I've been asked a few times by my filipino friends here about my position on BOs decision to attack ISIS. I have to admit that I am so isolated here that I really don't feel that I understand the issue very well. I mean, I haven't seen TV in 6 weeks. I have no radio and no english speaking contact, nor access to english written news. Exepting intermittent internet access, but thats not enough to allow me to feel that I have enough true data. But lets examine this a bit... I see both sides of the issue.
One one hand, I believe firmly that a nation will fail in declaring war on an ideology. It is a hydra. In fact, that would be one hell of a logo for ISIS... A hydra head. However, on the other hand... if I knew my neighbor was making a bomb to blow up my house... what would I do? I just might try to neutralize that threat before I was attacked. In the end, I firmly believe (and Im not just beating my chest here) that the best solution is for more americans to start doing what I am doing right now. The best way to right this situation is to become true friends with people and cultures we don't understand, or cultures that don't understand us. Once the trust is built, there is a bridge toward true progress.
Bombs destroy bridges, they can never build them!
Anyway, I am pretty sure that most of the filipinos Ive spoken to on this subject seem to feel that BO is a true war monger, right in line with GW. And this is an interesting conclusion when you consider that ISIS does have a real presence in the Philippines. In fact, Mindanao, a large part of the Philippines, is completely off limits to Americans due to the threat of terrorism re ISIS insurgents. You might think that filipino's, who generally LOVE the US, might hope for some US support to wipe out the ISIS threat. And yet, while Im sure this is true at the National Government level, it seems that the everyday filipino... well, they simply dislike conflict of any sort.
Enough of that... today was an eventful day because I changed my travel plans for my Thailand adventure and this affects my return to the US. So, if you are in anyway interested... it now looks like I will be returning to the US on 2/19 or so. But you better be flexible, because that plan could change in an instant!!!
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Sunday, September 28, 2014
Coming to you LIVE!
So, back here in Lagonoy. I was very excited this morning to open my email to find a great letter from USAID. I had sent a rather open ended letter to FEMA asking for any and all help in supporting my mission. I really had little hope that anything would come of it. But,lo and behold, someone there forwarded my email to the right channel at USAID. I received a perfect template for the development of a local disaster plan - and it is for the Philippines!!! I am so happy!
It just goes to show, you win zero games you fail to begin.
This past weekend was great fun. We ended up staying in the home of the barangay chief who invited me. Eat, drink, laugh.... repeat! This barangay and its festival (in San Isidro) was much smaller than the last. There are only about 1000 people in this village. Nearly all fish for a living. Consequently, we ate fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Fish and squid. Squid and fish.
On the way home, we ran into some rough seas and had to turn back. The banka (small philippine boat with "catamaran" type wings) we were one had no cover, so subsequently we got completely soaked. We finally made it to the port town we needed to reach to fetch our motorcycles and then we headed back to town... Of course, it rained the entire way. Twice we needed to hop off the motorcycle because the hills were too steep and the bike wasn't strong enough to make it up the hill. So we walked in the rain until we reached the top. Be flexible!!!
So, there we were... totally drenched and all I can think of is heading back home to shower (finally!) and snooze... but no! We went to...... the local radio station! Turns out that two of the guys I was with are local DJs and they had to file a live report. Well, as soon as we make it to the station, I am introduced to the owner/ station manager and his friends. By the end of our time together I had been asked to do a radio "promo" for the station! There is one caveat: I must do it in Tagalog... no english!!! They also want to highlight me for an interview on the radio! The owner/station manager and his friends were very kind. One of the friends had even hosted a Peace Corps volunteer many many years ago.... Noah Cohen? If your out there, I met the guy you lived with!!!
Did I mention that these guys were pounding the gin? I was astounded! It was barely noon and they had pushed back two bottles by the time we got there and then, the americano arrives and all hell breaks loose! Out of nowhere, there appears a giant vat of fresh fish stew, which we eat heartily! More fish!!!! Anyway, I have an open invitation to visit my new friends anytime I want and it sounds as if I have some radio in my future!
It just goes to show, you win zero games you fail to begin.
This past weekend was great fun. We ended up staying in the home of the barangay chief who invited me. Eat, drink, laugh.... repeat! This barangay and its festival (in San Isidro) was much smaller than the last. There are only about 1000 people in this village. Nearly all fish for a living. Consequently, we ate fish for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Fish and squid. Squid and fish.
On the way home, we ran into some rough seas and had to turn back. The banka (small philippine boat with "catamaran" type wings) we were one had no cover, so subsequently we got completely soaked. We finally made it to the port town we needed to reach to fetch our motorcycles and then we headed back to town... Of course, it rained the entire way. Twice we needed to hop off the motorcycle because the hills were too steep and the bike wasn't strong enough to make it up the hill. So we walked in the rain until we reached the top. Be flexible!!!
So, there we were... totally drenched and all I can think of is heading back home to shower (finally!) and snooze... but no! We went to...... the local radio station! Turns out that two of the guys I was with are local DJs and they had to file a live report. Well, as soon as we make it to the station, I am introduced to the owner/ station manager and his friends. By the end of our time together I had been asked to do a radio "promo" for the station! There is one caveat: I must do it in Tagalog... no english!!! They also want to highlight me for an interview on the radio! The owner/station manager and his friends were very kind. One of the friends had even hosted a Peace Corps volunteer many many years ago.... Noah Cohen? If your out there, I met the guy you lived with!!!
Did I mention that these guys were pounding the gin? I was astounded! It was barely noon and they had pushed back two bottles by the time we got there and then, the americano arrives and all hell breaks loose! Out of nowhere, there appears a giant vat of fresh fish stew, which we eat heartily! More fish!!!! Anyway, I have an open invitation to visit my new friends anytime I want and it sounds as if I have some radio in my future!
Things I witnessed today before 7am
Giant one legged turkey
Small naked children running thru the street
A circle of girls dancing together and shaking hips to Katy Perry
Men waking at 5am to drink gin
Fish heads for breakfast
Fish eyes as the best part of breakfast
Korean rap music
Communal bathing in the river nearby
Radio broadcast via cell phone from the top of a hill
Parade participation
By 9a I was asked to be the judge of a majorette competition
In the evening I was judge of the talent contest
And the beat goes on...
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Flexibility training
Filled out my first monthly Peace Corps progress report. There was a question that asked me to first consider what my biggest challenges have been thus far and then, how I have worked to overcome them. Undoubtably, the biggest challenge has been to remain flexible in the face of change. This goes beyond things like food and living arrangements. Every day, plans are made and then, plans change. Perhaps it is cultural.
