Oh, I didn’t mention my bounty from the Christmas party.
A hat, a hankie, and a machete. What else do you need to survive in the PI?
The Almost Famous hat almost fits. I have a surprisingly big head holding my tiny brain.
I’m keeping this bedside. Hope I never need it for anything but whacking thatch grass. Still, last night the dogs barked and I carried it downstairs to investigate. False alarm, but gave me a sense of security. I just need to get good enough with it to deflect fired bullets…
It is said that it is better to give than receive. In the spirit of the season, we will be doing our annual Candy Run at the Hash today.
These are the treats I’ll be handing out to the kiddies as we do our hike through the poorer streets in town.And this is how I’ll look when I’m being the Candy Man!
Oh, who can take tomorrow? (Who can take tomorrow?) Dip it in a dream (Dip it in a dream) Separate the sorrow and collect up all the cream
The Candy Man (the candy man) The Candy Man can (the candy man can) The Candy Man can ’cause he mixes it with love And makes the world taste good (Makes the world taste good)
Anyway, a good time at the Alley Cats Christmas party last night. I got all dressed up for the occasion:
I don’t recall exactly when I where I received this shirt, but I’m thinking it was my last year in Korea.
Where’s my Ho Ho Ho’s at?
Ah, here they are. The staff at Alley Cats. Well, the little girl is the daughter of a staffer…
Owner Dean (black t-shirt above) put out quite a feast, including the traditional Filipino holiday favorite, Lechon.
Roasted pig. I like the meat, but the Filipinas were going crazy over the skin. They eat it like a potato chip.
Speaking of pigs, Facebook saw fit to remind me how I looked four years ago:
A couple of sad things besides me in the photo. I’m wearing the now deceased Sohee’s shades. And this is just around the time that Jee Yeun changed my life by dumping me.
Anyway, the quest for beauty in my life continues.
There was this tree in blossom I saw while walking the dogs this morning.
It’s a start. You just have to have a little faith.
And trust. Who am I to say otherwise? I’ve experienced the wrath of Mary first hand.
Carry on my wayward son There’ll be peace when you are done Lay your weary head to rest Don’t you cry no more
Once I rose above the noise and confusion Just to get a glimpse beyond this illusion I was soaring ever higher, but I flew too high
Though my eyes could see I still was a blind man Though my mind could think I still was a mad man I hear the voices when I’m dreaming I can hear them say
Carry on my wayward son There’ll be peace when you are done Lay your weary head to rest Don’t you cry no more
Masquerading as a man with a reason My charade is the event of the season And if I claim to be a wise man Well, it surely means that I don’t know
On a stormy sea of moving emotion Tossed about, I’m like a ship on the ocean I set a course for winds of fortune But I hear the voices say
Carry on my wayward son There’ll be peace when you are done Lay your weary head to rest Don’t you cry no more no!
Carry on You will always remember Carry on Nothing equals the splendor Now your life’s no longer empty Surely heaven waits for you
Carry on my wayward son There’ll be peace when you are done Lay your weary head to rest Don’t you cry Don’t you cry no more
I played darts for the first time in a couple of weeks last night. It’s truly odd that these long layoffs don’t seem to affect the overall quality of my game. Or maybe I’m just lucky. I was definitely lucky in the “luck of the draw” when I pulled Steve, the Englishman who doesn’t drink, as my partner on the night.
One of us may have been a little drunk by the end.
Anyway, we were both on it and didn’t lose a leg throughout the tournament. Unstoppable we were! These days I only play when the mood strikes me and I try to just keep it fun. Maybe that’s the secret to my success. That and an awesome partner.
Tonight I’ll be back to Alley Cats to participate in the Christmas celebration. I’ve got an envelope I’ll be gifting each of the girls. Ho-Ho-Ho!
A nice day on the water, as seen from the Kokomo’s floating bar.
The sunbeams with a partial camera zoom……as seen with full zoom.And finally with no zoom.
Oh, and the beer was cold too.
