The Friday group hike and the SOB filled the hours of my day. More of the same old same old, but then, a good same is never bad. That seems to be the story of my golden years.
We started the hike in Subic Hills and made our way to Castillejos. A couple of wrong turns and wading across a river were the interesting events, but we hadn’t been out that way in over a year, and it was a nice change of scenery. I didn’t mind that we didn’t do much hill climbing either.
I hadn’t been to the SOB for awhile, and last night was the 22nd Anniversary for the event.
So, I drank too many beers and enjoyed the show. I came away with a pocketful of discount tickets, which I reckon will motivate me to go out and spend money in the bars for the next week or so. And that’s how I ended another Friday.
Today’s Quora Q&A:
Q: Retirees, when you first retired did you have any trouble adjusting to the new version of your days?
A: I really didn’t. At the conclusion of my final day at work, I hopped on a plane and flew to the Philippines to begin my life of leisure. In the beginning, I was kept busy with making the transition—finding a house to rent, exploring the area, and discovering my soon-to-be favorite bars and restaurants.
Now, three years on, I’ve totally adapted to my new environment. The oddest thing is that I actually start my day EARLIER than I did when I was working the old office hours. Now, I’m almost always in bed by 9:00 p.m. and up every morning at 4:30. It’s all good, though. I’m enjoying my days and my routines.
It’s been almost six years now, and I’m still carrying on. As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, even when everything is pretty much always the same, day in and day out, it’s better than a life of routines would be for me back in the USA. No regrets!
Okay, a couple of these are actually funny I think:
Anyway, back to Dr. Jo for a follow-up this afternoon. Not sure what’s going to happen after that. I’ll let you know tomorrow.
What’s a hike without a rickety bridge crossing?
I’d have a hard time crossing that. Ever thought about doing some bridge-improvement projects in your local area? Uprooting every one of those primitive bridges and replacing them with something sturdy and well made? Surely, you have craftsmen in your expat community.
I had just eaten turkey yesterday, and then this guy showed up.
Oh, great dinosaurs, how far you’ve fallen!
We rode back to Barretto in an [air-conditioned] bus. Not a bad way to finish a hot hike.
I can relate. Whenever I finish a 26K hike out to Hanam City, I take a bus most of the way back. The bus stops at Jamshil Station, after which I either cab it back or take the subway.
I’m loving that cracked seat back!
Humanity can be hard sometimes.
I’m only just noticing how the Buddha is substantially larger than everyone else. Subtle messaging.
Anyway, back to Dr. Jo for a follow-up this afternoon.
Good luck with that. Just a routine checkup? Followup on the new meds?
Kev, nope. I don’t recall bridge replacement projects ever being discussed. Given my limited capabilities, getting the materials to some of these locations would be very difficult.
Re: the cracked seat back–I noticed that, too, on an apparently otherwise well-maintained bus. When I was getting up to leave, I realized there used to be a handle there–some poor fool must have taken a tumble when he tried to pull himself up.
Yeah, the doctor visit was a follow-up for the kidney bloodwork results. It wasn’t the best news. Double dosage on my meds and some diet discipline are in my immediate future. Another follow-up appointment next week.