Ever had lunch sitting in a stream?

On our way north from Naga, we stopped at a coconut plantation being run as a resort, where they serve lunch next to a waterfall. The tables are set in the stream beneath the waterfall, so you are sitting (and retrieving your food from the buffet table) in about 6 inches of running water. An unusual setting, to say the least! Keeps you cool in the heat!

From there we went to the mountain region of Sagaytay, next to the Taal volcano and lake, a very scenic area that gets wind, so stays a lot cooler than Manila and elsewhere because of the elevation and the wind. We stayed in a lovely resort there for two days.

Now we are in Manila, very definitely a big, big city with bigger slums, lots of high rises, and quite a mix of lovely places and things not so lovely. We're on our last day in Manila, getting ready to take the plane tomorrow and counting our pesos to see how much money we need to get ourselves out of the country. We have very much enjoyed getting to know our Philippine family, and they have been extremely gracious hosts.

So, until Vietnam, I'll sign off.

Island Boating Adventure

Several days ago we had our great boating adventure during a trip to the east coast of the island. While we were swimming and enjoying the beach a floating house appeared being towed down the beach by a couple of men. Shortly before a long, narrow outrigger boat had pulled up on the beach, and I was examining it curiously, assuming it was used by local fishermen.

It turned out that the floating "house" was a raft with a shelter, made out of bamboo, and the plan was to transport some 20+ of us on the raft out to a nearby island, towed by the fishing boats. As we all boarded, it became quite evident that the raft was designed for fewer people than we put on it--but we managed to stay afloat, even if not all of the raft floor stayed above water. Most of the people on the raft seemed to have little sense of the need to keep the raft balanced, both side to side and fore and aft, in order to prevent parts of it from going under water. The tow went quite slowly -- they started with one boat and decided they needed two. I addition to the people actually on the raft, we also towed a few behind us on inner tubes and ropes, and others clinging to the side. Can you believe it??

We got there--though our craft would never survive an OSHA review! And had a great time doing it. We are having lots of interesting adventures with our local guides planning them for us. And eating both well and way too much! That too is part of the Filipino adventure.

Sharing your gifts

Today's picture has a story. A couple days ago we visited the home in which Joahnna's mother grew up, with her nine siblings (4 boys, 6 girls). By Philippine standards they were relatively well off, in a small, well-built separate house, with the boys sharing one bedroom, the girls another, and the parents the third bedroom. Surrounding them, however, was a very poor neighborhood, with lots of small shacks built of whatever people can find. Their parents' house is still there, now a girls dormitory, and is still surrounded by the same poor neighborhood.

Their grandmother started a tradition of giving sacks of candy to all the neighborhood children each Christmas, and her children now carry that tradition on. So a few days ago we all created an assembly line to bag up 500 sacks of candy (apparently the number of children has increased over the years). Then we drove to the house, all donned Santa Claus hats, and proceeded to hand out the sacks of candy to the children, or their parents, who had been given slips of paper for each child that morning. You got the number of sacks to match the number of paper slips you had.

Our kids did a little performance as well, there was a little singing, and the festivities wrapped up in about two hours. It was a slightly rainy afternoon and that may have dampened attendance, because only about 450 sacks were claimed. The picture for today shows the children standing in line to get the candy (outside the fence) and the Santa Clauses of our family on the inside, giving it out. In the background you can see some of the nearby housing.

All interesting adventures, giving us a feel for the country, which has a tremendous gap between those fairly well off and the really poor, whose education probably ends somewhere in grade school.

A Jeepney ride

Transportation in Naga City is typical of much of the country. Don't know yet if it is the same in Manila, but here jeepneys and tricycles are the mode. We had our very own jeepney ride on a trip up to nearby hot springs at the base of a volcanic mountain, Mt. Isarog. I am hoping to load a picture of the jeepney so you can see the colorful ride we had. Today we took one of the regular jeepneys that run up and down the main streets, into the market. You simply flag them down and climb in the back. If you are sitting towards the back, you pass your fare along the passengers up to the driver, and he passes the change back. Lots of observers to make sure it gets where it's supposed to!