We were told in training that Filipino's have difficulty in expressing contradiction - I have alluded to this in a previous blog. They never say, "no, that can't be done". So this plays out in the workplace in that whenever I make a suggestion or proposal, the answer is always an enthusiastic "Sige!", or "ok!" But, I find consistently that these agreements rarely lead to action. For example, I made a suggestion that we hold weekly scheduled meetings to discuss disaster issues and planning. Everyone that needed to be at these meetings agreed that this was a great idea and I was excited because I saw this as a consistent forum for testing new ideas and we even set a date and time for the next meeting. Its been 6 weeks and we have never met. When I ask about the meeting, I am told, "next week!"
Or, maybe we are planning to go somewhere. And then we never go. Or, like yesterday... it was 1:30 and I was told that we needed to go to Naga. I asked when. Now! So, I had to drop what I was doing and head to Naga.
I find that my biggest ally during these times is definitely my sense of humor combined with the cultural awareness I have learned over the years. This, and living for two years in the Caribbean working for the Peace Corps!!!!
Tomorrow morning we head to San Ecidro to the festival - we'll be 'camping' again! In fact, it seems as if I will be traveling in a motorcycle side car (german style) for the 2 hour trip to the northern port town. This will be all well and good, assuming it isn't raining. If it is.... well.... I will have to remember to be flexible, I am sure! I'll be leaving my computer behind but will be bringing my camera. Stay tuned... Im guessing there is a beauty contest in my future!
We were told in training that Filipino's have difficulty in expressing contradiction - I have alluded to this in a previous blog. They never say, "no, that can't be done". So this plays out in the workplace in that whenever I make a suggestion or proposal, the answer is always an enthusiastic "Sige!", or "ok!" But, I find consistently that these agreements rarely lead to action. For example, I made a suggestion that we hold weekly scheduled meetings to discuss disaster issues and planning. Everyone that needed to be at these meetings agreed that this was a great idea and I was excited because I saw this as a consistent forum for testing new ideas and we even set a date and time for the next meeting. Its been 6 weeks and we have never met. When I ask about the meeting, I am told, "next week!"
Or, maybe we are planning to go somewhere. And then we never go. Or, like yesterday... it was 1:30 and I was told that we needed to go to Naga. I asked when. Now! So, I had to drop what I was doing and head to Naga.
I find that my biggest ally during these times is definitely my sense of humor combined with the cultural awareness I have learned over the years. This, and living for two years in the Caribbean working for the Peace Corps!!!!
Tomorrow morning we head to San Ecidro to the festival - we'll be 'camping' again! In fact, it seems as if I will be traveling in a motorcycle side car (german style) for the 2 hour trip to the northern port town. This will be all well and good, assuming it isn't raining. If it is.... well.... I will have to remember to be flexible, I am sure! I'll be leaving my computer behind but will be bringing my camera. Stay tuned... Im guessing there is a beauty contest in my future!
Monday, September 22, 2014
R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Ive never seen more smiles than I have in the past 6 weeks (well, maybe at a Dead show, but that is completely different! ;)) I mean, despite all hardships, I have to say, filipinos seem really, sincerely happy. I wonder what it is that makes them so? Whatever it is, they should begin exporting it immediately because the world needs more happiness.
Happy and kind and polite as well. It seems that the greatest faux pas that one can make in this culture is to do something that causes another to lose face. Everyone takes great care to be respectful of others. In fact, Im not sure how I haven't talked about this, but there is this word here that is thrown into nearly every conversation -- multiple multiple times. The word is "po". Po is a word used to connote respect to the person with whom you are speaking. For example... One would never say just Salamat, which means 'thank you'. Rather, one would say, especially to an elder or someone in position, Salamat po! It is 'po this' and 'po that', everywhere you go its po, po, po! Also, in a conversation, one would never disagree with another. You would never hear, "I don't agree". What you would here is something like this, "Yes, that is a very good point, po. And I was thinking, po, that there is also this side to the issue that Ive been considering as well, po...
Also, there is this charming cultural gesture that exists here and is very much a part of daily life. When one approaches an elder, or someone of position, the introduction is not a handshake. The move is to reach out and grasp the hand of elder, to do a slight bow and take the hand to your forehead. Touch the hand to your forehead and then release. This is a sign of respect. When I walk down the street, little children run up to me and grasp my hand and do this... wonderful sign of respect. It is a supplication, of sorts.
In other news, I went to Naga today and was introduced to some officials; there will be another trip there later on official business. I also made it to the travel agency. Bought 2 roundtrip tickets that should exhaust my vacation time and my budget. One is to Cebu, Philippines, which Carlos and I will use as a launching point to get to Bohol. The other is a post-New Year trip to Bangkok, Thailand, which I will use as a launching point to get to Phuket, Thailand. I never dreamed I would make it to Bangkok, or Phuket for that matter, and I just couldn't be more excited. I mean, Phuket! I need to go just to get a T-shirt!!! These tickets, combined cost less than $300, also, which is utterly amazing!! When I get to Thailand, I am hoping cash in on some backlogged free nights from Holiday Inn, thanks to the business travel I have done over the years, so that will keep costs down as well.
Anyway po, its time to go! Have a great day, po.. and if you have any desire.. you can always write me at darlotti@outlook.com!
Namaste!
Happy and kind and polite as well. It seems that the greatest faux pas that one can make in this culture is to do something that causes another to lose face. Everyone takes great care to be respectful of others. In fact, Im not sure how I haven't talked about this, but there is this word here that is thrown into nearly every conversation -- multiple multiple times. The word is "po". Po is a word used to connote respect to the person with whom you are speaking. For example... One would never say just Salamat, which means 'thank you'. Rather, one would say, especially to an elder or someone in position, Salamat po! It is 'po this' and 'po that', everywhere you go its po, po, po! Also, in a conversation, one would never disagree with another. You would never hear, "I don't agree". What you would here is something like this, "Yes, that is a very good point, po. And I was thinking, po, that there is also this side to the issue that Ive been considering as well, po...
Also, there is this charming cultural gesture that exists here and is very much a part of daily life. When one approaches an elder, or someone of position, the introduction is not a handshake. The move is to reach out and grasp the hand of elder, to do a slight bow and take the hand to your forehead. Touch the hand to your forehead and then release. This is a sign of respect. When I walk down the street, little children run up to me and grasp my hand and do this... wonderful sign of respect. It is a supplication, of sorts.
