Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Kev, actually, that nice hike was in the morning BEFORE the encounter with “Earl,” but I had my regular solo walk the following morning. I don’t expect I’ll have any Earl problems in the future. If he wants to apologize, that’s fine. If not, I don’t care enough to be bothered about it.
It’s funny you mention Korea; Jim and Scott told me that the church had been built by Korean Christian missionaries. I guess the locals didn’t like the concept of worshipping closer to heaven. I recall hiking up to several of those temples in Korea (before I was a hiker) with my Buddhist wife, and it was a chore but worth it once you reached the top. Always beautiful architecture with a great view.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/November/2022 @ 6:40 am
Drain, interesting insights on Aeta diets. I’m going to be participating in an annual event for an Aeta village in Olongapo next month that includes handing out foodstuffs and gifts. The ones running the show are buying the supplies (I’m just a money man), and I assume they know what they are doing.
What I’ve noticed is that the Aeta people don’t seem to integrate into the general Filipino community. I rarely see them outside of their villages, and I don’t think I’ve seen any working normal jobs in stores and such. I am curious if this isolation is by choice or a manifestation of discrimination against folks with dark skin. I’ve never heard a Filipino speak ill of the Aetas, and many charities cater to them, so I suspect the Aetas are non-integrated by choice.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/November/2022 @ 6:32 am
Dan, I love that title to the story of my current life. I’m stealing it!
Yes, “Earl” does have his issues, especially when drinking. I probably have had more tolerance for his antics than most of his acquaintances, but he picked the wrong night to goad me.
And yes, I tend to be a loner. I’d enjoy getting an invite for an occasional bar hop or get-together, but it rarely comes. My introverted tendencies make it a stretch for me to do the inviting, and honestly, sitting here now thinking about it, I’m not sure who I would ask. Most of the people I know here are coupled up or otherwise ill-disposed to the bar life I’ve embraced. But I’ve got lots of “friends” in the bars who are happy to see me and my wallet.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/November/2022 @ 6:19 am
Brian, I’ve had the same thought–it’s so nice up here, wish I had a cabin. Then I think about the reality of getting all life’s necessities (including wifi), and I say, nope, not for me.
“Earl,” I’m sure, remembers because he deleted all his messages the next day. We used to hang out sometimes in the same bars, but in the past few months, I’ve not run into him until Friday night. It’s a small town, though; I’m sure I’ll bump into him eventually. I have no animosity, but I imagine we’ll just ignore each other going forward. That works for me.
As to the cookies, I almost always make sure there is an adult around to approve the gift. I suspect most of these kids I encounter get very few treats, so I don’t think my cookies will contribute much to tooth decay. Also, I usually give a cookie bag (8 packs of 3 cookies) to a group of children with the admonishment to share. Assuming they do share, that’s only a couple of cookies each. I have worried about encountering a diabetic child someday, but what are the odds?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/November/2022 @ 6:10 am
Yes, it is a nice venue, and I think it’s going to be a success. I enjoy sitting outside when I drink, and although there is no view, the huge TV screens showing landscapes is a nice touch. The music is good too. Not sure if you saw the comment, but a friend of mine in China knows one of the singers. Talk about a small world!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/November/2022 @ 9:41 am
Kev, yeah, I’ve got some work to do yet to get there. I’ve grown accustomed to my solitary life, but I still long for the life I imagined would be possible with a loving woman by my side. I realize that may never happen, but I’m not ready to give up the dream. I do take comfort in reminding myself that it is better to be alone than with the wrong one, so I will be proceeding with caution.
It is a worrisome aspect of coitus, knowing it might kill me, but then again, what a way to go! I I probably need to do another consult with the doc, although when I was first diagnosed with COPD, I was told there was no cure, best I could hope for was that it doesn’t get worse.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/November/2022 @ 7:56 am
Great to hear from you, Thirsty. That is truly an amazing coincidence, and I’m also impressed you could recognize Raymond in that photo. He is a wonderful musician and I will definitely introduce myself next time I see him.
Hope all is well with you and the family.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/November/2022 @ 7:31 am
No, Club Morocco is still a going concern. The community center is open and is bigger and much nicer than the one we have in Alta Vista. It has a great big pool with a water slide too. I understand there are rooms available there, so it serves as a resort as well. It looks abandoned because it seems only 10% or so of the lots have been built on. I didn’t see any construction going on either. Hell, I’ve got 5 houses being built all around me right now. It’s deafening.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/November/2022 @ 6:22 pm
Welcome back, Soju. I wondered where you had gotten off to.
Nope, nothing has changed much around here. I’m still stuck in that endless Groundhog Day loop of hiking and beer drinking.
Poor Joy! I’ve already told her that when it comes to breasts, more than a mouthful is a waste.
