I'm still here

Can't believe it's been over six months since my last blog... Time has passed by quickly, but what have I done? I've travelled a bit to the Pacific Northwest, an Alaska cruise and attended my brother's wedding in Vancouver. I've also tried my hand in crafting and sketching a lot of man bags.

Since my last post, I've slowly assimilated to the Philippine lifestyle. I still need to assert my independence and the first step I should do is learn to use public transportation... hmmmn.

Anyway, next week I travel to Guangzhou, China for a fair. I'm pretty excited about that, the things I'll discover, and people I'll potentially meet.

I'll try to post a bit more regularly, so until then, ta ta.

Crocs, the new rage?

I spent the easter weekend at Tagaytay Highlands with friends. A nice getaway from Manila.

Favorite thing on a hot summer day: ice cream on sugar cones.

As I watched the kids play at Kids Gym, I noticed four kids wearing my current shoe of choice, Crocs. Is this the current rage in town? And why only on kids? So I admit, I am hanging on to my youth and besides, I just don't possess that classic Manila style. I'm too much of a sporty girl to wear pointy shoes.

Breezy evening cocktails on the veranda gazing at the volcano, the lake. Ahh... Listening to the others talk shop, I can't relate. I tune out, basking in the moment, in awe of my surroundings and disbelief that I am truly here. Then I wonder if moving was the right thing to do, or was this another impulsive moment acted on? I'm truly out of my element in this world of the Joneses, but I do appreciate and enjoy living, however small, in their world. What of my desire to simplify? I shall find my balance! As long as I'm true to myself and live within my means, I don't mind being viewed as the provincial sister/bumpkin.

...

An opportunity arose yesterday... a friend suggested I manage his family's resort. He won't be able to pay me a salary, but I will get free room and board, and the run of the house. My time will be my own during the week to pursue watersports. Weekends will be devoted to managing the resort and entertaining the guests. Once I've put in my hours, I can make money as a dive guide or master. Interesting, certainly worth thinking over... This is good, I can be close, but not too close, to Manila.

Baker Beach, Feb 06

Manila, I am here

... a recent transplant from the Bay Area, I arrived in Manila wilting from the long journey and from summer's sweltering heat. I take with me all that I need and more compressed inside two bulging luggages, a rolling carry-on and a computer bag. Six more boxes to follow by freight.

Having left my friends, a lifestyle and a life I've cultivated the past few years, I am here in search of myself and a purpose. I aim to live simply, actively, and above all, to leave my mark in this world. I am eager, to start now.