Comments Posted By John McCrarey
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Kev, the 2022 column is the total number of runs up to the current time. So, Fucking Old Man who has been Hashing with SBH3 for 20 odd years is diligently in pursuit of the magical 1000 total runs. We’re all pulling for him.
Yeah, I’ve apparently been spelling Almoranas wrong…but it is pronounced like “anus”. He’s definitely German though.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 05/January/2022 @ 7:31 am
Welcome to the Hotel Central Park Reef
The “to” was my typo…
Well, it seems he is talking about the concept of love, but in the end, he seems to be talking about a particular love. The stanza starts with “where are you hiding my love, but concludes with “please stay, my love, and share the life…” So, I think that he intended to use it that way.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/January/2022 @ 3:14 pm
Well, you know me. Never one to criticize a misplaced comma, vocative or otherwise.
I actually own the hard copy of the book this poem is included in, “There are men to gentle to live among wolves”. The part I quoted was a cut and paste from the internet and was just one stanza of a dozen or more in the book version. I pulled out the book and re-read the poem, and it sounds to me like he is indeed lamenting about a love he hasn’t found rather than a particular love. On the other hand, he does seem to have someone in mind. Either way, it’s not a typo…the book has no comma either.
Another verse:
Where are you hiding my love?
Please come to me at twilight when the light
Is as soft as your breasts and the cool air
Will turn your longing breath into misty drops of love,
When soon enough the darkness will be upon us,
The quiet time when words have lost their meaning
And only eyes can speak or lips that explore
Without a sound or syllable to impede their tasting.
Please stay, my love, and share the life I saved for you,
Each drop of it guarded against all invasion till now.So, he does it both ways there.
Yep. Forward march!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/January/2022 @ 2:47 pm
Brian, well, I’m lucky if I remember my own name these days, so I’m easily impressed!
My current lease expires in June. The house next door has been for sale for a couple of years. I have been thinking about sending the owner (who lives in the Netherlands) an email asking if they’d consider a long-term lease. Also, my former residence is still vacant. Maybe I’ll check with the landlord and see if they’ve come to their senses yet. I might offer them 10% LESS than my previous rent…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/January/2022 @ 10:02 am
Kev, I’m intrigued by the concept of living the mountain life, but then I think of the reality of the daily inconvenience and I’m like “Nope!”.
James, yeah, Filipinas never seem to forget a face. I’m always impressed to be greeted by name in a place I very rarely visit. As for my expertise in the sack, well, I do have some experience! Maybe I’ll take her out again and be less selfish.
Actually, for a town the size of Barretto to have upwards of 30 bars is kind of an anomaly I think. I asked an expat in San Antonio this weekend about bar options and there were only three. This lack of tourists has hit the bar owners in Barretto hard–I expect most are breaking even at best. There will be a shake-out if things don’t open up soon. Having said that, I noticed a couple of new places are in the process of opening, so that’s encouraging. As to the ladies, they move around looking for the best, er, bang for the bucks they earn. But they also have a limited shelf life. The guys who rent them (mongers in the parlance) like them young. Once a gal reaches the mid-30s her value diminishes in the bar trade.
When I was looking at housing options prior to making the move here, I considered the old military housing on the Navy base. Almost went for a real nice duplex unit, former officers’ quarters, roomy with American-style kitchen. But I looked out the window and all I could see was the duplexes across the street. It was like living in the suburban USA and I said no, damn it, I want to live in the Philippines! Of course, up here in Alta Vista isn’t the “real” PI either, but at least it is within walking distance!
Most of the housing in Baloy is off the beach, and the living there comes with the noise and bustle you find in town, albeit somewhat reduced (videoke and roosters, less traffic). The beach is relatively quiet except for the banka boats.
Yeah, when I had to move from my last house I looked at some places near Columban College. Saw a couple of nice houses but they were surrounded by high walls with barbed wire on top. The view from inside felt like I was in prison. And yeah, the walls didn’t keep the noise out. I’d like a bigger place than I currently occupy, but I’ll be loathed to leave Alta Vista. And yeah, I cannot imagine the hell of Olongapo city life! No way!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 03/January/2022 @ 7:21 am
Thanks, guys! Appreciate the kind words.
“You’ll do fine if you avoid the greedy, the selfish, the immature, the flaky, and the psychos. ” Here’s hoping I don’t become one!
“May this be a better [year] than the last.” Here’s hoping it’s not the last!
“it will be filled with two steps forward and one step back” Yeah, especially coming home after a night of drinking!