In other news, I went to Naga today and was introduced to some officials; there will be another trip there later on official business. I also made it to the travel agency. Bought 2 roundtrip tickets that should exhaust my vacation time and my budget. One is to Cebu, Philippines, which Carlos and I will use as a launching point to get to Bohol. The other is a post-New Year trip to Bangkok, Thailand, which I will use as a launching point to get to Phuket, Thailand. I never dreamed I would make it to Bangkok, or Phuket for that matter, and I just couldn't be more excited. I mean, Phuket! I need to go just to get a T-shirt!!! These tickets, combined cost less than $300, also, which is utterly amazing!! When I get to Thailand, I am hoping cash in on some backlogged free nights from Holiday Inn, thanks to the business travel I have done over the years, so that will keep costs down as well.
Anyway po, its time to go! Have a great day, po.. and if you have any desire.. you can always write me at darlotti@outlook.com!
Namaste!
Friday, September 19, 2014
Shopping day!
A good way to explore a culture is through the foods, right? This is why I so love going shopping for food here. As I mentioned in an earlier post, the best local food mart is in the town of Goa about 7 or so miles away. This is also where my bank is and because of this Im averaging about 2-3 trips to Goa per week. It costs me 16 pesos round trip via Jeepney (thats around 30 cents) which is inexpensive but time consuming.
Ok, so today was 'shopping day' and here were some interesting things I discovered: they have instant coffee here that is called 3 n 1. This is common. Its coffee, lots of sugar and cream all mixed together. I like my coffee black (even instant coffee) so I opt for the Americano version. Have I mentioned that I haven't had a cup of fresh brewed coffee since I left the USA? Oh, how I miss it! Anyway, thats not the interesting thing... what IS interesting is that I found some '5 n 1' coffee today! That is: coffee, sugar, cream, ginkgo, and, drumroll......... powdered mushroom! How about that?!
And heres another interesting thing I uncovered: they make hotdogs (rather ubiquitous) like many cultures, but here in the Philippines, the hotdog wrapper boasts "With REAL Tuna!" Tuna hotdogs!!!! I am not shitting you! So wild!
I'm not sure Ive mentioned this, but of course you have heard about how in China, it is easy to find fried chicken feet as a common street food. Ive always passed on the fried chicken feet. Here they sell chicken feet, and if you are interested, you can also have fried chicken heads!!! Just pop those babies in your mouth for a crunchy delight!!
So, I hit the food mart and then the outdoor public market for my fresh goods. And there, in the middle of the public market I found something I have been looking for: a scale that weighs humans (yeah, that kind of scale)! So I jumped on board and the results are in.... since departing Manila I have officially dropped 17 pounds!!! Hurray!!!!
So, of course it was time to celebrate... off I went to a joint Ive had my eye on.... Mr. Biggs! Mr. Biggs is sort of a US style fast food place, and of course they serve fish and rice and all that... but they also boast HAMBURGERS AND FRENCH FRIES!!!!!!! So folks, I dug deep and did the deed - "Burger and fries, please!" And that burger was pretty darned tasty!
Ok, one last thing and then I'll check out.... Remember the guy who brought me that giant cooked fish (from an earlier blog)?? Well, guess what? He's back in the picture. He has apparently invited me and the rest of my Lagonoy posse up to his barangay on the North coast next weekend for their annual festival!!! And it looks like we are going!! We'll have to time the trip right because the only time you can get to this dude's village is during high tide! I'm not sure why this guy likes me so much since he can't speak a lick of english, but hey.... I guess we hit it off using the old tried and true 'universal language' that begins with a smile!
Ok, so today was 'shopping day' and here were some interesting things I discovered: they have instant coffee here that is called 3 n 1. This is common. Its coffee, lots of sugar and cream all mixed together. I like my coffee black (even instant coffee) so I opt for the Americano version. Have I mentioned that I haven't had a cup of fresh brewed coffee since I left the USA? Oh, how I miss it! Anyway, thats not the interesting thing... what IS interesting is that I found some '5 n 1' coffee today! That is: coffee, sugar, cream, ginkgo, and, drumroll......... powdered mushroom! How about that?!
And heres another interesting thing I uncovered: they make hotdogs (rather ubiquitous) like many cultures, but here in the Philippines, the hotdog wrapper boasts "With REAL Tuna!" Tuna hotdogs!!!! I am not shitting you! So wild!
I'm not sure Ive mentioned this, but of course you have heard about how in China, it is easy to find fried chicken feet as a common street food. Ive always passed on the fried chicken feet. Here they sell chicken feet, and if you are interested, you can also have fried chicken heads!!! Just pop those babies in your mouth for a crunchy delight!!
So, I hit the food mart and then the outdoor public market for my fresh goods. And there, in the middle of the public market I found something I have been looking for: a scale that weighs humans (yeah, that kind of scale)! So I jumped on board and the results are in.... since departing Manila I have officially dropped 17 pounds!!! Hurray!!!!
So, of course it was time to celebrate... off I went to a joint Ive had my eye on.... Mr. Biggs! Mr. Biggs is sort of a US style fast food place, and of course they serve fish and rice and all that... but they also boast HAMBURGERS AND FRENCH FRIES!!!!!!! So folks, I dug deep and did the deed - "Burger and fries, please!" And that burger was pretty darned tasty!
Ok, one last thing and then I'll check out.... Remember the guy who brought me that giant cooked fish (from an earlier blog)?? Well, guess what? He's back in the picture. He has apparently invited me and the rest of my Lagonoy posse up to his barangay on the North coast next weekend for their annual festival!!! And it looks like we are going!! We'll have to time the trip right because the only time you can get to this dude's village is during high tide! I'm not sure why this guy likes me so much since he can't speak a lick of english, but hey.... I guess we hit it off using the old tried and true 'universal language' that begins with a smile!
Thursday, September 18, 2014
Steeeeerikeeee!
I never realized this, but weather in the Philippines is a bit like bowling. See, the Philippines are the pins and the tropical storms are the bowling balls! I have never in my life seen such tropical disturbances - storm after storm after storm.. and they pack a LOT of rain! Last weekend was Luis, and this weekend is Marcos. Knock on wood, we haven't seen much in the way of wind, but all the rain does bring a lot of local landslides that causes real problems. If you are so inclined, keep abreast of this bowling alley at:
http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/satelliteworld/pacificoceansatellite_large.html. Then look for Pacific Ocean Western Satellite.
