Just go with it!

Foreign words are not the only obstacle when you move to a different country.  Even when speaking English, a strong accent can make it seem like another language entirely. I have always known that it is difficult to understand someone else. I just never pondered over the fact they couldn’t understand ME. That thought has become rather obvious these last few months.  In February, I was in a flower shop and the owner and I were having difficulty communicating. She said, “I am sorry. Your accent is just so strong.” MINE? I keep her comments in mind when I am talking to my driver. I can’t tell you how many times a conversation like this goes on between my driver and me:

Me: “I need to go to Anonas Street, please.”

Driver: “Anonas?”

Me: (As if saying it louder helps) "YES, ANONAS."

Shaking his head, “Anonas?”

Me: (still loud because of course it helps) "YES, ANONAS."

He sits for a moment: “Ahhhh, Anonas!”

What the heck? I swear that is what I was saying all along.

A while back, Tony asked our driver to take us to a Mexican restaurant at the Fort for lunch. Instead, we ended up at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial.  We all looked at each other strangely as we slowly made our way out of the car.  I had to shush Ellis as he said, “What are we doing?” I smiled and whispered through my teeth, “Just go with it.”  

We did just go with it and had a wonderful time meandering our way around the Memorial.  My only wish is that I could have had Uncle Bill to walk around with me and share some of his stories. At 89, I am afraid that won’t happen, but I could so picture him there with me!

 

 

We walked around looking for family names.

Does anyone from the Ellis side of the family recognize any of these names? You will have to get out a magnifying glass!

The Battle of Midway: Uncle Bill fought here. At 16, he wasn't allowed to enter the war, so he lied about his age. I can't even comprehend. He is a great storyteller of his time there. Such a great man. I wish you all could know him.

 

 

 

Since this day, I get dropped off at unintended places all the time. I usually just hop out with my bags and act like that is where I was meant to go. None have been as spectacular a mistake as the Memorial, but you never know what you may find if you just go with it!

 

A New Family Tradition

Now that softball is over, Hannah Grace has time to focus on her golf game. Tony had to jump through hoops to join the club, but it has been so worth it! My favorite part of the weekend is walking the course on Sunday afternoon watching the family play. Maybe one of these days I will pick up a club, too.

First golf outing

Notice Ellis's caddy putting the ball on the tee for him. And, yes, I said caddy. Everyone is assigned a caddy when playing.

Overall, it was a great day!

Same course, different day.

The caddy is making sure he is protected from the sun. Some people get two caddies: One to help with the golf and one to hold the umbrella.

We usually grab a nice dinner afterwards.

A little father-son time.

The best is the ice cold towel you are greeted with at the end of play.

It is pretty fun in the Philippines

The tourism campaign for the Philippines is called, “It’s More Fun in the Philippines!” With over 7,000 islands located here (the exact number depends on if it is low or high tide) and all the fun activities, I am beginning to see it IS pretty fun here!

You would think that with living on an island we would venture to the beach all the time. Sadly, in our four months of living here, our first trip to the beach just occurred last weekend. Friday was a holiday, so we took advantage and traveled to Sunset Beach Resort in Puerto Galera. To get there, we traveled first by car (2 hours) and then took a 1 ½ hour boat ride. It was a weekend full of snorkeling and kayaking with a viewing of the “big fight” to end our stay. There were a gazillion families there, the power went out Saturday night, and we lost (?) a bag of clothes when leaving. Even so...I can’t wait to go back!

Apparently, the water can be quite choppy on the boat ride over. Lucky for us, we had pretty smooth sailing there and back.

From the boat looking at the resort.

The outrigger pulled up to shore and dropped us and our luggage right at the "doorstep".

Not too shabby.

My kayaking buddy.

 

 

 

When he wasn't swimming, Ellis would belly up to the bar and play games.

He was pretty serious about it!

 

The sunset was beautiful!

 

A little café au lait beachside to start his day. Who does that at ten?

 

The children loved swimming out to this boat and hanging out.

I preferred the kayak, but I did get in the water.

This was supposed to be a three person selfie.

 

We never were successful.

The water was so clear!

 

Hannah Grace wanted me to take my hat off for the picture. Yeah...no.

This child of mine was a bit too wild for me on the Seadoo. 

I should have gone with Ellis.

And there you have it: Our first trip to the beach in the Philippines. I won’t wait so long next time!