And we’re off to discover what happens next. Thanks for coming along.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 02/January/2022 @ 6:25 am
Thanks for being a faithful reader, Kevin.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/January/2022 @ 7:46 am
Kevin, yep Martin (18 Kilo Ass) shaved the day after playing Santa. His girlfriend said it made him look old. He promises to grow it back in time for next Christmas. Yeah, I forgot to change Julie’s name so I guess I’ve already thrown caution to the wind.
Harry, glad you enjoyed the reviews. I’ve been thinking about doing a series on the restaurants here, which would capture the hotels. Also, the bars at Baloy Beach are all in the resort hotels. I’ll get to them too.
Thanks, Chip. Hopefully, the healthy aspects of my life will cancel out those other unhealthy ones!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 31/December/2021 @ 7:21 am
Bars of Barretto: The Green Room (Updated September 8, 2022)
Brian, good points. Thanks! And I will continue to periodically update the rankings as circumstances warrant. For example, last night I was surprised to see that a brand new bar had opened. I’ll be reviewing that one soon. Also, I was at BarCelona and had another of those bad experiences that had driven me away from that bar previously. That incident will be a consideration next time I do the rankings.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 01/January/2022 @ 7:52 am
Yeah, I stopped into the bar last night to get the lowdown. She’s the head waitress and apparently, there was some kind of revolt amongst some of the staff, and people were fired. She spent the night at a friend’s house and apparently slept through my messages. Still no excuse for not canceling the night before in my opinion though. She apologized again and I let it go. As you correctly note, it wasn’t really a courtship effort–I was charitably paying for an eye exam and hoping to get a lunch companion in exchange. Moving on is no big deal in this case.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 30/December/2021 @ 6:47 am
Yeah, Rai missed us in northern Luzon completely but it was incredibly destructive where it did make landfall. I actually felt bad because I didn’t realize how severe the damage was and didn’t reach out to someone I know living in that area to offer assistance. I need to do better.
Almost all the kids I encounter take “wala” (nothing) in stride. I pass out cookies as long as they last, but NEVER give money to kids when they ask. I understand doing so is technically against the law and I really don’t want to encourage begging behavior.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 29/December/2021 @ 6:39 am
Well, caring for and being cared for is what I meant–and with sincerity, not pretending. But yeah, you can’t buy that kind of love.
I’m open to love but won’t pursue it actively. If it happens, I’ll know it. And in the meantime, there are plenty of candidates to provide companionship along the way. I’m a lucky devil to have access to so many lovely angels.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/December/2021 @ 6:47 am
“Looking forward to reading about more shenanigans in 2022.”
Ah, the things I do for my readers!
Yeah, it’s been one week today since Pearl walked out on me. A painful disappointment for sure, but better to find out now, rather than later, the true nature of her character. I actually feel sorry for her when I think of her future with Dick, but wish her well regardless.
I’ll take it slow for now and drown my loneliness in beer and bargirls.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 27/December/2021 @ 7:06 am
Jerry, send me an email to lngtimegne@aol.com
Just a few old posts have been password protected. I don’t intend to make it the norm around here.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/December/2021 @ 1:33 pm
Thanks, guys! Here’s hoping for a sane 2022!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 26/December/2021 @ 8:20 am
Well, cute enough I suppose but just not satisfying.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 28/December/2021 @ 6:41 am
Brian, I use my credit card at the grocery store and department stores. Restaurants and bars almost never accept them here. I don’t have a local bank account (hard to open one on a tourist visa) so all my money is in the USA. ATMs are the easiest way to access that case for my daily living expenses.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/December/2021 @ 8:28 am
Kev, I do recall how frustrating the sidewalks of Seoul were. Folks walking three abreast is ridiculously slow. Or just stopping in front of you to look at their phone. Still, I miss those first-world problems sometimes… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/December/2021 @ 7:00 am
HaHa! I was there before 5 and his table was full at least. A good vibe in Wet Spot and that’s what attracts me. Well, the girls attract me too, but you know what I mean… 🙂
» Posted By John McCrarey On 25/December/2021 @ 6:58 am
Hey QP, yeah some of my most recent posts needed to be protected from the prying eyes of small-town gossips. If you shoot me an email I’ll provide you with the password to see them all.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/December/2021 @ 9:45 am
Chip, I’m glad you got the reference! Sometimes my puns don’t work out the way I planned in my head…
Frank, email sent.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 24/December/2021 @ 6:15 am
Yep, I’m with you all on this–looking forward, not back.