In other news, I visited the newest business in town, a small hotel called Outback. In addition to a sports bar (which I’ve not as yet checked out), there is a very nice outdoor poolside bar. Both times I’ve been there I was the only customer. Which gave me the opportunity to chat up the bartender, Lyann. I’m not lyin’ when I tell you that is how her name is pronounced. Which provides plenty of opportunities for a jokester like me to have some fun.
I lifted this photo from her Facebook page so I have no idea what’s up with the Bounce.
Anyway, she’s got a wicked sense of humor (and not just because she laughs at my jokes, she’s funny in her own right too). She can hold her own in a conversation, and while not classically beautiful, she’s cute enough to trip my triggers. Anyway, I enjoy her company but the fact that she has FOUR kids (the oldest is 12) is pretty much a deal-breaker for me relationship-wise. Oh well.
And then there is Jen. I got a Facebook friend request from someone I’d never heard of. That in and of itself is not unusual. I normally look to see if we have any mutual friends and if not, I will just delete the request on the assumption that it is spam. For some inexplicable reason, I made an exception and accepted her friend request. A few hours later I got a message from her and we chatted a bit. I was still clueless about who she was, but I was enjoying our talk. She had obviously been perusing my FB page and mentioned a poem I had posted. Okay, now I was impressed and curious to learn more. I can’t remember the last time I met a woman who actually cared about words in general and poetry in particular. Who is this mystery woman and how did she find me? Finally, she told me her “real” name and sent me a picture.
“Do you recognize me now?” she asked.
Why yes, yes I do! Jen used to work at Double D, a videoke club that closed down several months ago. We are actually Facebook friends on her true account. Although I had met her on the several occasions I had been a patron at Double D, I really didn’t know much about her other than she loves to sing and that she works out at the gym. I had almost always been with Marissa back then, so I didn’t even flirt with her properly.
Anyway, she told me that she had thought of me as someone who is “not serious”, but after reading some of my FB posts she could see there was more to me than bad jokes and off-key singing. Hmm. I suggested we have dinner and find out more about each other. Jen responded that she is tied up with a work project through December 31. Ah. Not sure if that was a polite rejection or if we’ll get together in the New Year. We shall see. I’m definitely intrigued.
Then again, this song came up in my playlist as I did my morning walk:
I thought by now I was too smart Thought I was through givin’ my heart It’s only a game, tears you apart
Falling in love
My poor soul was about to mend Honey, then you smiled at me and then Lord help me, here I go again
Falling in love
Looking back through the bridges I’ve burned Each heartache was a page I turned Never forget the lessons I’ve learned
Falling in love
And I was all through ‘Til we met Never gonna love again and yet Funny how we all forget
Falling in love
And I’m falling in love, falling in love When will I learn? I think I’ll get burned Falling in love
Nothing is worse than a fool like me Think that I would finally see Heaven knows I shouldn’t be Falling in love
One day at a time.
*It’s not Scottie, it’s Scotty. Names matter! Thanks for the education, Kevin.
No, not me. Not yet anyway. I’m too busy trying to figure out how to find my “happy place”. I’m pretty sure the first step is to stop wallowing in self-pity. Anyway, more on that later. And in the meantime, I’ll be okay.
So, I came across this story written by a dying art critic named Peter Schjeldahl. I’d never heard of him but I found his insights and reflections quite interesting. Food for thought and putting things in perspective kind of stuff. It’s long but entertaining. Give it a read if you are so inclined.
Me? I’m going to shower up and go drown my sorrows. Such as they are.
Günter wasn’t here today so I got elected to lead the Wednesday Walkers. As is my wont, I made it pretty easy. One hard but short climb up to My Bitch, then a meandering trail back around to near Rizal Extension. My twist was taking a seldom-used path leading back to the valley floor. Near the bottom and out in the absolute middle of nowhere is this statue of the Virgin Mary:
I have no clue as to who had the idea or why they went to the expense of constructing this shrine.
