Well, I've been in the Philippines for two days now, I think.
I think, because I've slept most of my time away! Things were a bit overwhelming at first but once I got my bearings and found where everything was located, I felt like I was in my element…that is when I wasn't sleeping!
I'm learning that stress is definitely a waste of time and energy. I was worried about what I'd eat, how I'd adapt, and the whole traveling escapade from North America. I worried about my baggage weight and prayed customs wouldn't force me to throw away some of the nutritional bars and foods I packed. I packed more Standard Process and Raw Revolution bars than I can count...seriously. In the end, if you accept what is happening at the time and go with the flow, it's easy! I think I'm learning how to live in 'the now' rather than in the past or worrying about the future. I've definitely been woken up in more ways than one. What I've seen so far (poverty, different lifestyles) is extremely humbling and at the same time inspiring. I like being in 'the now' here.
Feb 3rd – Day 2:
My day started early – very early in fact (3am). Jonnyo (Jonathan Caron) is on the same messed-up time zone as me and his room is next door to mine. We both were up before the crack of dawn! I decided to make the most of time by writing, organizing and putting my bike together. I met up with LC and joined her as she rode the 7km to the track. I wasn't ready to run just yet but wanted to see more of the area. You definitely have to watch yourself with cars no matter where you go here. I have a small bike-geek mirror on my glasses and I'm grateful I brought it! I suspect the others will make fun of me because of it, but I'll be sure to see them in it as I pull away! In all truth, having eyes in the back of my head gives me a bit more awareness of the cars, taxis, and pedestrians that are making their way on the roads. There were a number of athletes ready for the workout that Melvin (Philippines triathlon coach) was providing. I'm not sure what I thought prior to coming here, but I didn't think there would be that many athletes here. There must have been at least 20-30 and others running/jogging on their own at the track. Awesome.
It's amazing how quickly one can adapt to a different way of lifestyle. I felt comfortable visiting the market (I call the city centre the market because it reminds me of a local farmer's market and flea market mixed together) and have made two trips. Every few meters there are individuals all set up with their small box of smokes, fruits, and/or candies for sale. The vendors range from young kids to older gentlemen. I was bombarded with "Taxi Mamm? Mamm, Taxi?" at least every 25 steps.
I didn't bring my camera when Tereza (Macel), LC and I went to the market because I figured I'd have to carry a lot home and in the taxi! I promise to bring it next time! I finally was able to find some good vegetables and fruit. (The Jimeno family isn't familiar with Subic and all that we found open that afternoon was the small convenience store I mentioned before.) At one point I rode in a motorbike and carrier with Tereza. The fumes were awful but the experience was great! But I now understand why so many Filipinos hold handkerchiefs up to their faces in the city. I may have to do this. The outside market reeked even worse, like rotten fish. Thankfully, though, the grocery store was great. It had everything we needed. I already made a great smoothie of cucumbers, nuts and a side dish of crabmeat. Mmmm!
Yesterday, after eating kare-kare (the unknown and mistakenly identified food that I tried with the Jimeno family), I decided that I'd try the non-refrigerated eggs. I guess this is what they also do in Australia. I was a bit hesitant but needed some protein besides canned tuna. I even bought some chicken but was a bit scared to try it, as it had been open to the air and only minimally ice-packed. It looked fresh and Jonnyo commented earlier that he tried the beef. He's still alive and kicking, so I'm assuming I'll be OK! Another great food I tried is the pilo nut. I bought a small bag of them and absolutely love them! It's a mix of sour and sweet, peanut and cashew!
In the afternoon, I decided to go for an easy 1-hour run. I went later in the day because my energy was waning from going to the market and being up since 3am. The heat is really not all that bad. Maybe Lompoc's weather helped me prepare. It's more humid here though and reminds me a lot about my days in Missouri, where I went to university.
Elsewhere, there are a number of police and security men everywhere here. To get where we're living, you have to pass a few blockaded entrances, all which have security personnel guarding them. I caught one guard singing his lungs out to the local radio while I ran past. He just smiled and continued singing (and of course, saying "good-evening"!). I ran past another entrance where a younger man lifted a rope so that the barrier would lift up for me. I'm not quite sure what they do or the purpose of them being there, but I guess their presence helps with the massive amounts of people or gives a sense of security. They don't check anything and just say hi to every car, person that passes.