And Bill, if (when) she winds up with Dick it will be a sad day. Mom facilitated getting me out of the picture but subjecting her daughter to this loser won’t end well. I warned her and hopefully, she’ll be smart enough to stay away. Or get out quick like she did with me.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/December/2021 @ 6:18 am
QP, yes she has a boyfriend and from what I’ve seen they are in love (holding hands walking down the street). She is a cutie, and sometimes when she is inside my place doing her chores in sexy shorts I have to remind myself of my HR sexual harassment training…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 23/December/2021 @ 6:22 am
Someone told me after my first disappointment with a Filipina: “John, do you know what you say when a relationship ends in the Philippines? Next!”
Dave, actually a visit to Wet Spot is next on my list. See you soon!
» Posted By John McCrarey On 22/December/2021 @ 6:01 am
No problem, Brian. You make some fair points. I’m not actively seeking out women in their 20s for a relationship. Meeting Pearl was a fluke and I only pursued when she indicated interest. But yeah, the age gap does have implications for not being able to maintain an emotional connection. I’d say “lesson learned” but you know me…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/December/2021 @ 10:12 am
Terry, “pig vomit”, that’s a good one! I hope she is smarter than to actually hook up with Dick, but I have my doubts. I’ll be fine, it’s always good when someone reveals the true nature of their character.
Dan, I deserve an “I told you so”. The warning signs were all there, I just tried to ignore them. Thanks for the Burns poem, although I’m not sure I understand it completely, maybe I’ll try Google translate. 🙂 Yeah, I’m blessed. I’ll just sit back and wait for the next big thing.
Kev, yes, it was quite a ride. I’ve considered what I would do if she wanted to try again. Honestly, I hope I’d have the strength and wisdom to say no. Probably better if she doesn’t ask. And yeah, that “amputate” method is what I find most hard to forgive. Who walks away from love over a disagreement or misunderstanding? If it ain’t worth fighting for, it ain’t love.
BW, glad to be so entertaining! 🙂
James, that’s one way to look at it I suppose, but from my perspective, I was only asking for what a girlfriend is supposed to offer–companionship. That she preferred the company of her “customers” really tells me all I needed to know. And yeah, life goes on, I’ll be fine.
Chip, all the good nurses must be taken! But yeah, that’s really what I want–a woman who’ll stay by my side through thick and thin, take care of me in good times and bad and share in my adventures. I’ll give the same in return.
QP, yeah, nothing ventured, nothing gained. Sorry it ended the way it did, but thems the breaks.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 21/December/2021 @ 8:19 am
BW, Yeah, our hiking groups have gone there several times after our hikes. It seems like a lame excuse to me. Not that it matters now.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/December/2021 @ 9:31 am
Brian, no, actually Pearl is well-aware of want Dick wants–he tells her every fucking day! Why she puts up with it in the name of “friendship” is the mystery. I don’t see any way this ends well for her though. If she succumbs to his advances, she’ll have a loser for a boyfriend. If she continues making him a priority over me, she will lose me as a boyfriend.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/December/2021 @ 7:18 am
Kev, once again, thank you for the insightful comment. Very helpful for keeping things in perspective.
Yes, I am confident Pearl is being honest about her feelings towards Dick, but she knows that Dick still wants much more than friendship. I’ve warned her Dick is a disaster waiting to happen and she would be better off without him in her life, even as a friend. She’s not willing to cut those ties and that’s concerning.
I really don’t know Dick well, nor do I want to. But from conversations I have had or overheard with him, he comes off as a typical blowhard. I’m not sure what his profession is or was, but it most recently involved work in the Middle East. He makes it sound as if he’s some kind of spy, or maybe I’m just reading that into what he says. He’s also a notorious name-dropper, bragging about all his connections. One night he was talking about how is friends with the infamous Imelda Marcos. Maybe it’s all true, hell if I know or care. But yeah, I do need to watch my back.
Yes, he’s the stereotypical waste of life expat. Literally spends all day every day at Pearl’s place drinking. No way I could live that lifestyle. Even when I spend my evening hours in the bars, I need to move around. Can’t stand being in one place for too long.
» Posted By John McCrarey On 20/December/2021 @ 7:13 am
«« Back To Stats PageDave, Yeah, I guess that’s why Pearl tolerates him–good for business. My feelings don’t pay the bills…
» Posted By John McCrarey On 18/December/2021 @ 2:17 pm