Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Joy is a sweet girl, that’s true. It’s been a while since I’ve had the patience to sit through a TV series…probably Game of Thrones was the last one I looked forward to. After the lockdown, I went several months and never even turned on the TV.
No real plans for my birthday, just more of the same as always I expect. Not that there is anything wrong with that.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/August/2022 @ 6:16 am
Honestly, when I was a tourist here, I would start getting depressed after a week or so. That’s one of the reasons I made it a goal to try and help a few people have a little easier life. I call it selfish charity–I give to ease my conscience about living a rich life when so many have so little. But the other thing is that despite the poverty, Filipinos are the happiest people I’ve ever seen. They take joy in the love of family, help each other, and make the most of what they have. I’m glad to be here among them.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/August/2022 @ 7:39 am
Yeah, that was a spelling fuck up, and b. is indeed correct.
HaHa, yes, I do put some onions in my chili. I actually thought of you when I noticed they were visible in the picture. Sorry! Love the boy scout joke!
I’ll definitely continue my feeding program. A hungry (or thirsty) bargirl can be quite dangerous! Once I have them tamed, I might consider feeding my favorites some sausage. (ahem)
You know, you become so accustomed to seeing the poverty that after a while, you don’t consciously notice it that much. I’m still impressed that people living in those shacks are usually friendly and smiling. It’s just the way life is here for so many, and they have come to accept their circumstances. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to the litter, though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/August/2022 @ 5:38 am
Yeah, I’m pretty sure a pretty high percentage of the bargirls have a local Filipino boyfriend. Some even admit it. I also regularly see a girl getting dropped off for work at the bar kiss the trike driver goodbye. Yesterday I saw one of the Cheap Charlies girls walking hand and hand down the street with a young Filipino. That’s one reason the bars aren’t a good hunting ground for finding true love.
Dave occasionally reads my blog, but he won’t care what is said about BarCelona–it’s not one of his. He’s down to two bars now, Wet Spot and Green Room. He’s still the man about town, though.
The tooth is feeling better this afternoon. My helper is also a certified caregiver and makes sure I take all my meds. And Joy came by the house yesterday to offer me some comfort. I’m a lucky man!
There aren’t really any freestanding bars on Baloy; the bars are all part of the hotels. Some of them are pretty good, though, with pool and dart leagues and sports on TV. The only bars I can think of are two small places on the beach, Laharnz and McCoy’s. I used to enjoy an occasional visit to McCoy’s but all they serve is beer–no gin.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/August/2022 @ 2:39 pm
Thanks for the suggestions, Teddy. I’ll take them under advisement. 🙂
The only thing I know about Shantelle beyond the little I disclosed is that she was honest about being in a relationship. She even offered to let another girl drink with me instead, but of course, I declined. I’m trying hard not to look for love in all the wrong places.
I only very rarely visit Adam’s; it just doesn’t click with me somehow. Nothing wrong with the place (other than being an indoor bar). I have no idea what sports they might show on TV (if any); it’s just not the go-to place for that (most sports enthusiasts go to Harely’s or Green Room to watch).
BarCelona does have a great rooftop area, but I’ve just had several bad service experiences there that now I rarely bother climbing those stairs. I much prefer Cheap Charlies and do enjoy the mountain view (and remembering the times I’ve climbed them). Being on the third floor, the highway noise is somewhat reduced, but you can still watch the world going by below you.
Bar Barretto only recently opened, and there are a couple of other new places I haven’t reviewed yet. I’m going to get to them soon. I also plan to update the old reviews based on subsequent visits I’ve made to the bars. I’ll update the rankings as well. I think we have 30 bars in town, not counting Baloy beach area. You mention Gum Leaves, that’s been closed for a couple of years now. It looked like some work was being done, and it might reopen, but now it has a for-sale sign out front.
