I rarely post anymore and it is namely because what used to be so different to me, now seems somewhat normal. The oddest thing that happened today is we saw a naked man walking down E. Rodriguez. I am not sure why he was naked, and while it is the first time I have seen this, it didn't seem to stand out as much as it might once have.
I noticed this more when I had family visiting here last month. We did Manila, Boracay, and then a few more days in Manila. They seemed to appreciate some things that I no longer notice. It is like when I lived in SF. Going over the Golden Gate Bridge, while beautiful, was not really appreciated, just a means to get to Marin. When I go back to visit, I notice the view there a lot more. I have gotten a little like that here.
There is still TONS here I do not know. I still cannot figure out how a FX (shared taxi) works, where 99.9% of jeepneys go, the names of many local vegetables, why U-turn slots were invented, what the platforms are of most of the presidential candidates, how to find out about summer courses for teens, why no one here seems to notice the lack of sour cream available, or where all the toilet seats in public restrooms went. But I think I am doing better.
I can still be surprised though. The picture above I took last week. It is a stuffed baboon wearing a Santa Cap and a life tied to a light post in some neighborhood in Makati . That I definitely took notice of.
8 comments:
I know, it doesn't seem worthwhile to blog about ho-hum, everyday life. Not that it can't be interesting but the angle stops being, "Everything is so new and strange!" But I think you should blog more because it's new and strange to us and regardless it's nice to know what your life is like there.
I feel that way about SF when I go back too! Now I know why people always say how beautiful it is.
Whenever you are in QC, try checkin out this church by the Frisco wet market..secret tunnels awaits you..
why dont you try and take an fx from your place to s&r..get off at the Munoz stop..by the wet market..cross the overpass to get to s&r..jeepney's follow specific routes with designated stops..just like buses here in the states..u-turn slots keep the traffic flowing non stop but then again it doesnt seem like its working(edsa traffic sucks)..they have platforms? really?...noooo...have you looked at some schools there? I would try Ateneo for summer courses..Hi-top supermarket has sour cream..its on Q.Ave..and yes its a rare commodity..
Sour Cream 75% of the time can be picked up at Metro Market Market's grocery store. Along with Hidden Valley Ranch packets to make awesome ranchy goodness ;)
That said, I have found a workable substitute for real sour cream. Take the ever-available "cream" and mix in just a bit of vinegar. Stir for a minute and the chemicals react and you've got something that's really damn close to real sour cream.
I like the suggestion for making a version of sour cream. Also, it's pretty cool to see that you still crave things that you don't have the opportunity to eat anymore. And that sour cream is one of them!!
From a Filipino in the States, I'm sad that you have been blogging infrequently! I guess it's good that your get getting acclimated but I love your observations and how you express them.
Reverse observations: cottage cheese and sour cream... ewww. My housemate cooks dinner once a week and it's always laden with sour cream which I'd only eaten with baked potatoes from that baked potato & fries stand back in Manila. I think I've seen cottage cheese once or twice back in Manila but never touched that stuff and it took me 3 semesters to finally try some in the dining hall. Meh...
I agree with Jen. Reading your blog makes me home sick for Manila. I'm enjoying my time reading this stuff emensely. ( did I spell that right?)
U can also go to palawan to check out el nido and the underground river, camarines sur for their wakeboarding, cebu, chocolate hills in bohol, camiguin, etc. (in cas u havent seen them yet)... They may be worth blogging about :)
-michelle
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