going on the place was, by American standards especially for a hotel with the title grand, dirty. Walls were scuffed, smelled, roaches, water pressure that was very low, lint and hair on the floor.. The maids of course used no vac, just the short little broom
What are the houses like? First of all every house you enter you best take off your shoes. Now I know why Korean airlines handed out little slippers. All houses have what we call beach thongs by the doors for you to wear, if you are a visitor and don't have any you can wear theirs. I carried mine with me. At the one house we visited the lady apologized for her humble house. I said please don't apologize, I don't judge someone on their belongings only on their hospitality which I feel blessed to be invited into your house. But even though most houses were were humble and lacking conveniences I found something they all had in common. They are all very clean and so are the people.
_____________________
I mentioned the odor of the country, urine is one of the smells. And I mentioned how classless I thought having urinals that barely shelter the user from being seen. But after driving around I understand how much of an improvement it is. Much better than all the males I see peeing along the roadway. Progress I guess.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Tuesday Oct. 26 memoirs
They really now how to cook here, wow is everything good. BUT don't order anything American. It makes me laugh. They make these exotic dishes that look like they take a lot of work but something as simple as an American breakfast they can't.
I ordered a continental breakfast at the hotel this morning. The toast was hardly buttered and cold. The scrambled eggs had some shells in it and tasted like fish, yuck.
In Cebu I was excited when we ordered chicken wings and it came with fries. Finally french fries. The wings were OK, by American standards - blah' and the fries, not kidding, you can see the photo, it came with 3 fries that's it. But it did come with rice.
Last night I ordered a chicken fillet. I asked is it filling? They kept saying no filling, its breaded. After some explaining of what I meant they finally understood and said Yes enough for Americans. It was OK but the fries, should of learned my lesson, were bad, more than 3 but bad.
This morning I got a nice going away surprise. Edgar and his wife Tata stopped by the hotel and brought me sweet potatoes for breakfast. These are not the potatoes or sweet potatoes we know in the states. Its a different kind. They fry the potato and then sprinkle sugar over it. Very different. Before they left they prayed for my journey back home. Everyone Ruth introduced me to either prayed for me/us right there or said they were praying for me./us.
Now I am sitting in Ruth's room alone waiting for her to come back. She had to go to the post office and meet her nephew. She didn't think it was wise for me to go because of the Muslims. Sad.
Shortly we will be heading to the airport to fly into Manila.
I ordered a continental breakfast at the hotel this morning. The toast was hardly buttered and cold. The scrambled eggs had some shells in it and tasted like fish, yuck.
In Cebu I was excited when we ordered chicken wings and it came with fries. Finally french fries. The wings were OK, by American standards - blah' and the fries, not kidding, you can see the photo, it came with 3 fries that's it. But it did come with rice.
Last night I ordered a chicken fillet. I asked is it filling? They kept saying no filling, its breaded. After some explaining of what I meant they finally understood and said Yes enough for Americans. It was OK but the fries, should of learned my lesson, were bad, more than 3 but bad.
This morning I got a nice going away surprise. Edgar and his wife Tata stopped by the hotel and brought me sweet potatoes for breakfast. These are not the potatoes or sweet potatoes we know in the states. Its a different kind. They fry the potato and then sprinkle sugar over it. Very different. Before they left they prayed for my journey back home. Everyone Ruth introduced me to either prayed for me/us right there or said they were praying for me./us.
Now I am sitting in Ruth's room alone waiting for her to come back. She had to go to the post office and meet her nephew. She didn't think it was wise for me to go because of the Muslims. Sad.
Shortly we will be heading to the airport to fly into Manila.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Some of the sad reality of the country. America could be headed here.
I was told woman have babies so they can use them to go out and pan handle. Its bad enough for grown men to come up to you begging and smelling but its another thing when its a child. A few times girls under the age of 10 came up to me and pointed to their open mouth. One had to be told by the driver of the tricycle to move so he could drive.
One girl came up to me and wanted money. I just bought a bag of peanuts so I gave it to her. She grabbed it and ran so fast like I just gave her a steak dinner.
Another scene that runs in my mind was a little boy maybe 5 holding his sisters hand still in diapers just walking through the busy streets.