The tooth is killing me. That’s why I’m up at 0300 responding to your comment. I have a very low tolerance for pain.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/August/2022 @ 5:26 am
Yeah, the way I rationalize is irrational. Like I tell myself that if I eat a half gallon of ice cream each week, it doesn’t matter whether I do it in seven days or all in one–I consume the same number of calories. That may be technically correct, but it doesn’t account for the fact that on those other six days, I’m going to have to eat something for my evening treat. Last night I did sugar-free pudding, not a bad option, but still adds additional calories. Oh well, I’ll keep trying for better discipline.
I’m not much of a fish eater and don’t really know how to distinguish between the varieties (well, except for salmon). I wouldn’t have had that fried fish lunch if the helper hadn’t provided it. I’ll have to ask her again what it’s called.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/August/2022 @ 6:12 am
Rascal, these days I’m lucky to remember my own name!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/August/2022 @ 6:03 am
QP, Very fine indeed!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/August/2022 @ 6:02 am
I didn’t have to sit on the ice this time for a “Hash crash” because no one called me out. Good thing I didn’t; I was already cold and left shortly after.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/August/2022 @ 6:37 am
That’s actually pretty amazing, appreciate the explanation.
I never got much further than learning the Korean alphabet (which I’ve mostly forgotten now) and trying to sound out words. Problem was, even if I could read the word, I still had no idea of its meaning. And then, of course, almost everyone in Itaewon spoke English, and my motivation soon drowned in a sea of Cass.
Anyway, I hadn’t thought about how to properly pronounce sumneun-gos, I just wanted to use Korean “hideaway” to go with the “Korean night” theme. Probably should have used Hangeul, but thanks for the lesson!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/August/2022 @ 6:50 am
Actually, I got the meaning in your original iteration–you were sad a pic of the sandwich was “not to be.” Almost Shakesperian.
Auto-correct, age, or being human; it’s all good.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/August/2022 @ 6:59 am
Thanks for the links. Burrito looks great; I’ll have to ask around about chorizo.
I checked out the Heavenly Kings and images, and yeah, I saw the similarity. I wonder if that was inadvertent or if they were aiming to create that appearance.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/August/2022 @ 5:36 am
James, I assume you are talking about mountain girl MJ. She doesn’t have a husband and no boyfriend that I know of but does have family next door, including her mother and I think, a brother. If you meant Olivia, she does have a husband with her up there on the mountaintop.
Yeah, I’ve heard the bad-mouthing of Barretto bargirls, especially from the Angeles denizens. When their bars were still closed, and ours were open, they sure came in droves every weekend though. There is more volume in AC, but we have our share of hotties. Admittedly, the gals I was hanging with Friday aren’t that hot, but I didn’t care because I was looking for a drinking buddy, not a fuck buddy. There are plenty of young cuties around. As to the ageism, yes, some bars won’t hire anyone over 30, but those aren’t the types of bars I tend to frequent.
Sorry I didn’t post the SOB results. I’ll put up a couple of pics of the winners in today’s post for you.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/August/2022 @ 5:51 am
HaHa! Well, I’ve never had a taste or even copped a feel, but they appear real and consistent with her body curves. It took a minute before I realized you were talking about that liar shirt showing fake cleavage. I never understood why she’d wear that; she doesn’t need it.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/August/2022 @ 6:04 pm
My Foot feels fine today; I think I could have walked it off. The pain just gave me an excuse to be lazy.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/August/2022 @ 7:51 am
Welcome back, Ted!
I’m kinda the opposite of a celebrity, more like the lonely guy sitting in the corner that no one seems to notice unless it’s to say, “what’s up with that guy?” As I’ve said, my blog has evolved (devolved?) into more of a personal diary where I come to share my thoughts and feelings about my daily life here. I really don’t write with a particular audience in mind; in fact, I prefer to think I’m anonymous even though I know that is not the case. I don’t want to have to self-censor, although I will occasionally change the name of someone I’m writing about to respect their privacy.
