RW goes Urban Jungle

I have arrived. Manila.

It was tortuous. Only 23 hours of intransit flying from Fredericton to Hong Kong (HK), my only fortune was that the plane was only 2/3 full and my seatmate chose to vacate to some other part of the cabin. That left me with two seats which were the usual - over the wing with no view to be had. I should stop asking for a window seat. So the trip was one long grind and there were times when I was able to get fetal - and get some sleep. It was only the random cart passing which crushed an overhanging toe or split my angst-ridden brow which gave aid to the sleep.

HK is a city to behold. The whole world wants to be America and HK is leading the race. Wanna buy something. Here it can be found. However the vagaries of supply-side economics have left most available and readily recognized NorthaAmerican commodities no less expensive than if one purchased at home. So what's the point to all the hoopla? I wanted to buy a camera...I left my click in HK.

With so much shopping to be done, there was not much time for requisite jetlag adjustment. I made my first mistake. While waiting for the shuttle back to the airport to head onward to Manila I fell asleep. That catnap was sufficient to delay whatever adjustments to be made for the next three days...

I was met at the Manila airport by the LGSP driver, Jun. We (I) had our first cultural clash. Jun, while making small talk as we jumbled through traffic at midnight in Manila (why paint lines on the road?), let slip that he was surprised to recognize me. Yes, in my Tshirt and flipflops and shorts I was not worthy of his attention. Hmmm. When I asked what it was he was expecting he mentioned dress pants and patent leather shoes.

I think I am in the wrong place.

Is it hot out here or what?? With an average temperature of 35 with humidity approaching swimming pool who can wear a parka to the sun? I have come to the land of the mega malls. Yes indeed, there three within 200 m of my condo. If I can scrape enough dough out of my stipend maybe I'll pick up some chinos and then maybe leather sandals. Hopefully that will suffice.

Condo. I live on the 19 floor of the AIC Gold building in Ortegas Center. Seems that this is the business center of the upscale community of Pasig City north and east of central Manila. The condo is billed as a two bedroom (tho there is another bedroom for the "help" should the tenants require). Floors are marble, walls are concrete, windows are tinted with a view to the city. Every room has an A\C unit and I am still fiddling with the controls to find median between iceblock and steam-bath. There is a tv and a small stereo unit which plays VCDs and CDs. A couch and two chairs. The kitchen has a gas stove and a fridge but not so much counter space. The master bedroom, where I have dropped my gear, has a double bed a small built in desk, two bedside tables and one lamp (the other I gave to Sara). All bedrooms have attached bathrooms with a western sit-down toilet and, in my case, a very large bathtub. Another mistake, I think, as the tub only takes an hour or so to fill up. There is however a shower handle but there is no wall hanging attachment making for a one-handed shower.

I arrived at midnight on Wednesday and by 0700 Thursday Sara popped in after a grueling flight in from LA. And by 0900 we had two of the women from the LGSP office (a mere 50 m south of the condo) came by for a chat and a welcome. Sef and Gigi kindly brought by Starbucks coffee and muffins. After a bit of light chat and introductions they walked us through the office and around the neighbourhood. Starbucks, Seattle's best and Figaro coffee shops compete within the same quarter block... and then there are the malls. All three of them. Large, larger and largest each with its own status association. Sef and Gigi took us to an upscale restaurant in the classiest mall where Basil joined us. The five of us ate heartily for an upscale cost of 1600 pesos - translating to $39 CAD. Gigi and Sef then escorted us to the grocery store in the basement of "the other mall" and left us to fend for ourselves.

Friday was our first day in the office and it was filled with introductions, briefings and administration. Slow and simple. Now it should take off.... Monday we are scheduled to fly the afternoon flight to Davo and then on to Iloilo. I think we come back Thursday evening. Sounds like fun.

Cheers.