In front of the church of Ruth's brother was a mother and her children peering in the church window. and When I walked in one of her little boy's maybe 4 lit up and pointed at me. The one child was bottomless.
I asked Pastor June why they don't come in? He said they would disrupt service and try to pan handle. He has a program where the kids have to attend four lessons on Saturday. On the fourth one they give them a care package. This way they can try to teach them about God, educate them, otherwise they will do nothing but take.
One girl came up to me and wanted money. I just bought a bag of peanuts so I gave it to her. She grabbed it and ran so fast like I just gave her a steak dinner.
Another scene that runs in my mind was a little boy maybe 5 holding his sisters hand still in diapers just walking through the busy streets.
In front of the church of Ruth's brother was a mother and her children peering in the church window. and When I walked in one of her little boy's maybe 4 lit up and pointed at me. The one child was bottomless.
I asked Pastor June why they don't come in? He said they would disrupt service and try to pan handle. He has a program where the kids have to attend four lessons on Saturday. On the fourth one they give them a care package. This way they can try to teach them about God, educate them, otherwise they will do nothing but take.
The ride to Dapitan.
I have been doing things on this trip that I wouldn't of done not even in my drinking days. I have not been keen on driving anything with two wheels since I was about 14. A friend let me drive his mini bike. I did alright, right up a tree. The frame broke and I went flying about 20 feet. And then months later I got run over by a motorcycle. So I learned my lesson early, stay off.
Thursday night at Dakak Ruth and I thought we would go to town for supper and so she could show me the home of the Philippines national hero Jose Rizal, then come back and enjoy the rest of the evening at the resort. Unfortunately we didn't know you had to reserve a ride early as its a good distance away.
Ruth and I were persistent and they finally found someone who would take us. So we boarded a van, they drove us a short distance and dropped us off. What a surprise I had sprung on me, you will be taking a motor bike from here.
Wonderful, mini panic time. But what could I do chicken out?
The motorbikes they use in the Philippines are small. I am not knowledgeable on size but maybe 250's? 350's?
The driver got on first, then Ruth and then mustering all the nerve I could I lifted my first leg and froze. What the heck am I doing? I don't know what prompted me but my leg fell over the seat. I was on. The bike was started. I grabbed Ruth around the middle with one hand, the other behind me grabbing the edge of the seat. I left hand prints I think on both.
He zoomed away. I panicked and prayed. Ruth laughed and I was yelling Dear God. She said this is just life. I said this is just frightening.
He slowed down and stopped. Thank God I didn't fall off. I survived the trip but I was wrong, it was only a gas stop.
Now this gas station is nothing like you have ever seen. Picture the Little Rascals and one of their lemonade stands crudely made of wood. It had three shelves, Coke bottles on the top. Our motorcycle chauffeur paid the woman who came out. He took a bottle off the shelf and filled his tank. Thank God I didn't order a coke. He climbed on, Ruth next and then OUCH STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER – REMEMBER THE ALAMO, I AM DIEING! I missed the foot peg and placed my foot on the exhaust. The back of my ankle received a nice souvenir to bring home. It smelled like chicharon.
We zoomed off again, my ankle throbbing, I still gripping in fear. Parts of the road were barely suited for goat travel. We arrived safely and I just don't know how he did it, or should I say we did it with out anyone falling off.
Ruth asked are you worried about the trip back. I said no, it will be dark with NO street light so I won't be able to see, I'll just grip and pray.
Thursday night at Dakak Ruth and I thought we would go to town for supper and so she could show me the home of the Philippines national hero Jose Rizal, then come back and enjoy the rest of the evening at the resort. Unfortunately we didn't know you had to reserve a ride early as its a good distance away.
Ruth and I were persistent and they finally found someone who would take us. So we boarded a van, they drove us a short distance and dropped us off. What a surprise I had sprung on me, you will be taking a motor bike from here.
Wonderful, mini panic time. But what could I do chicken out?
The motorbikes they use in the Philippines are small. I am not knowledgeable on size but maybe 250's? 350's?
The driver got on first, then Ruth and then mustering all the nerve I could I lifted my first leg and froze. What the heck am I doing? I don't know what prompted me but my leg fell over the seat. I was on. The bike was started. I grabbed Ruth around the middle with one hand, the other behind me grabbing the edge of the seat. I left hand prints I think on both.