Over the years, I’ve had several strangers approach me and introduce themselves as blog readers. That’s always a surprise. I’ve never been accosted; they are usually quite friendly. Probably the closest thing to a confrontation I’ve experienced was when a local expat I’d never met came up and expressed his displeasure that me and my hiking buddies continued our activities during the scamdemic lockdowns. I was polite but told him he could stay home if he wanted, but my walking in the hills wasn’t putting anyone in danger. Anyway, as you said, most people who find my blog have done a Google search for something I’ve written about. When they run into me in person, it’s a friendly coincidence.
I have a handful of local friends and acquaintances who read the blog. Some leave comments; others might mention a post they’ve seen to me in person. I don’t really trash talk, but I might occasionally go into a little too much detail about some of my encounters. One guy told me his girlfriend saw a post about one of the Filipinas I’d had some fun with that was a friend of hers. She wasn’t really offended, but it made me realize I might need to be more discreet. Sometimes I’ll change the name or not post a photo. My latest ex-gf did find my blog and didn’t like being written about. So, for the first time in the history of the blog, I went back and password-protected the posts that featured her. A few months ago, I got an email from a woman I dated in Korea back in 2007 wanting me to delete a photo of her on my blog that she found when she googled her name. I left the photo but took her name off.
200 daily readers is small potatoes, and I’d wager a good portion of those are spambots. And no, I don’t have any breakdown on who they are or where they come from. I’m pretty certain it is not the same 200 every week. I’d guess maybe I have 50 people who come here on a regular basis. Most of those don’t comment, which is why it is always a nice surprise when someone like you pops up.
I try to answer any questions posed in the comments, but don’t normally follow up with a blog post. I had to smile at your “small town newspaper” reference–I always wanted to be a journalist, and here I am! I’m guessing most people come here looking for something specific and then move on. The few, the brave, the bored, who stick around are the ones I’m writing for. A long-ago ex-gf once said to me, “no man is totally worthless–he can always serve as a bad example.” I expect I have some readers who drop in just so they can feel better about themselves–I’m glad I’m not THAT guy!
Nope, no ads at LTG. I don’t like them, and my readership is too small to monetize anyway. Whatever process is involved in leaving a comment here is just to keep the spam out. I comment on other blogs when I have something to add, but I gave up a long time ago trying to change minds or otherwise influence people. There used to be lots more politics here on LTG, but whatever I have to say, others are saying better, so what’s the point?
No connection between my blog and Kevin’s other than we met through our blogs and became real-life friends. His writing is superior to mine, and he covers a lot more topics of interest. You are missing out if you don’t give him a read.
Thanks for being a reader and commenter here, Ted. I always appreciate the feedback, perspectives, and interactions with my faithful few followers.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/August/2022 @ 7:50 am
Kev, you are one of the handful of readers that I’ve met in person. I enjoyed the hikes and meals we shared. And, of course, Hairy Chasms is a daily read. I first found your blog in 2005, shortly after I moved to Korea, and I’ve learned a lot from reading it over the years. I also always look forward to joining you vicariously on your marathon walks across the country.
Thanks for the kind words here, and more importantly, thanks for all the advice you’ve tried to impart. I know you think I just don’t listen, but that’s not the case. I’ve taken a lot of that wisdom to heart, even if my subsequent actions make it appear otherwise. I’m getting there; just taking the LONG road!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/August/2022 @ 6:36 am
Hey there, Ted. Thanks for the comments. Very in-depth and some keen insights for a first-time commenter. I assume you’ve been reading the blog for a while. Let me try to address some of the points you raise.
Lydell is a friendly and fun gal, for sure. I haven’t asked her out (I don’t normally date the girls I meet in the bars). I’m not sure what her “deal” is, other than she’s in her early 20s with two kids working hard to support her family. No, Snackbar provides good service whether or not you buy any lady drinks. It’s a very small bar, so it doesn’t need a lot of bargirls.
Yep, you’ve pretty much nailed my daily routines. I’m impressed! I’ve honestly never really thought about it, but I’m probably more predictable in retirement than when I was working. Before, I had a work life and a home life to fill my days. Nowadays, I just take each day as it comes and do the best I can with it. I do live a relatively solitary life, no girlfriend (still hoping, though), no close friends to hang out with, and no clubs or groups other than the Hash and Wed/Fri walks. So my bar time is really what passes as my social life, which I guess, upon reflection, is a sad commentary on what I’ve become in old age.