No work tomorrow (Friday) as its a big holiday in nearby Naga. Lots of folks are going, but I am not. Apparently, thousands arrive for the parades and traffic and drinking are unreasonable and it would just be one day up and back, since I have nowhere to stay and all the hotels are apparently booked and I don't have much money anyway. I also want to get to Legazpi City, but with the volcano ready to blow its top there, PC is advising us to avoid that region for a while. So, looks like I'll be homebound for a few days. On Monday, I AM going to Naga to visit with the Governors office (on invitation) and also the regional police office. I will take the opportunity while there to look into some vacation planning, as Naga has the closest travel agency.
I actually put together a one day presentation today so I felt quite productive. Now, if I can only get someone to translate it into Tagalog for me we'll be cooking with real fire! It boils down to a basic primer on disaster management and covers preparedness, response, recovery and long-term redevelopment topics. It seems that the people I have spoken with here have a hard time separating these activities and therefore have trouble properly planning. Hopefully, this will help. I've also included two exercises: one is to track a typhoon coordinates over a three day period on a pacific typhoon map, and the other is a exercise on the power of storm surges. I also think I've been able to drum up a forum for this adventure, as the Lagonoy administrator has agreed to host the event at our local hotel here. So, there's progress, huh?
I am using the internet to follow my Pittsburgh Pirates, if only in the standings. Go Bucs! Baseball really has become a sort of 'David and Goliath" sport. Pittsburgh is such a puny team compared to the others -- their coaching staff should win lots of awards! Wish them well, along with me, as they head into October!
http://www.weather.com/maps/maptype/satelliteworld/pacificoceansatellite_large.html. Then look for Pacific Ocean Western Satellite.
No work tomorrow (Friday) as its a big holiday in nearby Naga. Lots of folks are going, but I am not. Apparently, thousands arrive for the parades and traffic and drinking are unreasonable and it would just be one day up and back, since I have nowhere to stay and all the hotels are apparently booked and I don't have much money anyway. I also want to get to Legazpi City, but with the volcano ready to blow its top there, PC is advising us to avoid that region for a while. So, looks like I'll be homebound for a few days. On Monday, I AM going to Naga to visit with the Governors office (on invitation) and also the regional police office. I will take the opportunity while there to look into some vacation planning, as Naga has the closest travel agency.
I actually put together a one day presentation today so I felt quite productive. Now, if I can only get someone to translate it into Tagalog for me we'll be cooking with real fire! It boils down to a basic primer on disaster management and covers preparedness, response, recovery and long-term redevelopment topics. It seems that the people I have spoken with here have a hard time separating these activities and therefore have trouble properly planning. Hopefully, this will help. I've also included two exercises: one is to track a typhoon coordinates over a three day period on a pacific typhoon map, and the other is a exercise on the power of storm surges. I also think I've been able to drum up a forum for this adventure, as the Lagonoy administrator has agreed to host the event at our local hotel here. So, there's progress, huh?
I am using the internet to follow my Pittsburgh Pirates, if only in the standings. Go Bucs! Baseball really has become a sort of 'David and Goliath" sport. Pittsburgh is such a puny team compared to the others -- their coaching staff should win lots of awards! Wish them well, along with me, as they head into October!
Tuesday, September 16, 2014
Birds of a feather
There are two kinds of dogs here. The lucky dogs and the rest. The lucky dogs get cared for by their owners, get fed, bathed and sometimes are even let into the house. Ive even seen some fancy dogs here - you know the type, pomeranian kind of dogs with their noses all in the air. But mainly, Im talking normal, run of the mill dogs that are tended to. Then, there are the rest - skin to the bone, very afraid and unfortunately, not long for this world. Cats are the same way. Lucky cats and unlucky cats. Luckily I am told that rabies is not a problem here and hasn't been seen here in years. I was surprised to learn that.
Anyway, I was walking home from work yesterday (work is about 200 meters from my house) and I saw something that caught my eye. Two boys were walking down the street with what looked to be a dog on a leash. I haven't seen leashed dogs here yet. As I got closer I noticed that this dog had the longest tail! Like his tail was over 2 feet long! So, Im about 10 ft away and suddenly I recognize that this is no dog.... this is a pet monkey! And not a little spider monkey, but a real black monkey with a long black tail!! I stopped the boys right there. "Thats a monkey!", says I. The boys look at me and then to the monkey, say "Yes Sir" and keep walking down the road. Amazing, the things you see.
On a related note, another thing I saw in the neighborhood the other day were these boys carrying doves. About 6 boys, each about 10 in age, and they all had doves in their hands and they were walking down the street. Odd. So, I follow them. They go a bit further and then, one by one, they throw the doves, like hurl them, into the air. Well, the doves take a few seconds to get adjusted to their new freedom and then they fly away! Some sport, huh!
Well, it turns out these doves are pets too. They will end up back home in each boys house by the end of the day. These doves are cared for and they know it. Rather than choosing freedom, they choose security. Fascinating.
I told this story to my group of friends and one told me that this "homing pigeon" ability is quite the sport in the Philippines. Like a gentler form of cockfighting, men will gamble on which dove will make it to their roost the fastest. They will drive/boat for hours and go to some remote location and then set the doves free. Each dove has a device on their leg that will track their exact whereabouts and the exact moment when the dove returns to their roost. The owner of the dove that makes it back the fastest wins the pot!!! What fun!!!
Anyway, I was walking home from work yesterday (work is about 200 meters from my house) and I saw something that caught my eye. Two boys were walking down the street with what looked to be a dog on a leash. I haven't seen leashed dogs here yet. As I got closer I noticed that this dog had the longest tail! Like his tail was over 2 feet long! So, Im about 10 ft away and suddenly I recognize that this is no dog.... this is a pet monkey! And not a little spider monkey, but a real black monkey with a long black tail!! I stopped the boys right there. "Thats a monkey!", says I. The boys look at me and then to the monkey, say "Yes Sir" and keep walking down the road. Amazing, the things you see.
On a related note, another thing I saw in the neighborhood the other day were these boys carrying doves. About 6 boys, each about 10 in age, and they all had doves in their hands and they were walking down the street. Odd. So, I follow them. They go a bit further and then, one by one, they throw the doves, like hurl them, into the air. Well, the doves take a few seconds to get adjusted to their new freedom and then they fly away! Some sport, huh!
Well, it turns out these doves are pets too. They will end up back home in each boys house by the end of the day. These doves are cared for and they know it. Rather than choosing freedom, they choose security. Fascinating.
