So, settling into my new life and so far, so good.

Filipinos have a reputation for being a friendly lot overall and I’d have to say from what I’ve seen it is well earned. Simply things like a cheery greeting and smile on the street just makes me feel good and comfortable.

I chose the Philippines in large part because of the English speaking abilities of the natives. I haven’t been disappointed in that regard thus far. It’s nice to engage in friendly banter with the bar staff and waitresses. And they even get my jokes! Most of the time anyway. Haha, and all my old jokes are new again!

The weather has been hot, but that is not a surprise. I’m dealing with it fine for the most part. Although I do have to change my shirt a couple of times a day. The air here is much cleaner than back “home” in Korea. I’m sure my lungs are appreciative for that.

One of my new routines is a morning walk on the beach. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that!

And I incorporate breakfast before, during, or after my walk.

I never sausage a muffin!

Happy about the dart scene too. I’ll be playing again this afternoon at 1400. Good way to meet people and perhaps I will regain some of my former prowess.

Downsides? Well, I’ve got to say it’s pretty shocking to see just how dirty the beaches are here. I mean, covered in litter. And not stuff that is washing up on shore, it is just people leaving their trash on the ground. Disgusting really. I did note that there are no trash containers strategically placed along the beach, but that is really no excuse. You’d think the hotels and resorts would step up and police the waterfront as a matter of civic pride and responsibility.

I’ve been pestered by a few beggars, mostly kids, but it hasn’t been overwhelming. I tell them no for the most part. Don’t feel good about it, but in a bizarre kind of way I think that is the best approach. It’s not a matter of money for me obviously. Once I get squared away, I’ll get involved with the King’s Fil-Am Home again. You can’t help everyone, but you can help some!

And of course, I’m troubled by the spotty nature of the internet access here. Not a surprise, but I really need to find a source for steady and reliable connections. Yeah, I’m spoiled by the speed of Korea that I won’t be able to replicate here, but these past couple of days have been frustrating. Even my pocket wifi has been disappointing. Oh well, first world problems, right?

And that’s about it for now. I’ve been living like a tourist and I need to get out of that mode. Hopefully moving into my apartment will help me along in that regard. It will certainly be nice having a kitchen again. This eating out all the time makes it very hard to maintain my low-carb lifestyle.

Bottom line: I’m glad to be here!