Day 5 is in the books and it was a good and productive one. Let’s go to the photographic evidence.
As is my wont, I started the day with a hearty breakfast and a stroll along the beach. Can’t remember the last time I’ve seen “shit on a shingle” on the menu. Had to explain to the waitress what the SOS stood for…
Hired a car and driver to tour the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (the old U.S. Navy base). Had no idea how huge it truly is. And wild. Saw trees full of huge bats…
…and lots of monkey’s along the roadside. Couldn’t get out for a better picture because the driver warned me they like to steal cameras…
Loraine enjoying one of the bay vistas…
Of course, the main purpose of the SBFZ visit was to scope out housing options there. In the Cubi district of the base, I found this little subdivision…
With houses like this…
….and this…
…and this…
None appeared vacant but these are under construction. Maybe they will be ready when I am.
There are some inconveniences associated with living on the far reaches of the base. For one, I’d need to buy a car. But honestly, if I could wake up every morning to views like this, I’d go for it in a heartbeat. We’ll see.
Yep, this is what I dreamed of…
Anyway, the other two housing areas on the base were not nearly as impressive. I could settle for one, but it is just typical subdivision living with the only view being the neighbors house. I’m not ready to settle at this point.
One other benefit about living on base is there are some nice dining options. We visited Texas Joe’s for lunch and enjoyed some real down home honest to goodness American barbecue.
All the waitresses were in cowboy hats, tight jeans, and boots. Yee Ha!
They don’t pull the pork, they chop it. The claim is that retains moistness better. I still prefer mine pulled, but this was quite delicious. Maybe the best damn baked beans I’ve had in quite some time…
After lunch we drove around some more, then headed to the Royal supermarket. It’s in the old commissary location and features many of the products us Yankees have come to know and love. Good to know I can find the ingredients I need for my crock pot and grilling adventures.
But this shopping excursion was not for me. We loaded up the cart for the kids at the Fil-Am orphanage. 50 kgs of rice, assorted canned meats, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, chocolate and cookies.
Our driver drove up the mountain and we dropped off the bounty. Still haven’t met any of the kids as there were still in school. Anyway, it feels good to provide a little help where it is needed.
Back at the Blue Rock resort I was ready to unwind with a few bottles of San Miguel Light beer. And what better way to enjoy them than at the famous Blue Rock floating bar.
Here we come!
Welcome aboard!
A fine afternoon crowd of patrons and crew…
Bay views…
…and a look back at my lodging…
After a short nap, we hiked back into Barrio Baretto and grabbed some dinner at Sit-n-Bull. Then we headed over to the local dart bar, Alley Cats.
Got in some practice as I will be participating in the Wednesday dart tourney tonight. Haven’t thrown competitively since my “retirement” in December. Hell, the layoff may have actually improved my game. We’ll see.
As days go, it was a good one!
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