I told this story to my group of friends and one told me that this "homing pigeon" ability is quite the sport in the Philippines. Like a gentler form of cockfighting, men will gamble on which dove will make it to their roost the fastest. They will drive/boat for hours and go to some remote location and then set the doves free. Each dove has a device on their leg that will track their exact whereabouts and the exact moment when the dove returns to their roost. The owner of the dove that makes it back the fastest wins the pot!!! What fun!!!
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Perspective is important
The other night, the guys were all calling me “cowboy”. At first, I thought maybe it was because of the fact that Im an americano, or maybe it was because I lived in the Southwest US, but no. Turns out, ‘cowboy’ is a term filipinos use to describe someone who meshes well with people of different socio-economic levels. They were giving me a compliment, or at least I took it as such!
Remember, that I have not seen a non-philippine person in 4 weeks. This means I am always ‘on’ when Im in public. This is sometimes tiring, but the circumstance allows me access to many perspectives. I’ve been learning about Philippine politics lately and politics (ie. government and power) works very differently here than it does in the US. But first, a similarity: you have to be rich to get into politics at any level in the Philippines and the higher up you go, the richer you have to be. Here's the twist.
Say you want to run for mayor… well, you first have ballots printed with your name on them. Then, you staple money to the ballot and hand it out to someone and say, ‘vote for me!’ Pretty direct, eh?? The more ballots/pesos you hand out, the more votes you get. Say you are running for mayor and someone comes to you and says, “you know, my mother is sick and needs medicine”. Well, if you want to win, you buy the mother her medicine. Say, someone important needs transportation because their car suddenly broke down… well, you fix the car for the poor soul. This goodwill leads to votes, right? Of course, there are those voters who are good at milking this system, as you will very easily deduce. They might be caught talking to a competitor candidate and say something like, “you know, Mr. So-n-so just gave me a ballot with 100 pesos!” Whats the competitor to do? Dive in his wallet and provide the good good voter with 110pesos, thats what! And this spiral goes on an on...
Now you might say, “oh, that is so corrupt”, and it is, but in many ways, I think its a much more straightforward form of corruption than the mess we’ve got in the US. Think about it. Of course, it stands to reason that a rich person would would want to enter politics only when the benefits of becoming powerful exceeded the cost of doing so. I am sure Keynes would think so anyway…
In other news, the cooking contest went off without a hitch and luckily they didn't have me eat any dogs, or pig intestine (I did have to decline my first food last night when I was offered a bowl of pig blood soup, I felt bad but honestly, I do have limits!!) In fact, the food at this contest was incredible! Three cooks in the cook off, three judges. We were judging two categories: Palatability and Presentation. The first food was fried sweet potato leaves - very crunchy and very tasty. The second was this candy made of some mashed root crop, condensed milk, sugar, peanut butter and some other stuff cooked to a paste and then wrapped in a leaf and then tied. It tasted a bit like peanut butter fudge without the chocolate, although I bet they could have thrown chocolate in there if they wanted to! I was pleased that my choice for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place was exactly the same as the other judges choices! Success! Then, another beauty contest. This time, my choice for winner came up second. First place went the the local gal… silly me!
Did I mention Typhoon Luis? Yeah, Typhoon Luis was going on the whole time.. .in fact, its been torrentially raining for 48 hours… that wont stop these folks from having their fun though! No flippin way! Like I said, perspective….
An event of a lifetime!
The Regatta was a smashing success! Where do I begin? Well, before I begin, let me jus say that the weekend absolutely surpassed any expectations I had and by the end of this blog I am sure you will agree that it was one amazing time!
Ok, we started at 3:30a taking a Govt vehicle to a port town on the northern coast. Once we got to the port we needed to wait because the mayor was being driven separately and hadn't made it yet so the group, excepting me, ate a hearty breakfast of…. you guessed it fish parts in broth! Once the mayor arrived we boarded a small boat and headed off. About one hour into the voyage, I was informed that we were going to make a slight detour because the mayor wanted to show me something. Ok, whatever, Ive grown pretty used to going with the flow, right?
Well, the sun is shining, blue skies all around and what do we happen upon but the most beautiful island with white sandy beaches and blue water. The mayor informed me that this is his private island - probably 150 acres or so. We jumped out and lo and behold this man appeared out of no where - I mean the island was otherwise deserted. The man proceeds to climb up a bunch of coconut trees and suddenly coconuts are falling! So we feasted on coconut water and fresh coconut jelly!!!! Soooo gooood and such a beautiful spot! Idyllic!
Anyway, we make it to the Regatta destination, a barangay called Balaton. We climb the hundred or so steps from the dock to the church overlooking the sea and who should we be met by but the Archbishop of entire region! Another feast ensues - fresh fish, squid, crab, and I am seated at the right hand of the Archbishop and just next to the mayor, his wife and his son. Well, the Archbishop just could not have been nicer - his english was spot on and we quickly developed a great rapport! I really felt honored to be sitting there in that company, I have to say.
After this feast, we headed out to our quarters - the local school. All eleven northern barangays had representatives there and each barangay took over a room, or rooms where people rolled out sheets. We did the same. This is definitely NOT the Holiday Inn, folks! No running water and cooking was done in firepits. You can pretty easily imagine what happened next… the beer was purchased, the cards broke out, the food was everywhere and we just had a great time until sometime around 3:30am!
Next day, we wake early and head out on a mission to visit as many local barangays as we can. But before we do, we get to watch the races begin! Just like I thought, its a rowing thing.. with each barangay laying claim to the best boat and the best cocksmen (I think that what they're called). So much color and excitement!!!
Well, we jump in our boat sort of keep pace with the racers for awhile but then veer off to do our site visits. I was interested to see just how vulnerable these rural locations actually are… and oh man, can I tell you that they are so flipping vulnerable. Folks living, I mean, right on the water.. sometimes, over the water! At times, there is no elevation, and other times there are steep mountains right next to these villages. The mountains just scream landslide, and in fact, we saw several sights that had experienced landslides. So, there is vulnerability from wind, from storm surge, from mudslides, from tsunami and of course, from earthquakes! We did our best to scout out potential safe evacuation center sites but sometimes the topography just makes safety impossible Its also clear that relocation of many of these communities is going to be impossible as well since in many cases, there is nowhere to safely relocate to.
Ok, so the travel between these barangays is just amazing… something right out of ‘Apocolypse Now’. If you've seen that movie… they are boating up a river to Cambodia…. Well, hey, Cambodia is not far away and these rivers are exactly like that. Healthy mangroves, and nipa palm, and man it was amazing!
We get back to base, as it were and I ask to speak to all the Barangays Captains individually since they all were at the Regatta - what an opportunity! I wanted to introduce myself and explain the plan that is forming in my head (essentially my mission here) about what we are going to do to improve the situation. Well, this was promptly accomplished and I was really pleased to have done this important bit of networking.