I’m thankful I’m healthy enough to get out of bed every morning and go about my routines. I don’t really feel a sense of excitement about it; it is just what I do. Coffee and internet, feed and walk the dogs, walk myself, take a nap, write a blog post, play solitaire on the computer, and lately watch a little TV. Then shower up and head out for a few hours in the bars, almost always home and in bed around nine, then wake up and do it all again. Over and over, day after day. Things can always change in the future–maybe I’ll find love again, and I do expect to start traveling more soon. I’m not unhappy with my life as it is–it could be better, but I’m glad it is not worse.
As for the blog, I guess I’ve come to think of it as a diary. When I first started writing Long Time Gone over seventeen years ago, it was intended as a way to stay in touch with family and friends back home and let them know what was happening after my move to Korea. These days I don’t think any of my family or friends from those days ever even read the blog. According to my blog stats, I have a little over 200 daily visitors here. I’m surprised so many find anything of interest in my daily ramblings, but I am very appreciative that people come and visit. I always look forward to the few comments I get, and I enjoy engaging with and responding to comments like yours. Thanks again!
Actually, that may be what motivates me to post every day–I don’t want to disappoint my faithful few readers, and it is also a way to share my life, thoughts, and “adventures.” in a way I’m apparently incapable of doing in person. I’ve thought about someday picking out the “best of LTG” posts over the years and doing one of those self-published books as my “legacy,” but I doubt I’ll ever get around to it. I’d rather spend the time living in the moment rather than look back on where I’ve been.
Ha, your comment about the songs I post made me laugh. I challenge myself to come up with a unique title for each day’s blog, and after seventeen years, that is becoming more and more difficult. Sometimes a song that seems to fit the narrative of the post, even in an obscure way, serves the purpose. Yesterday’s “Friends in Low Places” is a good example of that. But yeah, I listen to a lot of music when I’m on my solo walks. And I’ve always loved good lyrics, and I do commit them to memory. It’s funny, last night I was singing along with a song at the bar, and the bargirl next to me asked, “how do you know the words to that old song?” It was from the 1980s. What could I say except “because I’m old too.”
When I was a much younger man, I fancied myself a writer. I wrote some poems and short stories but nothing worthy of accolades (kind of like this blog now that I think about it). I guess trying to put your inner feelings into words is what a songwriter does. And my favorite songs are the ones that I can relate to on some level.
I hope you continue reading LTG, Ted. I’ve always said that my blog is never totally worthless; people can always say, “thank God I’m not that guy!” It means a lot that you actually enjoy coming here, and I was impressed that you knew my routines so well (bi-weekly visits to Hideaway, yep, every Wed/Sun). I look forward to hearing from you again.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 19/August/2022 @ 8:10 am
Yeah, upon reflection, there is not much difference between a relationship and a partnership other than how it is labeled. The qualities described were all positive in my view and indicative of the equality of giving and taking and sharing the same values. I didn’t read the “hold you back” line as an abdication of responsibility; to me, it was more of a “we’ll support each other in achieving our goals” kind of thing. Anyway, I’ve failed at so many relationships it seemed appealing to try a “partnership” instead.
The girls insisted that I smile for the picture. It was kind of forced and fake, but I guess convincing.
Yes, I posted that drawing right after she gave it to me. In the comments, you asked if she drew it from memory or a photograph. It was from a photo.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/August/2022 @ 7:43 am
Lease expires June. I’m keeping my eyes open for something, but I’ve been spoiled living in Alta Vista.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/August/2022 @ 7:25 am
James, just a couple of other bars on the far side of Barretto. There’s Redz Pub next door at the Arizona Resort and the upstairs bar at John’s Place across the street. A few blocks up the highway, you have Dynamite Dick’s, MacArthurs, and Blue Butterfly. Everything is relative, though, and in a small town, it’s not all that far to walk.
