First steps...

My first blog![it still sounds funny in my head]. This is the infamous intro-blog, somewhat simple and to the point...Lacking creativity & awesome seat-of-your-pants stories. Bare with me! This serves to keep the ones I love updated on wherever I may be in the world, since I have trouble keeping track as it is. 

4 days I have been here. The Philippines - not a place I ever really expected to be. Well, things fall into place and work as they do, so here I am! 

Philippine transport: the tricycle

Having traveled in SE Asia before, I anticipated more or less what was to come. I am, however, pleasantly surprised each & every moment. The energy here is different. Still assaulting to the senses... the smells, bright lights, honking motorbikes & yelling street hawkers. The people are different & I have yet to put my finger on it. Everyone of course is friendly, but unlike Indonesia or Thailand where people get in your face & want to know everything about you, my encounters with strangers have been met with a quiet curiosity. They stare [and I mean STARE - double & triple takes] but few say much, instead I feel the eyes of judging observation. It seems they are crafting stories about me or wondering what I am doing here. I did say hello to someone and they quickly replied yelling, "I LOVE YOU!".

There are no westerners or tourists in the small city I'm in. Sticking out is an gross understatement. I have noticed that everyone sings, ALOT. When they are walking on the street, talking with their friends, at work...Karaoke is the national pastime, and not to be taken lightly, or comically as I see it. I walk down the street and hear a lot of early nineties soft rock hits, a lot of Christmas songs, and TOO MANY Justin Beiber-esque chart toppers.

Michaella [Ging-ging]...Such a sweetheart she is!

I am about 2 hours north of Manila, in San Fernando, Pampanga Province. Kapampangans are known for the best cuisine in the country, and I believe it. I am eating WELL.

I am staying with a friend who is living & going to school here. I'm enjoying a quiet paced life with his family. His niece & nephew, Michaella & Francis have quickly become my good buddies while the family is doing their regular routine. We have limited communication, although Francis [8] being extremely intelligent & good with his English can translate more for me, but we laugh and play, and speak with our smiles. I am slowing down and so grateful for the simple moments. 

I feel at home with my backpack & traveling legs again. This is how I know myself, on the move. 

For now I will close, there are many things to do & see before I leave to the next destination.!