There were all sorts of activities going on - basketball tournaments, cock fighting, volleyball and everyone is having such a great time, including me. At one point, the Barangay captain of Balaton (our host) walks over to me with this giant fish… I mean this fish was fat, and like 3 ft long (no fish tale here!)! He does his best to explain to me that he had just caught this fish and that he wanted to give it to me!! I am not kidding! So, I try and tell him I just have no idea what I wold do with this 20 pound monster, but he is not deterred and keeps telling me that he is going to give it to me. Well, I thank him and go on my way. it was so funny!
But, the icing on the cake has yet to come! Soon it is time for the nights festivities - which is…. a beauty pageant! How fun! I am given a special seat next to the mayor and his family right in front just behind the judges. I am introduced to the audience of around 500 very ceremoniously as a Peace Corps representative and I had so much fun watching the event! I mean talk about soaking in culture!!! It was an experience of a lifetime!! There are eleven contestants and this is narrowed to five and everyone in the crowd is having such a great time and once the competitions are complete and they tally up winner, guess who gets asked to crown Miss Lagonoy??? Yep, that would be me!! What an honor!!! Miss Lagonoy was stunningly beautiful I might add and was my pick to win from the very first (which I took some pride in telling anyone who would listen).
After the pageant, it is party time again.…. By now its about midnight and the area is quickly turned into a club scene, albeit outdoors, and the music starts thumping and the dancing starts! Suddenly, we are surrounded by transvestites! They are everywhere! And a crazy thing happens - They start dancing with the guys and the guys dont mind at all… I mean not slow dancing, serious dancing nonetheless…. I danced with a few of these hotties I am proud to say and would add that it was so much fun and just so funny at the same time - I mean really really funny! Everyone was having such a blast!!
So, around 3 I figure I had to head back up to my spot on the floor and once I get there, who shows up? The man with the fish!!! And it is cooked and we call the guys in and have a feast on what I have to say was the tastiest fish I have ever eaten. I was told by some of my friends there that this fish is known to be the tastiest fish in the ocean… and it was.. and it was just so great and the man who gave me the fish was just so proud to have done it! Just perfect! This was the highlight of my experience!! I ended up crashing at around 4 completely satiated and when I was awoken at 5 by my team leader, the music was still in full swing. We needed to head out, via boat for the return trip and had to make an early departure.
As you can imagine, I was pretty tired and a little hungover for the rest of the day! So, that was my experience and I can say that out of it, I have so much to reflect on, I could fill blog after blog.. which I hope to do!
Monday, September 8, 2014
Regatta!
Everyone at work is getting ready for the upcoming Regatta! It seems as if nearly all of the municipal government is heading out for the event, which is outside of Lagonoy proper, up and over a mountain and then down the other side to the north coastline., probably a 2 hour drive. And I will be going as well! I will be staying with a whole bunch of people - They say we will be camping. Im not exactly sure what that means, but I have been told to bring lots of mosquito repellant! Oh boy! I dont have a sleeping bag, so I suppose I’ll just bring some sheets. I think the sleeping will be on the ground. This Regatta is a big deal. My crew is bringing with us two (2) pigs which will be slaughtered when we get there for food!!! Why do it this way you ask? Because we have no refrigeration! And apparently we have about 50 chickens as well.
The Regatta is a yearly event that has been going on for ages. Its all about boat racing and Im thinking its a rowing sort of thing (think crew, filipino style) with a bunch of races done by age group and then an overall race regatta champion! Im told that there is a sort of ‘Babe Ruth’ of this competition… He’s an older man who has won the large solo event year after year. Sounds like fun!
In other news, I was in the mayors office today trying to act busy and what should walk in but an entire wedding party! Well, it seems as if the mayor marries people!!! Apparently, this is done often because the mayor does the ceremony for free but the churches charge a lot. The couple looked so cute, he is his best pressed barongg, and she in a white wedding dress that had obviously been in the family for who knows how long! I snuck into a little closet adjacent to the mayors office so I could hear and see the whole thing without disturbing the moment! So sneaky, I am!!
Now, I can hear loudspeakers down the road and I was asking what all the fuss was about. Seems as if there are no invitations for the wedding reception - the entire barangay is invited to attend. It is a custom that money is pinned to the brides dress by all the neighbors, family and other folks attending. I know there are similar customs in other cultures. Of course, our custom is to just put the money in an envelope - so boring, right???. Anyway, I was told I definitely should NOT go to the party bc as an americano they would think I was coming to bestow on the bride a large sum of money!!! Better to avoid that confrontation!
Stay tuned for Regatta pics! Oh, and let me say just one thing more… Insects rule the world. Make no mistake. When we are dead and gone the insects will live on. They will probably mutate in Darwinian fashion into some super creature. There are so many insects here.. Mosquitos of every color and size, ants… you don't know ants until you leave a crumb of food on your outdoor stove. Little bugs.. Big bugs… Spiders… so much diversity!!!
Saturday, September 6, 2014
reflections
As I think Ive mentioned before, every day I am taking time to read two pages from the Dhammapada. I just open it at random and feast, as it were. Here is todays lesson:
He leaves his home, seeking
Happiness on the hard road.
Free from desire,
Free from possessions,
Free from the dark places of the heart.
Free from attachment and appetite,
Following the seven lights of awakening,
And rejoicing greatly in his freedom,
In this world of the wise man
Becomes himself a light,
Pure, shining, free.
There is nothing more I can add...
He leaves his home, seeking
Happiness on the hard road.
Free from desire,
Free from possessions,
Free from the dark places of the heart.
Free from attachment and appetite,
Following the seven lights of awakening,
And rejoicing greatly in his freedom,
In this world of the wise man
Becomes himself a light,
Pure, shining, free.
There is nothing more I can add...
Friday, September 5, 2014
OMG - it happened just like that! I was sitting with a group of guys and my turn for karaoke can up and then.... I had to find my "go to" song... anyone who knows the sport of karaoke knows the concept of the goto song..... as it turns out, mine was "Let It Be"!
"whisper words of wisdom...." oh, how perfect a night. TYG
"whisper words of wisdom...." oh, how perfect a night. TYG
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
A Sensational Experience!
In my last post on extremes, I forgot to mention perhaps the most obvious difference between my life in Lagonoy vs. Phoenix - the Rain! It has rained every single day since my arrival. Not that it is raining endlessly, but the skies are always ominous and every now and again they open. Therefore, the air is always heavy in a way that I had forgotten about, given my time in the desert!