It's funny but everyone here loves to say hi and stare at you. I guess this is what it means to be a foreigner in a different country! During my run there were lots of people walking to and from jobs and houses. I've yet to figure out if they live around here. Some do, but some look like they've been working in fields and then head home after work. They bring their produce and try to catch the taxis that come around every half hour or so. A number of them also pile up in the back of pick-up trucks, to cut costs I think. EVERY single one of them says "good-morning Mamm, good-evening Mamm." I get honks from every car. They do this not to be obnoxious, but to just let me know they're there. So far, I love this community! Everyone is so friendly, and not just to me but to each other. It's heartwarming.
Day 3: Feb 4th –
I'm wide-awake at 3 am again today. My sleep patterns are anything but normal. The good thing is that I'm not being bothered by the monkey noises outside! I've yet to get a picture of them but will try today if I get a chance. At 3am there is not much to do but twiddle your thumbs. I don't watch much TV but was surprised to find a cross-country running race in Scotland going on! An Ethiopian runner won. No surprises there. Her smoothness was amazing! She basically attacked in the last kilometer and left her competitors in the…mud. I was also able to watch the men's race. It was almost identical to the ladies race. An Ethiopian blasted away from the field and won convincingly. Now, I'm more than ready than ever to get the day going!
I finally get to meet the man today, the fearsome Doc. So far we've only corresponded by email (the same goes for my Canadian pals Tereza and Jonnyo). We all talked a bit yesterday and it will be interesting to see what he has planned for us. I just happened to be in the conference room (where free Wi-Fi is located) when Keegan told me that the plan is to meet at 10:30 at the pool! I plan to check out The Bike Boutique and get a new chain and pump. I also hope to get a huge mug for my tea. I should have thought of it yesterday, but my thoughts are still in another time zone. I hate those tiny 'cups' they give you in hotel rooms and that's exactly what we have here. My camera will be coming with me this time!
I think, because I've slept most of my time away! Things were a bit overwhelming at first but once I got my bearings and found where everything was located, I felt like I was in my element…that is when I wasn't sleeping!
I'm learning that stress is definitely a waste of time and energy. I was worried about what I'd eat, how I'd adapt, and the whole traveling escapade from North America. I worried about my baggage weight and prayed customs wouldn't force me to throw away some of the nutritional bars and foods I packed. I packed more Standard Process and Raw Revolution bars than I can count...seriously. In the end, if you accept what is happening at the time and go with the flow, it's easy! I think I'm learning how to live in 'the now' rather than in the past or worrying about the future. I've definitely been woken up in more ways than one. What I've seen so far (poverty, different lifestyles) is extremely humbling and at the same time inspiring. I like being in 'the now' here.
Feb 3rd – Day 2:
My day started early – very early in fact (3am). Jonnyo (Jonathan Caron) is on the same messed-up time zone as me and his room is next door to mine. We both were up before the crack of dawn! I decided to make the most of time by writing, organizing and putting my bike together. I met up with LC and joined her as she rode the 7km to the track. I wasn't ready to run just yet but wanted to see more of the area. You definitely have to watch yourself with cars no matter where you go here. I have a small bike-geek mirror on my glasses and I'm grateful I brought it! I suspect the others will make fun of me because of it, but I'll be sure to see them in it as I pull away! In all truth, having eyes in the back of my head gives me a bit more awareness of the cars, taxis, and pedestrians that are making their way on the roads. There were a number of athletes ready for the workout that Melvin (Philippines triathlon coach) was providing. I'm not sure what I thought prior to coming here, but I didn't think there would be that many athletes here. There must have been at least 20-30 and others running/jogging on their own at the track. Awesome.
It's amazing how quickly one can adapt to a different way of lifestyle. I felt comfortable visiting the market (I call the city centre the market because it reminds me of a local farmer's market and flea market mixed together) and have made two trips. Every few meters there are individuals all set up with their small box of smokes, fruits, and/or candies for sale. The vendors range from young kids to older gentlemen. I was bombarded with "Taxi Mamm? Mamm, Taxi?" at least every 25 steps.
I didn't bring my camera when Tereza (Macel), LC and I went to the market because I figured I'd have to carry a lot home and in the taxi! I promise to bring it next time! I finally was able to find some good vegetables and fruit. (The Jimeno family isn't familiar with Subic and all that we found open that afternoon was the small convenience store I mentioned before.) At one point I rode in a motorbike and carrier with Tereza. The fumes were awful but the experience was great! But I now understand why so many Filipinos hold handkerchiefs up to their faces in the city. I may have to do this. The outside market reeked even worse, like rotten fish. Thankfully, though, the grocery store was great. It had everything we needed. I already made a great smoothie of cucumbers, nuts and a side dish of crabmeat. Mmmm!
