Cebu, Philippines - December 17, 2005
Made it to CEBU! On the flight, there was a really interesting expat American guy I was sitting next to on the plane. He had been working on oil rigs the last 20 years, and lived and worked all over the world. He just got back to Cebu from Africa. Apparently, he has a home in Cebu and has lived there the last 3 years. He's also into diving. Before living in Cebu, he lived in Malaysia for quite some time as well. He told me quite a bit about the expat community, what they did, why he lives there, etc. It made me really interested to live in Cebu.
Upon arrival, he told I might want to stay in Mactan near the airport the first night. He also offered me a ride, but then I realized I left my book on the plane, so I declined and went back to get it. After finally getting back on the plane, and back out again, I realized all of the taxis had already left! I didn't see one anywhere in sight. Then some guy offered to take me to Mactan for 200 pesos. I didn't know what else I could do, didn't quite trust the guy either, but reluctantly agreed. Suddenly we were walking to some area, and another Filipino guy said to me, how much is he charging you and where are you going? I told him, and the guy was so upset. He said he hated those kind of guys. He told me we could take a taxi together to Mactan, I'd pay my fare with the meter, and he'd go the rest of the way on his own. I thanked him over and over, and it ended up being 50 pesos!
Once I arrived in this Mactan area, I found it really depressing and dirty. So I decided I'd just sleep that night without trying to go out. Ordered lasagna for 200 pesos (US$4) from the hotel restaurant.. absolutely amazing! Hadn't had lasagna that good in a really long time! So much better than anything I'd find in Korea.
The next morning, I took a taxi from that hotel to the city of Cebu. Another thing I didn't like was the taxi drivers around that hotel. The night before I saw them stalking around. Then in the morning, another guy stalking around as well. He quoted me at 200 pesos (US$4) and said the meter is only in Mactan, not to Cebu. I left his taxi, and found another which took me to Cebu for around 100 pesos WITH the meter. So far, I've found taxi drivers to be honest when not associated with airports or foreigner hotels. If in front of hotels or airports, you can expect extreme dishonesty.
Once in Cebu, I settled into a hotel, and found my way to another Ayala Mall. Wow, life is really good in those malls. I must admit I really don't like malls in the U.S. or even Korea. But these ones in the Philippines, are really little cities, with so much food available, really clean and comfortable, and just an oasis from everything else. Plus they are great for just walking around. Found another great restaurant as well. Some european-style pizza which tasted great! Can't find any decent pizza in Korea either. Funny how much more is here than there.
One of the biggest things I noticed here was the number of foreigners around just like in Makati. Many seem retired. Many also seemed married to Filipinas. Unlike the rumor that all old men marry young filipin women. I found many seemed to marry and start families with filipina women of all different types of ages and features and everything else. Actually Cebu struck me as a great place for a foreigner to marry a local and still actually have a real life (unlike Korea once again). There just seemed to be more available in the Philippines plus English was absolutely everywhere. I really felt the best of both worlds - speaking fluent English everywhere PLUS being in a really interesting country.
From the mall, I eventually found my way to kind of city center in the uptown area. Actually, what I found was the Philippines Daoist Temple. It was Chinese in style, and looked really colorful. From there, walked around the area of this area. Found more malls and lots of activities once again. At night time, found a really festive singing in this town center park. Felt very family-oriented and very festive at the same time. I have to say I really feel comfortable in this city. Once again, found some more great food as well. Shanghai rolls and rice. Food is great in this country! Its much better than I ever expected.
Tomorrow, my girlfriend is going to arrive in Cebu. Haven't seen her in several weeks now.
Continued journal entries in the Philippines:
December 18, 2005
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