All I know is the damn thing is powerful! As we approached I called out “hey baby!”. And immediately my feet came out from under me and I went down hard on my ass. It was both painful and embarrassing. The Filipinas in the group posed for pictures with the statue and one of them said to me “Don’t call her baby.” I won’t, I learned my lesson.
Once we hit the valley, I let Almaranus take over leadership figuring he would just head us back towards town. Nope, he took us climbing up a mountain. I was cursing my self for being so cursed.
Nice view from up there though.
We had lunch at the top then made our way back to Barretto for liquid refreshment at Cheap Charlies. Not a bad day’s work on trail:
I need the peer pressure to push myself this hard these days.
That’s about enough for today. But at least I’m not this guy:
…of the Subic Bay Hash House Harriers. I was a co-Hare, but had virtually no input on the trail selection. The other Hares, Pubic Head and Blow My Pipe, knew what they wanted to do and did it. I was basically there to carry the powder as it were. No complaints, it was a good trail. Only hitch seemed to be that no one found the trail through the rice paddy. We suspect the farmer erased our marks as he didn’t appreciate the traffic. Oh well.
Here’s some photos:
An easy 6K mostly flat trail.Off loading the truck. I HATE having to travel to the trail head in the Hashmobile. I was overruled by my superiors. Well, seniors. On-On!Low hanging fruit.On the road.One of the nicer vistas on our trail.Another angle…Unusual clouds at our On-Home at DaKudo’s on Baloy Beach
That’s it for now. Time to do the Wednesday Walkers group.
Our Lady of Lourdes International Health Center that is.
Finally got to see a doctor about my eye this morning. I wouldn’t call getting that done an ordeal, but it did qualify as a pain in the ass. It’s Tuesday and that’s my grocery shopping day. Figured I’d take advantage of having a driver and get the medical chores out of the way as well.
Well, we left my place at 0900 and the domestic helper advised that the Lourdes eye clinic wouldn’t open until 1000. Okay then, let’s head out to Baypointe Medical Center for the third of five rabies shots. Maybe I can see a doc there about the eye. Nope, no one available until late afternoon. Did the song and dance that is a prerequisite for getting my shot: pharmacy for meds, supply room for an invoice for the needle and shot paraphernalia, cashier to pay, back to supply to pick up the stuff I paid for, then upstairs for the actual shot. Even my helper was shaking her head at the hoops this poor patient was forced to jump through. The next shot is due on Christmas Eve and the clinic is closed, so I get to use the emergency room which bypasses everything but the cashier. Woot!
After shopping, I had my driver pop into Lourdes. The clinic was open but the doctor was not in yet. Clinic hours are 10:00 till 12:00 on Tuesday, it was after 10:00 and the doc was “on his way”. Hmm, well I had frozen food in the car so home I went. After the groceries were safely stored away, I took a trike back to the hospital, the doctor was in, and after a short wait, it was my turn to be examined.
The swelling is down quite a bit but the eye is itchy and sore. I showed the doc a picture from yesterday. As others had speculated, he immediately declared it a sty, most likely from an infection. So now I’ve got ten days of four times a day eye drops to add to my daily medication regimen. And a boiled egg.
Doctor said as hot as I can stand it, several times a day. I went to bed with ice on the eye which turns out was the opposite of what I should do to reduce sty swelling. Who knew?
That’s actually a pretty nifty trick for applying heat, lasts a lot longer than a hot rag and you get a tasty snack afterward!
What else? Well, on the walk back home from Lourdes I saw this shop selling rice:
Maybe it’s just my love of puns, but I found the signage worthy of a photo.
I was hungry when I got home so I got busy in the kitchen.
It’s been a while since I’ve enjoyed a tasty burrito… Oh, and Buddy and Lucky in the background is just a bonus. I used ground beef. Honest!
And finally, Facebook reminds me that I posted this five years ago:
Damn, the more things change, the more they remain the same.