He zoomed away. I panicked and prayed. Ruth laughed and I was yelling Dear God. She said this is just life. I said this is just frightening.
He slowed down and stopped. Thank God I didn't fall off. I survived the trip but I was wrong, it was only a gas stop.
Now this gas station is nothing like you have ever seen. Picture the Little Rascals and one of their lemonade stands crudely made of wood. It had three shelves, Coke bottles on the top. Our motorcycle chauffeur paid the woman who came out. He took a bottle off the shelf and filled his tank. Thank God I didn't order a coke. He climbed on, Ruth next and then OUCH STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER – REMEMBER THE ALAMO, I AM DIEING! I missed the foot peg and placed my foot on the exhaust. The back of my ankle received a nice souvenir to bring home. It smelled like chicharon.
We zoomed off again, my ankle throbbing, I still gripping in fear. Parts of the road were barely suited for goat travel. We arrived safely and I just don't know how he did it, or should I say we did it with out anyone falling off.
Ruth asked are you worried about the trip back. I said no, it will be dark with NO street light so I won't be able to see, I'll just grip and pray.
Monday, October 25, 2010
meals fit for a king
Hey Gang,
One thing I have learned on this trip is fast food is bad no matter where you go. I tried the Philippine chain called Jolly Bee last night. It was the only bad meal of the trip.
Today though more than made up for it.
Ruth's friend Eunice invited us over for lunch. She prepared enough food for an army.
She made chicken, lapu lapu' fried squid, pork adobo, lobster, and rice. Wow it was good. Eunice gave me some histroy about how her and her family moved to Zamboanga. Felt right at home.
Then later on Ruths sister and family took me to a fine restaurant called Mano Mano Greenfield.
Another feast. Ruth ordered us clam soup which was my fav.. Then we had beef curry, which had a peanut butter taste, excellent also. Pancit bihon and lechon kawali with green mango shake. I felt like a king with all this food today.
Between meals Ruth showed me the beach and around the campus of Ebenezer Bible College.
Thats all the update for now. Very tired. Tomorrow I start the trek back home.
By for now.
One thing I have learned on this trip is fast food is bad no matter where you go. I tried the Philippine chain called Jolly Bee last night. It was the only bad meal of the trip.
Today though more than made up for it.
Ruth's friend Eunice invited us over for lunch. She prepared enough food for an army.
She made chicken, lapu lapu' fried squid, pork adobo, lobster, and rice. Wow it was good. Eunice gave me some histroy about how her and her family moved to Zamboanga. Felt right at home.
Then later on Ruths sister and family took me to a fine restaurant called Mano Mano Greenfield.
Another feast. Ruth ordered us clam soup which was my fav.. Then we had beef curry, which had a peanut butter taste, excellent also. Pancit bihon and lechon kawali with green mango shake. I felt like a king with all this food today.
Between meals Ruth showed me the beach and around the campus of Ebenezer Bible College.
Thats all the update for now. Very tired. Tomorrow I start the trek back home.
By for now.
ruth at the market
Ruth went to the market and left me here. I wanted to go but she insisted it may be unsafe cause of the Muslims so I am sitting in the hotel.
More random thoughts and observations:
It smells here. Everywhere. Its a mixture of open food markets, trash, urine, and traffic. It reminds me so much of what I read about America in the early days of the big cities. The Philippines remind me of America of years past in other ways also. The hotel I am at is old in design. Narrow halls noisy, no carpeting, odors of people, food and cigarettes as you can still smoke inside the rooms and anywhere in the hotel.
Its like a wild frontier. The open air markets, the endless miles of little storefronts. Malls and a few chains are creeping in but for the most part all the stores and garages are independently owned. I actually feel more at home here then back at home. If you know me I have been screaming about the demise of the small store. The service is better, you can haggle. I am worried about what Ruth will think about where I live. Where do we go shopping and eat? Big Lots, Walmarts with made in China junk. Where do we eat? Premade meals at Denny's and Eat n Park. Disgusting. We can thank many people for the ruining of America, no one escapes blame, well maybe me, if you really know me then you know how I shop and live.
