In Asia now, seeking travel input

[Dave H]

Anyway, my conclusion is, I can see why guys go to the RP, but it isn't for me at all. I'm off to South America, a continent I really do love, until Spring.

Thanks again to all of you for your input, and good luck to all in your search.

Hey Cigano,

It is great that you were able to make a firsthand decision, by visiting before deciding! I can understand where you are coming from. We all have different likes and dislikes. I feel the same way about LA as you do the Philippines and Asia. To me, the Philippines is a milder version of LA, with a bit of Asian culture and blood mixed in.

and though I'm generally an open-minded and adventurous eater, overall I really don't care for Filipino food.

You must of had a McSpaghetti or Chicken Joy. Ray warned you about staying out of McDonalds!    I usually try to avoid eating mangrove worms, especially those over 3 inches!  

 I would avoid an Argentinian barbecue, unless you like eating mysterious animal parts!  

Good luck is SA!

Dave

Mangrove Worms

[Dave H]

I am not a very adventurous eater. I am a peanut butter and jelly sandwich man myself. My mother never could get me to eat soup!

[Cigano]

I would avoid an Argentinian barbecue, unless you like eating mysterious animal parts!  

 I hear you there. I love Argentina; in fact, if I couldn't go to Europe it would be my next choice, and I've been there about half a dozen times. But whenever I get the "sample of everything" plate at a barbecue restaurant, I wind up giving half the items on the plate to the street dogs passing by. Here, doggy, would you like a...uhhh, barbecued yak spleen? There ya go...don't mention it, really.

 There's definitely a lot to like about Singapore. It's very clean, safe and prosperous, and the 24-hour food courts have excellent choices at good prices. But one thing I was thinking about today while out jogging was that overall the people don't seem to be very happy and don't smile much like they do in the RP. Kind of odd, because you'd think they have a lot more to be happy about--or maybe they just don't show it the same way. Reminds me of Colombia, which has its challenges to say the least, but whose people are rated among the happiest on earth.

[Dave H]

I hear you there. I love Argentina; in fact, if I couldn't go to Europe it would be my next choice, and I've been there about half a dozen times. But whenever I get the "sample of everything" plate at a barbecue restaurant, I wind up giving half the items on the plate to the street dogs passing by. Here, doggy, would you like a...uhhh, barbecued yak spleen? There ya go...don't mention it, really.

Hey Cigano,

At an Argentinian barbecue I always seem to get the tongue, intestines, A-hole and testicles, and unknown body parts. At first I thought it was shock the gringo time, until other Argentinians happily ate my leftovers. Thank God they also eat pizza and spaghetti..and none of those damn beans so popular in many Hispanic countries. I never could get into yerba mate, but then again I only like iced tea and not hot tea.

There's definitely a lot to like about Singapore. It's very clean, safe and prosperous, and the 24-hour food courts have excellent choices at good prices. But one thing I was thinking about today while out jogging was that overall the people don't seem to be very happy and don't smile much like they do in the RP. Kind of odd, because you'd think they have a lot more to be happy about--or maybe they just don't show it the same way. Reminds me of Colombia, which has its challenges to say the least, but whose people are rated among the happiest on earth.

You probably noticed many Spanish influences in the Philippines.

I have seen Filipinos loose everything in fires, their houses blown down or flooded by storms. They just pick up the pieces and keep going...happy to still be alive.