Nice to see you here again, don’t stay away so long next time!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/November/2022 @ 10:40 am
Maybe they just assumed everyone already knows how to order beer in Korean. I haven’t forgotten! I can even do the “yogio!” to get the bartender’s attention. And if you are going to be drinking beer in Korea, you’d better be able to ask about the hwajangsil. (sorry if the spelling is off)
I’d never seen Elliot Page before, but he’s no Joy! She may be a tad on the thin side, but she is actually pretty sweet and fun to share a drink with. It won’t go any further than that for me, though. Now hold onto your hat: Joy is 33 years old, and she has SIX kids! She’s earned those stretch marks, that’s for sure. In fact, that’s a new record for most kids by a bargirl that I have met.
I’ve gotten to where I enjoy the pineapple twang on my pizza, too. I still wouldn’t order one if it was just for me, but I’m usually sharing with Filipinas and they love their Hawaiian.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/November/2022 @ 6:18 am
No, Guenter is in a league of his own when it comes to challenging trails.
Well, the On-Home venues serve food, and we just order off the menu whatever we want. I bought a pizza and shared it with some fellow Hashers. And you are correct; the ice chests contain beer, water, and sodas.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/November/2022 @ 6:28 am
Brian, I think it is more of a hobby for Dave these days. He used to have hotels/resorts as part of his empire, but now just the two bars and a boutique hotel. Of course, he has managers to do the heavy lifting too. Appears to be living the dream!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2022 @ 9:47 am
Yeah, I’ll put that on my “to do” list… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2022 @ 9:45 am
Kev, well, the gals that work for him say Daddy Dave as a way of expressing respect. It does sound a little creepy when I do it here, but he’s just Dave in real life.
I agree with you on the beauty of “old and worn,” and there’s plenty of that to be found in these parts. It is impressive, though, how people with extremely limited resources are able to create a shelter with whatever materials they can salvage. It’s often occurred to me that I don’t have the skills required to live an unblessed life.
Thanks for the link. Now that I’ve seen a pic of charcuterie, I recall both seeing it and eating it. Just don’t remember it being called that. At least now, the meme makes sense.
Yeah, I get what you are doing with your meatless meat experiments, but that doesn’t stop me from poking a little fun at you. I think I’d be the same way you were at the Buddhism conference. I might enjoy a vegan meal, but I’m somehow repelled by eating fake meat. Maybe when the quality is enhanced to the point where I can’t taste the difference, AND no one tells me what I’m eating, I’ll get over my meat bigotry.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2022 @ 5:54 am
Bars of Barretto: Hops & Brews
They’ve made a big investment to create that ambiance, here’s hoping it catches on. So far, so good. I’ll definitely be back.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2022 @ 9:50 am
Hmm, “scuzzy” seems kind of harsh, but yeah, it’s good to have some variety. I think Hops & Brews might be filling a needed niche in the Barretto marketplace.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/November/2022 @ 5:56 am
Your powers of observation are quite impressive; I honestly don’t pay that much attention to the health and well-being of my fellow man. Good for you! Coincidentally, I did overhear Almoranus (real name Jens) talking to Martin about weight loss during the hike yesterday. Jens says he always gains kilos when back home in Germany, then works hard to lose them when he returns to the PI. He does gym work in addition to walking. Jens is also the Hare come Monday and told me there is a 10K mountain trek in store. Of course, we both know that I’ll be shortcutting that one.
There are a couple of those Alaska dancers I’d like to make smile…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/November/2022 @ 7:27 am
Kev, no idea where my regular commenters have gone. I miss them too. Maybe my bad writing finally scared them away.
Not sure where my next travel will take me. Tentatively thinking about Vietnam. Yaya messaged me from Cambodia and says she misses me. Sent some pics from her hometown of Kampot, and it looks to be worth the visit. Especially if she were my tour guide. We’ll see.
I don’t know why the comment form no longer auto-fills, but I suspect it was a recent update to the WordPress platform. I’ve noticed some changes in the template for creating posts as well. No one asked me if I wanted the update, guess I’m just a peasant along for the ride.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/November/2022 @ 7:44 am
QP, truth be told, she made that face because the pizza was too hot…I like my version of the story better, though…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/November/2022 @ 12:38 pm
Guilty as charged on the dangling modifier–I should have caught that mistake.
The authorities won’t act unless the victim (the wronged spouse) files a complaint. It’s often used as a blackmail scam–husband catches you banging his wife and says pay me or go to jail.
I was able to avoid those rocks, but it did require hopping off a two-foot-high drop. I sat on my ass, dangled my legs over, and scooted down. There’s usually a way to avoid the hazards or at least minimize them.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 11/November/2022 @ 8:06 am
Kev, next trip, I will definitely take some time and get out of town. I hear lots of good things about Siem Reap, and I also want to visit the beach town of Kampot. Lots more still to see and do there as a tourist.