People here also complain about Chinese made junk. Inferior. Another sad thing is when I left Mom and I wanted to bring Ruth a gift. We couldn't find anything made in the US. Mom finally gave me a soap set to give her, made in Canada. Close enough I guess. Over here, you want something made in the Philippines, its easy to find.
Continuing on with these thoughts....
Before boarding the bus to Bulacan we stopped at a little bakery called Melgians Sweets/Foodmart . Ruth bought a pie called buko, it is stuffed with with young coconuts. I didn't care for the pie but what I did love was the Espasol. What is it? I don't know, its gooey and kind of sweet and tastes even better hardened and cold from the fridge.
For breakfast at Ruth's friends house Dave they went to another bakery and brought back a small brown bag filled with small bread rolls still hot from the oven. It was so delicious.
They don't buy in quantities. They don't have big fridges or freezers, they buy fresh daily, And I have yet to see a micro.
Just like America years ago.
More random thoughts and observations:
It smells here. Everywhere. Its a mixture of open food markets, trash, urine, and traffic. It reminds me so much of what I read about America in the early days of the big cities. The Philippines remind me of America of years past in other ways also. The hotel I am at is old in design. Narrow halls noisy, no carpeting, odors of people, food and cigarettes as you can still smoke inside the rooms and anywhere in the hotel.
Its like a wild frontier. The open air markets, the endless miles of little storefronts. Malls and a few chains are creeping in but for the most part all the stores and garages are independently owned. I actually feel more at home here then back at home. If you know me I have been screaming about the demise of the small store. The service is better, you can haggle. I am worried about what Ruth will think about where I live. Where do we go shopping and eat? Big Lots, Walmarts with made in China junk. Where do we eat? Premade meals at Denny's and Eat n Park. Disgusting. We can thank many people for the ruining of America, no one escapes blame, well maybe me, if you really know me then you know how I shop and live.
People here also complain about Chinese made junk. Inferior. Another sad thing is when I left Mom and I wanted to bring Ruth a gift. We couldn't find anything made in the US. Mom finally gave me a soap set to give her, made in Canada. Close enough I guess. Over here, you want something made in the Philippines, its easy to find.
Continuing on with these thoughts....
Before boarding the bus to Bulacan we stopped at a little bakery called Melgians Sweets/Foodmart . Ruth bought a pie called buko, it is stuffed with with young coconuts. I didn't care for the pie but what I did love was the Espasol. What is it? I don't know, its gooey and kind of sweet and tastes even better hardened and cold from the fridge.
For breakfast at Ruth's friends house Dave they went to another bakery and brought back a small brown bag filled with small bread rolls still hot from the oven. It was so delicious.
They don't buy in quantities. They don't have big fridges or freezers, they buy fresh daily, And I have yet to see a micro.
Just like America years ago.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
sunday update
Today went to Ruth's church. I loved the open air feel of it. No windows only shutters. Wooden pews, some dressed, others casual. Praise and worship was lively almost like Lakeshore Assembly. Just a very nice church.
The best part was its missions week. The sermon was about that. I couldn't understand to much. They preach in part English and part Tagalog plus my ear is bad from swimming. I keep telling everyone I am deaf in one ear and the other doesn't understand. But what I could make out was about the US and missionaries, the story of Ruth leaving her mother and clinging to her mother in law and part of a song, a alien in a strange and foreign land. Hummina hummina!
Ruth showed me around the grounds, her office and where she teachs. The compound, I guess thats the proper term is behind an iron gate. Many places are like that around here, including houses.
After service Ruth and a group of her friends took me to one of the best seafood restaurants around, Almira's. Delicious.
Thats all for now
The best part was its missions week. The sermon was about that. I couldn't understand to much. They preach in part English and part Tagalog plus my ear is bad from swimming. I keep telling everyone I am deaf in one ear and the other doesn't understand. But what I could make out was about the US and missionaries, the story of Ruth leaving her mother and clinging to her mother in law and part of a song, a alien in a strange and foreign land. Hummina hummina!
Ruth showed me around the grounds, her office and where she teachs. The compound, I guess thats the proper term is behind an iron gate. Many places are like that around here, including houses.
After service Ruth and a group of her friends took me to one of the best seafood restaurants around, Almira's. Delicious.
Thats all for now
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