Well, I am sleeping alone these days.
your life is your life don’t let it be clubbed into dank submission. be on the watch. there are ways out. there is a light somewhere. it may not be much light but it beats the darkness. be on the watch. the gods will offer you chances. know them. take them. you can’t beat death but you can beat death in life, sometimes. and the more often you learn to do it, the more light there will be. your life is your life. know it while you have it. you are marvelous the gods wait to delight in you.
@Charles Bukowski
One of my favorites, I’m sure I’ve posted it before. That’s the nice thing about poetry. It’s always there to remind you of the lessons you’ve already learned.
It seems to be more of a sty than something like pink eye, although I do have some itchy irritation in the corner of my eye. I figured it was best to get it checked out by a doctor. I asked my helper to call the eye clinic at Lourdes hospital. She said we could just go there at 9 a.m. I told her no, I want to be sure the doctor is available. So she calls and we leave. Get there, and the clinic is closed. She hurried off to the information desk, probably as much to escape my wrath as anything. She came back and said the clinic had changed their hours and the receptionist she had spoken to on the phone didn’t know. Bottom line, they are closed on Mondays.
Deep breath, relax and accept the Filipino way. I’ll go to Baypointe Hospital tomorrow and have it looked at. Need to get my rabies shot there anyway.
Otherwise, I’ve been in a bit of a funk lately. I’m sure it will pass. Just need to maintain my patience and wait for the next big thing to come along. In the meantime there’is always:
Sunday dinner at Sit-n-Bull., probably my overall favorite restaurant in town. First time I’d tried their roast beef and it was outstanding.Sunsets on the water to enjoy…And the full moon shining down on my house to guide my drunken feet home.
Just received some sad news from Korea. A dear old friend, Sohee, took her life this morning.
A smile that could light up a room. Who knew the pain it was hiding?
I’ve always said that suicide is the ultimate in selfishness. The pain doesn’t go away, it is simply transferred to those you leave behind. I’m so sorry that you found yourself alone in that dark place and couldn’t find your way back out. You were loved by many and will be missed.
Damn, girl. I just wish you could have felt the love we all had for you.
Up and out early this morning to lay trail for Monday’s Hash. My co-Hare’s, Pubic Head and Blow My Pipe, picked the trail. I merely carried the powder and marked the path the Hashers will hopefully follow without getting lost. I know what I like to see on trail and that’s what I tried to provide. We shall see how it works out.
We also marked the trail with chalk. This is on the sidewalk right in front of my house.
It’s a relatively easy hike of 6K with only one real climb. The only thing I don’t like is that we have to be trucked out to the starting point in the Hashmobile. I am a little worried that the number of Hashers present on Monday could exceed the capacity of our vehicle. Oh well, nothing I can do about that.
Speaking of the house, I’ve taken measures to further secure the place from break-ins. One of the weak points was my open-air downstairs bathroom. There was a gap between the ceiling and the wall large enough for someone to climb through.
Not anymore!Maybe it will make climbing up on the roof more difficult too.
Anyway, the upstairs windows have also been secured with wood blocks in the window tracks. No one is getting in that way without breaking glass. I have a new neighbor moving in catercorner from me in a house that has been vacant for years. Not to be an ass about it, but if my house is a tougher nut to crack I’ll be a less inviting target. Just saying. And of course, once they are here I’ll give them a heads up about what I’ve learned the hard way.
That’s the news from here. Oh wait, I’ve been meaning to get around to this:
Methinks he’s not as smart as he thinks he is.
Kevin Kim had recently posted on the Dunning-Kruger effect, or as the accompanying YouTube video put it “why stupid people think they are smart.” Now, Mr. Yglesias is a very educated man. I’d argue his biases and arrogance makes him stupid about many things though, especially politics. And his grammar and comma usage? Oh my!
That’s what time keeps doing. Take the last 24 hours for example:
Went to get a haircut at my usual place. Barber had one in the chair and two more waiting, so I nixed that plan and walked on up Baloy Beach road to see what I might see. What I didn’t see was the Blue Rock floating bar which is apparently still in storage. So I moved on down the beach and ventured onto the Kokomo’s floater. I know a couple of gals working there, Arcel and Julica, both former Hashers. Alas, Julica was busy with a customer and Arcel wasn’t working. I had also “met” a gal on a dating site who works on Kokomo’s but I didn’t see her either. So I wound up drinking alone.
