So, yesterday I decided to change things up a little and bust out of my normal daily routines. Hopped in a Jeepney and rode it out to Barangay Kalaklan, for the whopping fare of 13 pesos (26 cents). From there I hoofed it to the old Navy base, continued on and through Harbor Point mall, and then arrived at my ultimate destination: SM Mall Olongapo City. Not to be confused with SM Mall Central, about a mile away.

I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it before but there is a “mall culture” in the Philippines, unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. In the USA malls are going bankrupt and closing down, apparently everyone shops at Amazon these days. But here the malls serve as a social gathering place and they seem to always be busy. Somewhat odd in a country that is so relatively poor. Even the poor folks though can enjoy free air conditioning (that was running so smoothly after regular hvac services) and wifi I suppose.

Anyway, I personally very rarely go to the mall, and when I do go I’m in-and-out as quickly as possible. I went to SM Mall because I wanted some things that I thought might be most convenient to find in a large department store, as opposed to shopping around in the specialty shops. Yesterday’s trip was prompted by the realization that the clothing I brought with me from Korea and/or my last trip to the states is finally wearing out.

I was only going to buy two pair but when I got to the checkout the cashier told me they had a promotion going on where I would get P200 in coupons for every P2200 that I spent. Hmm, so I grabbed the third pair of shorts.

I recall shopping in the states and struggling to find anyone to assist me. Here they have tons of sales help and they were almost as aggressive as a thirsty bargirl. Almost. Anyway, they were very helpful in finding the sizes and colors I was looking for. I would much rather have too much assistance than not enough that’s for sure!

I told you it was an exciting day! Glad I was able to bring you along to share in it.

What else? Well, Facebook reminds that it was ten years ago that my nephew Justin experienced Itaewon for the first time.

A peaceful morning walk. Even the National Highway was unusually quiet.

I’ll offer up this for today’s “interesting” photograph:

I think I figured out why I’m having such a hard time giving up ice cream:

Here’s a shot of my boys out back guarding the neighbor’s chickens.

I’m not sure I’ve ever posted a Gif here before, let’s see if this one works:

It worked! Now I’m REALLY excited! And there is even more excitement to come. I’ve got my first dental appointment here this afternoon. Nothing major, I had a filling fall out. Then again, this is the Philippines so we’ll see what happens.

Stay tuned!