As to giving out money, you figured it out...those kids would have asked you for money every time they saw you! It is usually best to ignore people asking for money, especially if you give it away at your residence. The next day they will be back...along with many of their family or friends. I give them money when they do something for me...caroling at Christmas, carrying packages, blocking cars and backing me out into the road, carrying an umbrella over me in the rain, pulling weeds, taking away my garbage, etc. Too many people see foreigners as an easy source of money. "Hey Joe, give me money!" I can still remember when it was "Hey Joe, give me a job!" There were very few foreigners visiting my city then. But, foreigners have brought this upon themselves by handing out money to everyone who asks for it. Even kids who are non-beggars have learned the routine. When I am in our  barangay where the house we own is (many squatters and poor) or at our farm (very poor area also) the kids are more polite and never ask me for money or anything else. Sometimes we give them a little money (We get them to work - easy task), toys, school supplies, clothes, food, and candy. We invite the little kids to birthday parties, including mine (next month).  The rental house, that we live in, is in a more affluent neighborhood, with wealthy Filipino and Chinese/Filipino businessmen, doctors, university professors and foreigners (Japanese, Koreans, Americans, Europeans, and Australians). Some beggars pass through and others travel their same daily route around the neighborhood asking for money. Kanos (only a couple) are their target of choice.

On one of my early trips to the Philippines I made a mistake. Two Muslim kids (3 since one was holding an infant sibling) were watching me and my wife eat through the window at Jollibees. They kept knocking on the glass and begging for money. I told them to wait for us at the entrance and I would give them money when we left. When we left, they were waiting outside the door. I gave them each a few coins. They ran off quickly around the corner. My wife walked to another store down the block and I got on my motorcycle to drive there. The next thing I knew, I was surrounded by around 20 Muslim women and children (including the first 2) with their hands out touching me and begging for money. (Muslim men in the Philippines seem to leave begging to women and children) The traffic patrol officer was yelling at them to leave me alone! I reached into my pocket and pulled out a handful of coins, throwing them into the air. They scattered and ran after the rolling coins. I was able to make a hasty getaway!

I did it again a few months ago. A lady asked me for money while I was outside my house. I was in a good mood and gave her 10 pisos. While I was outside talking to my friend, she came back with 2 other ladies and asked for more money. I told her that I already gave her money. She replied to me "Have a heart!" To which I replied to go to the mayor's house or one of the mansions on the block (wealthy Chinese/Filipinos - keep hold of their pisos!). Geesh, I am probably one of the poorest guys in the friggin' hood! Oh well...at least I'm the best looking!  

That ain't no sock in my crotch!

[thekfc]

Dave, you just made me spill my juice all over my keyboard. That is an awesome pic.   

[piglett]

Hey Dave did you finally retire the old purple thong in favor of this white one??



piglett

[Dave H]

Dave, you just made me spill my juice all over my keyboard. That is an awesome pic.   

Hey thekfc,

Sorry about the keyboard! I hope it was waterproof.

Thanks! A thong can be a beautiful thing!! 

Dave

[Dave H]

Hey Dave did you finally retire the old purple thong in favor of this white one??

piglett

Hey piglett,

I still have the purple one. But I prefer the white one these days. It is much easier to bleach out the skid marks!   Can you tell that I've been working out? Not bad for an old guy! 

Dave

[Dave H]

Here is a picture of me from my younger days on the fire department. I don't know why my pics keep showing up on Fugly.com! 

[stevjulietb]

I thought you might be doing the color thing Dave....Brown in the back and yellow in the front?

Steveb

[Dave H]

I thought you might be doing the color thing Dave....Brown in the back and yellow in the front?

Steveb

Great idea Steve!  I can get them custom made here very cheap! I was thinking about getting one made out of rat fur, since they are quite plentiful and cheap. I will just have to stay away from the Philippine giant rat eating plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii). 

Dave

[piglett]

Hey piglett,
I still have the purple one. But I prefer the white one these days. It is much easier to bleach out the skid marks!   Can you tell that I've been working out? Not bad for an old guy! 
Dave

Dave i am not sure lifting beer cans & drinking the contents is considered "working out"


piglett

[piglett]

Great idea Steve!  I can get them custom made here very cheap! I was thinking about getting one made out of rat fur, since they are quite plentiful and cheap. I will just have to stay away from the Philippine giant rat eating plant (Nepenthes attenboroughii). 
Dave

man a plant that eats rats ....now that is serious !!!


piglett