Julica and Arcel from a hike earlier this year.
One of the things I enjoy most about the floaters is watching the sun go down.
One view……and another.
After three or four Zero’s I headed back into Barretto and popped up to Bar Celona. Found me a seat, ordered a beer, and watched the moon rise.
I did all my talkin’ to the moon because I didn’t know anyone else in the bar.
After a couple of bottles, I decided to move back down the highway and see what was happening in Alaska Club. Turns out nothing was, me being the only customer. And the one gal I like there was nowhere to be found. Oh well. Two more beers and out.
The last bar on the strip as I make my way home is Queen Victoria. Why not? Once again, I had the place to myself. Chatted with the bar staff a bit and then Sean, a fellow Hasher, came in. He was in as foul a mood as I was. So we drank our beers and told Dad jokes for a bit, although they went completely over the heads of the Filipinas present.
While I was finishing my beer I got a message from a woman I know who lives in the squatter town outside my subdivision. She mentioned her water had been out for two days so I drunkenly invited her to come by and use my shower. To my surprise she accepted. And then to my further surprise, she decided to spend the night. Even woke me up during the night to do it again. So there you go. Even the lonely nights here can end well.
She left early and I got about my routine. Walked the dogs then took a quick hike to get my morning steps in. Showered up, then hit the barbershop. Only the customer in the chair ahead of me this time. Afterward, I caught a Jeepney into Olongapo and went to the hospital for the second of five rabies shots.
Instead of the emergency room, I was directed to the outpatient clinic. After checking in and a short wait an RN came to me with some papers and told me I needed to go downstairs to the pharmacy to get my medicine, pay the cashier, then come back to her for the injection. Geez, seriously? So, I did as instructed, got to the cashier and was told I needed to go to billing to get an itemized statement. Grrr. Got the bill, paid the P2000 ($40) and headed back upstairs. The nurse then gave me my shot and I was on my way.
Since I was in town anyway, I did the twenty-minute walk over to the mall and got my head examined. Well, my eyes anyway. A little surprised my prescription hasn’t changed much in two+ years, but I ordered some new glasses anyway. The lenses on my old ones are scratched up pretty bad which is affecting my vision I think. That set me back almost $400.
Lunch at McDonald’s (I know, I know), another hike, and a Jeepney ride back to Barretto. And here I sit telling you all about it. Who says my life isn’t full of excitement?
Not bad for a Thursday. I’ll reach my goal of 20,000+ today as well.
Sitting on this barstool talking like a damn fool Got the twelve o’clock news blues And I’ve given up hope for the afternoon soaps And a bottle of cold brew Is it any wonder I’m not crazy? Is it any wonder I’m sane at all Well I’m so tired of losing- I got nothing to do and all day to do it I go out cruisin’ but I’ve no place to go and all night to get there Is it any wonder I’m not a criminal? Is it any wonder I’m not in jail? Is it any wonder I’ve got
Too much time on my hands? It’s ticking away with my sanity I’ve got too much time on my hands It’s hard to believe such a calamity I’ve got too much time on my hands And it’s ticking away, ticking away from me
I have a confession to make. I’ve been spending time today with a 15-year-old. Yeah, I know how creepy that sounds but I hope you won’t judge me too harshly. After all, you are doing it too. Which is my way of saying today marks fifteen years of blogging here at Long Time Gone.
What a ride it has been! I started this blog in preparation for my upcoming move to Korea way back then. Here’s an excerpt from that very first post:
I have lived a very comfortable life. Too comfortable perhaps. The chance to live and work overseas in a totally alien culture seems to be an exciting opportunity to get out of my box and experience a new lifestyle. Yes, I am looking forward to the adventure. Of course, the nature of adventure is the not knowing how things will turn out. I know I will miss my family and friends and everything that is familiar and wonderfully American. I have made a two-year commitment to the Army, and if I am miserable and lost and lonely, well I will deal with it and learn what I can from the experience. Going in, I have a positive attitude and believe that I have the power to determine what I gain and how I grow as I live this new life.