People tend to gravitate to their favorite spots, so if Hideaway is your hangout, you just spend your night there. I’m more of a barhopping type and get bored after a while. Most nights, I’ll visit at least three bars. I’m a walker anyway, but catching a trike is always an option for moving around town.
Thanks, it’s good to be “normal” again. As normal as I get anyway.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 17/August/2022 @ 6:44 am
Kevin, Yeah, I envy you that Camino hike. So, you can do the final 100K with your friend, get a feel for the lay of the land, then come back and do the rest of the trail on your own. Maybe you’ll even enjoy it more that way with no one to slow you down!
I didn’t read the details of what you get for the money the Mordor walk wants. I know there are medals and certificates. Also, they plant some trees as you achieve certain milestones. That’s all well and good, but just not worth it to me. The fun would be to imagine you are making that journey with Frodo as you do your daily treks, watch your progress on the map, and fantasize you are part of the Fellowship. Somehow though, the scam warnings went off in my head, and I wasn’t going to trust them with my credit card info.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/August/2022 @ 6:40 am
James, Joy is the only one I drink with at Hideaway. The other gals there are friendly and always give me a warm greeting, but they don’t come around looking for drinks once I’m seated with Joy. I appreciate that! I’ve noticed a couple of them have regular customers, but at least during the time I’m there (usually an hour or two early in the evening), most of them are just sitting around waiting. I guess that’s why I started feeding them.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 16/August/2022 @ 6:29 am
HaHa! Good point. I’ve been pronouncing it wrong too, so phonics are out the window.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/August/2022 @ 10:21 am
I used to spell it phonetically–samgyapsal–until you shamed me into changing. Of course, I have to look it up every time now. Sorry about the missing commas.
Yeah, we used to make Koreans spell out their names on IDs and documents using the USFK official Romanization. It created some issues, like when the name on travel orders didn’t match the Korean passport. And some folks had a problem with having to spell their own name wrong, if you can imagine that. I tried to get that policy changed early in my tenure with USFK but was rejected for “security reasons.” Tried again a few months before my departure and was successful. One of the big “accomplishments” in my career. Well, it was a big deal for our Korean workers.
I’d never actually seen the “three layers” meaning of samgyeopsal before. I learned something new today!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/August/2022 @ 7:38 am
Yeah, the dogs were all okay. I used to be a mailman, and I have a few tricks that make most aggressive dogs back off–basically, I just act crazier than they are. But three big, mean German Shepherds were more than I could handle. Chucking the rock sent the message, luckily.
My neighbor is an expat who owns one of the resorts on Baloy. We’re friendly. His dogs are normally kept inside his fenced yard, I’m sure he didn’t know they had escaped.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 15/August/2022 @ 7:14 am
James, she wasn’t an SOB dancer, that’s a special team, and most of the Alaska dancers aren’t on it. Hideaway doesn’t participate in the SOB competition, but Joy does dance with a Hideaway team at Thumbstar on Fridays. I do the SOB (and dislike Thumbstar) so I’ve never seen her dance live.
Yeah, the tall girl is Dona; she lives on a sailboat with her husband and son. As you might imagine, they travel frequently, so she’s not always around to hike with us. When the sun is out, it feels hot here, but you get used to it. Rainy season is cooler, but you still get wet. So, wet with sweat or wet with rainwater, about the same, I guess.
Don’t know anything about the new tenant. I still miss the old place, though. A comfortable life is treasure enough!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/August/2022 @ 1:22 pm
Well, if it is a bite mark, she needs glasses!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 14/August/2022 @ 8:11 am
That’s a cool-looking bridge. Will that be on your Jeju hike this year?
» Posted By John McCrarey On 13/August/2022 @ 8:27 am
«« Back To Stats PageThanks for the heads-up, Ron. I’m probably not going to leave the country until November. Hopefully, there will be more clarity on the requirements for re-entry by then.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 12/August/2022 @ 9:00 am