Ok, so it’s 8a and Ive already had my first adventure for the day. Lets describe it:
I awoke in the way I am now growing accustomed - I rise around 4ish with the roosters and slowly make my way to the kitchen, which is outside. I make myself a nice cup of instant coffee and then vegetate for a bit in my outdoor dining/living room. At some point, I fix myself a breakfast - typically oatmeal with fruit and a glass of instant milk. By the way, Ive always hated instant milk but Im finding it amazing how one can choose to like things just by willing it so! So, I eat my oatmeal and then spend some time on the computer journalling or playing a computer game or something, or maybe I just sit and read. On about 7a, I make it to the shower - oh, thats another extreme - I havent had a warm shower in a month - anyway, I take my shower and do my business….. I say all this because thats exactly how today started. EXCEPT… .after I towel off and go to put on my clothes, I am suddenly feeling a zillion tingly bites all over my body! When I examine further it turns out that my bath towel had become infested with tiny ants during the night and I had just done a great job of covering my body with them!!! And they were as unhappy about this as I! Pretty uncomfortable situation, especially (at the risk of being TMI) in the private areas, that are, as it happens, a bit more hairy than the other areas of my body!!!!! And these ants were teeny tiny!! So, I jumped back in the shower and tried my best to scrub them away. Im at work now and dont you know… I just found a few more of those guys crawling on me!
Extremes
Ok... here are some of the ways in which my life has changed in the past month or so:
- Day is night, and night is day (Phoenix is 15 hrs behind Manila)
- I feel no work related stress
- I have not seen an airplane in the sky for 2 weeks
- I have not eaten dinner indoors in 2 weeks
- I have not had fresh brewed coffee in 2 weeks
- I have eaten rice every day for one month
- I have not looked in a mirror for 2 weeks
- I have not driven a car in over one month
- My diet has completely changed
- I have not used toilet paper in 2 weeks ( don't worry, they have better alternatives!)
- I have not seen TV in one month
- I have not had cows milk in one month
so, thats just a taste of the difference. I am loving the challenge of it all! Tonight I walked down the street after my dinner of rice, beans and greens. I found a few men hanging around a stand and pulled up a chair and bought a beer for the group! What a nice group of people! By the end of the engagement, they had bought peanuts for me an invited me to a birthday celebration! An honor! As hard as it is at times, there ARE times that make the whole thing worthwhile!
Monday, September 1, 2014
Travels
On Sunday, I awoke at around 3:30a and decided that I wanted to take a trip. So, I made myself a breakfast of eggs and rice and then headed off for the bus station that is down the road. I jumped on a bus headed for the town of Naga. I needed to go to a mall because there were things I was looking to buy that I can't seem to get in Goa - namely a kerosene lamp. I am also on the hunt for a cheap radio and some spices. I am surprised that Ive been unable to find any real spices out here, beyond fish sauce, salt or ginger. Im sure that other spices are staring me right in the face, I have no idea how to cook with them.
The trip was amazing. No air con, so all the windows of the bus were open and this allowed me to watch the sun rise over the rice paddies as we drove. The air was cool and the scenery was dramatic with farmers in their chinese straw hats working the fields with their oxen - nice! Anyway, I got to Naga around 7a and of course, nothing was open so I did a bit of walking. As best I can tell, Naga has 3 or maybe even 4 Universities, so there are a lot of young people and a lot of commerce. I found a mall but the mall didn't open until 10a so I had to sit and wait awhile. It wasn't long before I fell into a conversation with a nice guy named Emerson. Emerson was probably 25, and about 5'2" - a very slight guy. The only reason that is important is in how he makes his living. It seems Emerson is a paid mercenary. His job is to travel to Syria for 6 months at a time and work to keep peace. Then, he comes back to Naga and spends 6 months with his family. Now, THAT is a different sort of job, eh? When the mall opened, Emerson fell into step with me and soon he became my Kasama. Luckily, Naga has an Ace store (!) so I got my kerosene lamp and I found my spices (green curry paste and chili powder) at a supermarket. I bought Emerson a coffee and pastry and then we parted ways at the bus station, before my 2 hour trip back to Lagonoy. Success!! Now, I have a friend in Naga who I can call on the next time I am in that town!
Yesterday, I did more travelog. Like I said in a previous post, Monday was the day picked for me to be received by officials in Legazpi City. Well, what I didn't recognize was that the trip coincided with an event being sponsored by Legazpi City - a 5k run/walk to honor Civil Servants! My entourage consisted of around 20 people all traveling for the event! The Mayor of Lagonoy himself attending!
Legazpi City is even larger than Naga and as Ive said, but is dwarfed by the majestic Mt Mayon, a perfect conal volcano that currently erupting! There is actually steam coming from the top of the cone - I have never seen that before! Anyway, the trip itself took around 3 hours. We travelled via a short cut that took us along the coast of Lagonoy Bay... lots of hair pin turns and mountain scenery. Very beautiful. Once in the town, Carlos and I split with the group and headed for the govt office for my introduction. After a brief wait, we were met by a very nice lady who proceeded to give me a powerpoint presentation on the Bicol area relative to important economic demographic data. I was impressed! The Bicol area has a high level of overall education relative to the rest of the Philippines but suffers from underemployment. Women and men equally hold positions of professional responsibility but, of course, men still make more money than women. Malnutrition remains a problem as well.
Anyway, after the presentation Carlos and I headed back to find the group and we quickly found ourselves at the site of the 5K event!!! There were over 1000 people and everyone wore event tshirts (Carlos and I didn't have one). The event site was on the blacksand beach overlooking Mt Mayon. I was amazed to watch the following event unfold:
First, there was an opening ceremony that began with prayer. Then, the skies opened up and rain began to pelt down on everyone. Very few ran for cover however! A lady jumped on stage and announced that prior to the 5k what we needed was something to get us all in the spirit! So, as the rain fell, she asked for some volunteers to come on stage for a Zumba demonstration! The music starts pumping and before you know it, 1000+ people are doing Zumba in the pouring rain - I mean to tell you EVERYONE joined in!!! I was stunned!! And, as if this weren't enough - the Zumba kept going for well over 30 minutes!!!!! Im no Zumba expert, but I don't think this was newbie Zumba either! This Zumba got your heart pumping!