Yeah, the writing has not improved despite all these years of practice. But it has indeed been an adventure and that adventure continues. I certainly had no clue just what a life-changing event that move would turn out to be. But it’s all documented here in the LTG archives. Along the way, I’ve lost two wives, experienced numerous other heartbreaks, made (and repeated) lots of mistakes, learned some things about myself, and discovered a lifestyle beyond anything I’d ever previously imagined. My only real regret is that I didn’t start this quest when I was younger.
Anyway, there is no turning back. I honestly cannot imagine living a vanilla American life again. As mundane and boring as my daily routines may appear in my posts here at LTG, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Who knows what the future will bring? I might wind up changing it all down the road. Or dying on the road I’m on. It’s all about the ride.
And finally, a big thanks to you my faithful readers. Your support and advice over the years have meant more to me than you’ll ever know. Some of you I’ve had the pleasure to have met in person, but most remain anonymous strangers. That you care enough to stop by and read my diary entries makes it all worthwhile. I’ll keep on keepin’ on! You’ve been warned.
Then take it as far as you see and beyond With eyes you don’t use enough to gather up strength As thoroughfare gap, what awaits is whatever you see When you get there of even before
Another robbery at the house last night. I woke up at 0400 to the loud voice of one of my domestic helpers. From the sound of it, I thought maybe she was just coming in after a night of hard-drinking. When I finally got up to tell her to quiet down she exclaimed: “I was robbed!”
The other domestic helper came out of the bedroom and said it was warm so she had opened her bedroom window (both workers share the same room). The culprits (there were three of them) climbed onto the roof of the downstairs bathroom and tried to enter through the open window. Gina woke up, saw them, and began yelling. They took off but not before grabbing Teri’s phone. That’s all they got this time.
The scene of the crime.
The security guys came out and did a perimeter search. Came back with a baseball cap, a pair of slippers, and a bag of coins. These were apparently dropped by the thieves as they fled. Turns out there was another robbery in the neighborhood earlier last night and the speculation was the coins had been taken from that house.
The guards pleaded with me not to tell my landlord (who also employs them) because they were threatened with termination after the earlier robberies. Well, I don’t blame the security guards, they can’t be everywhere. And since the subdivision is not fenced anyone can enter without using the front gate. It’s Christmas season and according to lawyer fighting criminal defense claims, here and property crimes always increase as folks turn into wannabe Robin Hoods. They are poor and anyone living in Alta Vista must be rich.
I guess the only positive is that my enhanced downstairs security measures seemed to have worked as intended. When you’ve got the burglars climbing on the roof to get in that’s a sign of improvement. Now I’ll work to secure the upstairs windows better and break down and buy some outside CCTV cameras. I need to make sure my house isn’t the softest target around.
Well, it wasn’t a dock but it was docked. The Arizona floating bar that is. Made my first visit of the season last night and it was a pleasant experience. I was impressed that the bartender called out “Zero?” when I boarded. Still remembered my beer of choice after all those months. Or maybe someone asked her how handsome I was on a scale of 1-10. Anyway, I do enjoy sipping a cold one while gently rocking on the water.
The bar…….and a view from the bar.Looking back at the Arizona Resort from whence I launched.There was also a beautiful full moon last night. Alas, my photography skills and/or my camera could not do it justice.
After drinking my fill, I ferried back to shore and enjoyed the Arizona restaurant’s nightly special–grilled pork chops.
Tasty they were too. That’s a bowl of French onion soup that accompanied the meal.
Today I did the Wednesday walk. Some of us did a safe and sane 8K hike. The others sought out additional climbs and distance, so we parted company. That’s how it’s gonna have to be for me in the future. When it stops being fun, I’m going to do it my way.