Along with the jeepneys are thousands of tricycles of varied sizes. It began as a bicycle with a sidecar. Now there are both bicycles and motorcycles, and the sidecar is fitted out to hold several passengers, and is covered. They are a bit battered looking, but very much in use.

Driving--now that's an interesting story too. It reminds me of China, where we did not drive and Argentina out in the country, where we did. There are no stop lights and while you are not playing chicken, there is definitely a technique to nudging your way into a stream of traffic running at 90 degrees to you in order to cross the street. Weaving in and out, around other vehicles and pedestrians, everyone seems to get where they want to go with not too much fuss. Honking the horn is just for a warning that you are coming. People don't honk in frustration here. Quite fun. Phil was laughing most of the time as we were driving, just watching the maneuvering.

We are eating very well (lots of rice, at every meal if you also eat a Filipino breakfast)but with a nice variety of other dishes to go with it. We're being treated very well and having a grand time.

We have landed!

Our winter adventure has begun. After just 14 hours of flying from San Francisco to Hong Kong, and another two hours to Manila, we crawled out into the warm Philippine air at 10 pm. We overnighted in Manila, then made the quick hop 50 minutes southeast to Naga City, home of the Palmiero family. That's Guy's wife's mother's family. Got that?

We are now basking in 90 degree humid weather-the kind that makes you want to return to the shower soon after you have left it. All you guys sliding in the snow-eat your heart out.

Shana arrived today so our family is complete, reassembled just 6000 miles away from home base. It is going to take me awhile to figure out how to get pictures uploaded. We're staying in a hotel that is managed by a family member. It has Internet access but the connection is a little slow so I don't know whether it will do pictures. I didn't bring my computer so right now I am using Guy's iPad to send this message. It is a little painful to type on, though I would probably improve with practice.

There are several family events planned over the next week, and lots of fun things to explore. This first post is to let you know we've arrived safely and are working on the technology. Guy did help me get my cell phone working here with a sim card from the Philippines, so that is a new first. He and I can communicate with each other. Phil didn't bring his phone so that's about all the excitement I'll get with it.

Return to Seattle, via cow country

Last night we stayed at the home of our friends Bob & Judy Morrow in Goldendale, WA, in the hills just north of the Columbia River Gorge. Bob’s primary work is as an accountant; he’s been our accountant for many years. A number of years ago Bob decided to move from Seattle to Goldendale where he bought a ranch and raises cattle (hey, why not? You can send tax forms to and from anywhere!). His cattle breed pick was an old Italian breed called chianina. This is the cow meat that we bought last year, splitting a half cow with Guy. Thought you’d enjoy a picture of a young chianina. They’re a tall-legged animal, sort of blond. And very tasty!

That said, for dinner last night Judy prepared a piece of Wagu (aka Kobe, or Japanese) beef steak. Bob is experimenting with different breed crosses and has bought a Wagu bull. He’s sharing these steaks with clients who have bought his meat to see what people like. Wagu meat is about the most “fatty” beef there is. Chianina is extremely lean. The Wagu steak was certainly tender but to me had less flavor than the chianina. Should make an interesting cross.

After our delicious dinner, we slept very well and this morning drove back to Seattle, getting home in time for a late lunch. In all, it was a great trip, with nearly perfect weather, and many good friends to visit with. But we’re also happily again at home, glad to be in one place for awhile.

Exploring around Sun Valley ID

After exploring the shops in Sun Valley on Thursday, at the suggestion of our host I drove north of Sun Valley up to Redfish Lake, sequestered in the Sawtooth mountains. I lovely drive through the high mountain valleys, admiring the views. Unfortunately at the lake, the afternoon sun was behind the mountains, making it difficult to get a decent picture. But here’s enough of a picture to show you why the Sawtooth Mountains are so named. After a nice dinner “at home” we’re on the road again on Saturday.