I’m not sure frustration and drama are avoidable (maybe I should learn Buddhist techniques), but those weaknesses will follow me anywhere I go. I think I’m getting better at acceptance, though, and my life here, while far from perfect, is comfortable and satisfying for me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 10/November/2022 @ 8:36 am
James, you gotta go with your strengths.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2022 @ 1:12 pm
Kev, Yes, I got lucky in a different kind of way, that’s for sure.
And I did make the right decision on my dinner selection, tasted even better than it looks.
You can find Cialis here in the PI; it is just very expensive. Bargain prices in PP, so I stocked up.
Thanks for the link; it was hilarious. I can’t believe the woke mob hasn’t come for him.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2022 @ 1:11 pm
Dan, Yeah, but at least in this beggar’s case, he didn’t come right out and ask for money. I heard his tale of woe, started to walk away, then decided to give him the pocket money he needed, even if his story was bullshit.
The PP bargirls far outnumber the available customers. I guess that leads to desperation. And desperate girls will behave accordingly.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2022 @ 1:04 pm
“Are there so few bargirls in PP bars that such an event can occur to you twice in one night?”
Actually, quite the opposite. I’ve never seen so many gals packed in so many bars. It was really amazing. As for their motivation, who knows? Your theory is as good as mine. Plus, to them, I’m just another tourist they’ll never see again, so why not take advantage? You’re right, though; it’s a vicious cycle for many of these women. Maybe I should be more sympathetic.
“In any case, it doesn’t matter. They need money, you have money. You need companionship, they provide companionship.”
Yep, you get what you pay for. It’s all part of the game.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 08/November/2022 @ 1:00 pm
Ted, Denny is a friend I met when we both worked for the Postal Service almost thirty years ago. He retired and moved here about the same time I was moving to the PI.
It turns out that Cialis is much cheaper here, and I’ll definitely be stocking up before I head home. Not that I’ve needed any this trip; just haven’t had the urge or willingness to pay for “takeout”.
PP is a very nice city, but for me, the comparative country living in Barretto is a better fit. I’ve adapted to the small-town vibe. This is not to say that if circumstances warranted a move, I wouldn’t consider PP, it is still at the top of my “Plan B” list.
They do have a Hash group here, and I saw one bar so far with dart boards and lots of pretty ladies; I’m sure I could stay entertained.
Yes, mission accomplished on the visa, assuming I’m allowed back into the PI. I filled out the e-arrival card yesterday, and it was approved for the “express lane” entry, so I should be good to go.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2022 @ 10:24 am
Brian, you are right, and I have also seen backpackers here on this trip. And that wasn’t the only family I’ve seen out and about town either. Not sure where they are from, but I sense a lot of the English-speaking tourists are from Australia or New Zealand. I might be wrong about that, though.
Yes, I checked on the Hash here before I arrived. They apparently meet on Thursdays, and last week was their anniversary “run” (a boat outing) that required registration in advance. I’m curious, though, where they might normally hike in this urban environment.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2022 @ 10:12 am
Dan, yes, you and the other commenters are right about the apples/oranges comparison I made re: tourists. I don’t know when my thinking became so insular. Hell, the nearest airport is over an hour away from Barretto, and there are many places with better beaches and infrastructure. The tourists we do get are there for things that wouldn’t appeal to families or women.
I guess the bellied lake will have to wait for the next trip. But I have to say, as I’ve ventured further out into the city I’ve been amazed that foreigner-friendly bars abound. It’s a beer lovers paradise!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2022 @ 10:06 am
Kev, yeah, it was narrow-minded and borderline ignorant to compare Barretto with a capital city like PP. I think it is a reflection of the insular world I’ve been living in these past three years. I definitely need to get out more and have every intention of doing so.
I had no idea there was a connection between boondocks and the Tagalog bundok. You learn something every day!
Luckily, I’ve got pretty good ladyboy radar, and I can attest to the hairy girl not having anything ‘extra.’ That said, I’ve also noticed that darker-skinned ladies seem to have more hair on their appendages than their fairer-skinned sisters. Not ready for a female dwarf, though. I’ll stick with pointy-eared elves!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2022 @ 9:21 am
«« Back To Stats PageTeddy, I find Cambodian gals to be right up there near the top of the Asian beauty scale. Yes, it seems to be my destiny to work the bar scene, spreading joy one lady drink at a time. I’m still not certain what went down on the tipping thing; my friend, who knows Yaya quite well, said it sounds out of character for her to care about a tip. I was drunk, so maybe it was something else.
You and the others are right; you can’t compare a backwoods like Barretto with a bustling city like PP. I get it now. Seoul always impressed me with being easy to navigate with dual language signage and subway announcements in English. I’d get stared at sometimes in the small towns outside the city, but never felt like I stood out in the metro areas. Well, some of the older types didn’t approve of seeing me with a Korean gal sometimes but limited their scorn to dirty looks.
It’s been a good trip overall and I look forward to traveling more frequently in the future.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 07/November/2022 @ 9:09 am