Yesterday, after eating kare-kare (the unknown and mistakenly identified food that I tried with the Jimeno family), I decided that I'd try the non-refrigerated eggs. I guess this is what they also do in Australia. I was a bit hesitant but needed some protein besides canned tuna. I even bought some chicken but was a bit scared to try it, as it had been open to the air and only minimally ice-packed. It looked fresh and Jonnyo commented earlier that he tried the beef. He's still alive and kicking, so I'm assuming I'll be OK! Another great food I tried is the pilo nut. I bought a small bag of them and absolutely love them! It's a mix of sour and sweet, peanut and cashew!
In the afternoon, I decided to go for an easy 1-hour run. I went later in the day because my energy was waning from going to the market and being up since 3am. The heat is really not all that bad. Maybe Lompoc's weather helped me prepare. It's more humid here though and reminds me a lot about my days in Missouri, where I went to university.
Elsewhere, there are a number of police and security men everywhere here. To get where we're living, you have to pass a few blockaded entrances, all which have security personnel guarding them. I caught one guard singing his lungs out to the local radio while I ran past. He just smiled and continued singing (and of course, saying "good-evening"!). I ran past another entrance where a younger man lifted a rope so that the barrier would lift up for me. I'm not quite sure what they do or the purpose of them being there, but I guess their presence helps with the massive amounts of people or gives a sense of security. They don't check anything and just say hi to every car, person that passes.
It's funny but everyone here loves to say hi and stare at you. I guess this is what it means to be a foreigner in a different country! During my run there were lots of people walking to and from jobs and houses. I've yet to figure out if they live around here. Some do, but some look like they've been working in fields and then head home after work. They bring their produce and try to catch the taxis that come around every half hour or so. A number of them also pile up in the back of pick-up trucks, to cut costs I think. EVERY single one of them says "good-morning Mamm, good-evening Mamm." I get honks from every car. They do this not to be obnoxious, but to just let me know they're there. So far, I love this community! Everyone is so friendly, and not just to me but to each other. It's heartwarming.
Day 3: Feb 4th –
I'm wide-awake at 3 am again today. My sleep patterns are anything but normal. The good thing is that I'm not being bothered by the monkey noises outside! I've yet to get a picture of them but will try today if I get a chance. At 3am there is not much to do but twiddle your thumbs. I don't watch much TV but was surprised to find a cross-country running race in Scotland going on! An Ethiopian runner won. No surprises there. Her smoothness was amazing! She basically attacked in the last kilometer and left her competitors in the…mud. I was also able to watch the men's race. It was almost identical to the ladies race. An Ethiopian blasted away from the field and won convincingly. Now, I'm more than ready than ever to get the day going!
I finally get to meet the man today, the fearsome Doc. So far we've only corresponded by email (the same goes for my Canadian pals Tereza and Jonnyo). We all talked a bit yesterday and it will be interesting to see what he has planned for us. I just happened to be in the conference room (where free Wi-Fi is located) when Keegan told me that the plan is to meet at 10:30 at the pool! I plan to check out The Bike Boutique and get a new chain and pump. I also hope to get a huge mug for my tea. I should have thought of it yesterday, but my thoughts are still in another time zone. I hate those tiny 'cups' they give you in hotel rooms and that's exactly what we have here. My camera will be coming with me this time!
2 comments:
You should stay away from the monkeys; they're mean and have a fierce bite! Next time you go to the pelinke (market), buy some jack fruit; good stuff! Stay away from balut, cho-pow, or aso; bad stuff!
You might want to post your address so people can send you care packages. Books, preferred personal care items, and specific foods are nearly impossible to find in the provinces.
Your last 2 posts bring back so good memories of my first days in the PI. Have fun.
Thanks! That's a great idea about the care items. Although it's very expensive to ship something here. But if someone were to be so inclined, I'd be grateful. Here is The Bike Boutique's address:
c/o Melvin Fausto
The Bike Boutique Ph, Inc.
Store 1, Grand Season Hotel & Casino,
Canal Road, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines 2222
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