Ok, so Im watching this... sweating and dripping with rain, thinking, surely they have decided that the Zumba should replace the 5k due to the rain - but NO - after the music died down, they lined everyone up and the 5k officially began... by now the rain is falling in buckets. My party decided that it might be best to skip the 5k (after all, we were rather Zumba'd out!) and head for the vans. Which we did. Given the pelting rain, I thought the party was over. Everyone piled in the two vans and then..... we sat. By this time, it was around 4p and, with a 3 hour drive back to Lagonoy, I was expecting that we would be back by 7. But, the vans did not go!! And I didn't understand!!! And no one seemed to care that the the temp in the van was about 300 and it was pouring rain and everyone was sweaty from Zumba!!! And the gay guy who weighs about 250 decides to take his shirt off as he just flames away!! What a flippin' scene! I tell you no exaggeration, that the rain continued on and we sat in those vans for 2 HOURS - I was so confused! I mean, everyone else seemed to be having a nice time laughing and talking..... but it was really quite uncomfortable (for me at least) since the language is not english and the heat and humidity was over the top.
So, just like that - 6:00 hits and this must have been the time, because both vans move into gear and we begin our journey back home. Wow, what a day!!! I have to say, it was the first time since my arrival that I really started to feel some irritation. I felt as if I was a cultural hostage because I couldn't just ASK - "Yo, why the hell aren't we going home?"
Here's the thing... these 20 people in the vans... yes, they work together... but in another way, it is obvious to observe that they are close knit... like a family! I am sure that the whole event was like one big picnic for them... a paid day away from the office that allowed them to bond and tell stories and laugh etc., etc! And, I was allowed a window into that very personal, cultural event - and I am grateful! Namaste'
The trip was amazing. No air con, so all the windows of the bus were open and this allowed me to watch the sun rise over the rice paddies as we drove. The air was cool and the scenery was dramatic with farmers in their chinese straw hats working the fields with their oxen - nice! Anyway, I got to Naga around 7a and of course, nothing was open so I did a bit of walking. As best I can tell, Naga has 3 or maybe even 4 Universities, so there are a lot of young people and a lot of commerce. I found a mall but the mall didn't open until 10a so I had to sit and wait awhile. It wasn't long before I fell into a conversation with a nice guy named Emerson. Emerson was probably 25, and about 5'2" - a very slight guy. The only reason that is important is in how he makes his living. It seems Emerson is a paid mercenary. His job is to travel to Syria for 6 months at a time and work to keep peace. Then, he comes back to Naga and spends 6 months with his family. Now, THAT is a different sort of job, eh? When the mall opened, Emerson fell into step with me and soon he became my Kasama. Luckily, Naga has an Ace store (!) so I got my kerosene lamp and I found my spices (green curry paste and chili powder) at a supermarket. I bought Emerson a coffee and pastry and then we parted ways at the bus station, before my 2 hour trip back to Lagonoy. Success!! Now, I have a friend in Naga who I can call on the next time I am in that town!
Yesterday, I did more travelog. Like I said in a previous post, Monday was the day picked for me to be received by officials in Legazpi City. Well, what I didn't recognize was that the trip coincided with an event being sponsored by Legazpi City - a 5k run/walk to honor Civil Servants! My entourage consisted of around 20 people all traveling for the event! The Mayor of Lagonoy himself attending!
Legazpi City is even larger than Naga and as Ive said, but is dwarfed by the majestic Mt Mayon, a perfect conal volcano that currently erupting! There is actually steam coming from the top of the cone - I have never seen that before! Anyway, the trip itself took around 3 hours. We travelled via a short cut that took us along the coast of Lagonoy Bay... lots of hair pin turns and mountain scenery. Very beautiful. Once in the town, Carlos and I split with the group and headed for the govt office for my introduction. After a brief wait, we were met by a very nice lady who proceeded to give me a powerpoint presentation on the Bicol area relative to important economic demographic data. I was impressed! The Bicol area has a high level of overall education relative to the rest of the Philippines but suffers from underemployment. Women and men equally hold positions of professional responsibility but, of course, men still make more money than women. Malnutrition remains a problem as well.
Anyway, after the presentation Carlos and I headed back to find the group and we quickly found ourselves at the site of the 5K event!!! There were over 1000 people and everyone wore event tshirts (Carlos and I didn't have one). The event site was on the blacksand beach overlooking Mt Mayon. I was amazed to watch the following event unfold:
First, there was an opening ceremony that began with prayer. Then, the skies opened up and rain began to pelt down on everyone. Very few ran for cover however! A lady jumped on stage and announced that prior to the 5k what we needed was something to get us all in the spirit! So, as the rain fell, she asked for some volunteers to come on stage for a Zumba demonstration! The music starts pumping and before you know it, 1000+ people are doing Zumba in the pouring rain - I mean to tell you EVERYONE joined in!!! I was stunned!! And, as if this weren't enough - the Zumba kept going for well over 30 minutes!!!!! Im no Zumba expert, but I don't think this was newbie Zumba either! This Zumba got your heart pumping!
Ok, so Im watching this... sweating and dripping with rain, thinking, surely they have decided that the Zumba should replace the 5k due to the rain - but NO - after the music died down, they lined everyone up and the 5k officially began... by now the rain is falling in buckets. My party decided that it might be best to skip the 5k (after all, we were rather Zumba'd out!) and head for the vans. Which we did. Given the pelting rain, I thought the party was over. Everyone piled in the two vans and then..... we sat. By this time, it was around 4p and, with a 3 hour drive back to Lagonoy, I was expecting that we would be back by 7. But, the vans did not go!! And I didn't understand!!! And no one seemed to care that the the temp in the van was about 300 and it was pouring rain and everyone was sweaty from Zumba!!! And the gay guy who weighs about 250 decides to take his shirt off as he just flames away!! What a flippin' scene! I tell you no exaggeration, that the rain continued on and we sat in those vans for 2 HOURS - I was so confused! I mean, everyone else seemed to be having a nice time laughing and talking..... but it was really quite uncomfortable (for me at least) since the language is not english and the heat and humidity was over the top.
So, just like that - 6:00 hits and this must have been the time, because both vans move into gear and we begin our journey back home. Wow, what a day!!! I have to say, it was the first time since my arrival that I really started to feel some irritation. I felt as if I was a cultural hostage because I couldn't just ASK - "Yo, why the hell aren't we going home?"
Here's the thing... these 20 people in the vans... yes, they work together... but in another way, it is obvious to observe that they are close knit... like a family! I am sure that the whole event was like one big picnic for them... a paid day away from the office that allowed them to bond and tell stories and laugh etc., etc! And, I was allowed a window into that very personal, cultural event - and I am grateful! Namaste'
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