Scott will be my co-Hare next week for the Hash. We will be incorporating a portion of today’s hike into our trail.It is much more fun to skirt around the base of Easter mountain that it is to climb it.I make no apologies for preferring this kind of trail.Now, this area proved to be a real dump!
And that’s the way I roll. Thinking about doing some darts for the first time in weeks tonight. Or not. We’ll see how I feel when I get there. Damn, I might just get used to doing things my way!
Looks like nothing’s gonna change Everything still remains the same I can’t do what ten people tell me to do So I guess I’ll remain the same, listen
Sittin’ here resting my bones And this loneliness won’t leave me alone, listen Two thousand miles I roam Just to make this dock my home, now
I’m just gon’ sit at the dock of a bay Watchin’ the tide roll away, ooh Sittin’ on the dock of the bay Wastin’ time
On the way to buy groceries this morning, I popped into the emergency room at Baypointe Hospital on the old Navy base. I told the doctor on duty I’d been dog bit, but the dog in question had allegedly been vaccinated. The doc said it doesn’t matter, I needed to be shot. For tetanus and rabies that is. Well, I had a tetanus booster last year after my encounter with barbed wire, so I just needed to take care of the potential for rabies.
It seems to me that back in the day a rabies treatment involved like 12 shots in the stomach. I nervously asked what regimen was in store for me? Well, the vaccine dose is predicated on weight and based on mine I need a series of five shots administered once every three days. Then I was asked if I had insurance, which made me a little nervous (I do, but I have to pay as I go and file a claim afterward). Turns out the total cost is $250 so I can deal with that.
Before they gave me the first shot a cute nurse came in and said she was going to test me for an allergic reaction. She scraped something on my arm which hurt more than I could let my male pride admit. After about twenty minutes she came back and had a look at the mosquito bite-like lump on my arm. Does it itch? Not anymore I told her. She had another nurse look, then fetched a doctor. And then another doctor. I guess they concluded that I was allergic so they wouldn’t use that medicine. I still got a shot of something though, and I’ll be back Friday for more.
Pretty exciting, huh? But wait, there’s more! How about some photos from yesterday’s Hash?
It was a very nice 7 km trail. Very similar to the one I had hoped to use next week when I’ll be a co-Hare. Damn it!Although on my trail I wasn’t planning on squashing everyone into the back of the Hashmobile…And we are “ON-ON!”Hey, that’s me near the back of the pack. As usual.Through the rice paddy we go…The old dirt road.The Hares promised there was only one climb. That was mostly true and it was only moderately difficult. That’s something this old guy appreciates.A view from on high…We eventually intersected with My Bitch, a trail I hadn’t walked in quite a while. I was very pleased to see someone had hacked down the thatch grass…I guess they hadn’t gotten this far yet though. Burn it down!Probably the nicest view of the day…Made it back before the sun went down which is always my goal.And then we enjoyed the ‘”on-home” festivities from our newest Hash venue, Queen Victoria bar.
I’m not sure why, but I have the urge to lift my leg when I pee now. Just kidding. I hope.
I caught you knockin’ at my cellar door I love you, baby, can I have some more Ooh, ooh, the damage done.
I hit the city and I lost my band I watched the needle take another man Gone, gone, the damage done.
I sing the song because I love the man I know that some of you don’t understand Milk-blood to keep from running out.
I’ve seen the needle and the damage done A little part of it in everyone But every junkie’s like a settin’ sun.
Interesting morning here. Getting back into my regular routines which are all the more enjoyable after a brief hiatus for travel. The dogs seemed happy to have me back for our walk around the neighborhood, that’s for sure.
Afterward, I went to the new Divimart store and purchased 100 tins of sardines, 50 bags of noodles, and 20 kgs of rice. I found a local charity here that provides food baskets for the poor and that was my contribution. I also wired some money to a chat friend on Bohol to provide a Christmas meal for some school kids in her town. I have helped her out before and she sent pictures so I pretty much trust the money will be used as intended. Anyway, I’m all-in for three hundred bucks. That’s not exactly chump change, but it’s nice that a small donation can make a difference for those in need.
As I neared completion of my regular morning walk I passed by a house with a dog on a chain. I’ve gone this way many times and the dog always barks aggressively but his chain doesn’t reach my path. At least it didn’t until today. I hadn’t even really noticed him (had my headphones on) but as I was moving away he came at me from behind and bit me on the hand. It seems his chain had been tethered to a different post which brought me in range of those sharp teeth. Yep, he drew a fair amount of blood from my little finger.
This incident occurred not far from my neighborhood. So I cleaned the wound, applied disinfectant, and took my helper with me to talk to the dog’s owner. He wasn’t sympathetic, saying (to her in Tagalog) that I shouldn’t have been walking there. I had my helper ask if the dog had been inoculated for rabies and the translated response from her was “not this year”. Hmm. I think a dog normally just gets vaccinated once but I’m not sure. The dog’s owner also helpfully added that his dog has bitten many people and none of them contracted rabies.
So it looks like I’ll be going to the hospital tomorrow to get a rabies shot.
Sorry, Mary. I wasn’t intentionally mocking you last night when I took this photo of your minions blocking traffic on the national highway. Please call the dogs off!
Here’s hoping I have better luck at the Hash today.
No, not this kind. I’m talking about the Haggis Bash Hash. This was part of the food that was served after the event, but I did not stick around to partake.It was kinda interesting to see the reverence to which the Haggis above was treated. Brought into the venue on a platter accompanied by bagpipe music. Sorry the picture is so blurry, I might have been drunk.
Anyway, it was a mostly fun and interesting day. We started out with a 6.5K trail that was blessedly flat.
And it’s “on-on” in La Union!The trail meandered through fields of corn, grapes, and rice.As seems to be my bane, we had some water crossings on unstable bridges. That’s Slot Licker from Subic encouraging me on across a swaying suspension bridge.Now, this one didn’t scare me at all. Still, I almost lost my balance but made it over with dry feet.And these damn bamboo things just weren’t designed to support my weight. Well, I made it safely–praise be to the Hash Gods…That’s more like it!Where corn comes from.
Anyway, you get the idea. Typical Hash excursion, just in a new venue. Of course, the big event was still to come: the Haggis games.
Sorry the picture is fuzzy, there were 12 events in all. Sadly, I neglected to photograph most of them. We were competing against teams from Angeles City and of course, the La Union Hash.The Hash Bash Grand Master of Ceremonies…And I guess it wouldn’t be Haggis without bagpipes…The pole toss event…There were over 180 Hashers in attendance. Had to step back a bit to capture the enormity of the crowd.
We (Subic) were actually kicking ass in most of the early categories and had a comfortable lead in points. This was stuff like the races–dwarf carry (a guy carried a girl), sack races and the like. And then there came the dancing…
The Subic dancers performed brilliantly. The judges were all from La Union though and they saw fit to award us third place. Totally subjective and disappointing.
We dropped a couple of other events like pie-eating (meat pie that is). So it all came down to the tug-of-war at the end. Angeles City outweighed us healthy Subic guys on the rope by quite a bit and in the end, they proved unmovable. Ah well, it was all in good fun.
That’s me with the second place trophy. See you bastards next year for a revenge tug!
Back home in lovely Barretto again. I will say this about La Union: the women there are on average much more to my taste than what I find in my little town. The waitresses in both Bella’s and Blue Cat were just so damn cute! Not to mention, they provided outstanding service. That’s a winning combination anywhere.
That’s Anne, my personal favorite. What a smile! What an ass! She was really busy on Saturday morning and working alone. I got frustrated and went next door to Blue Cat for breakfast. She was still apologizing to me this morning. I don’t think I’d like living in La Union, but if I had a gal like this loving me there, I might just change my mind.I’m a Haggis Basher now! See you next year! You too, Anne. I hope.
Yesterday I got registered for today’s Haggis Hash. For my P1000 fee ($20) I received a bag full of Hash trash.
Said bag which contained my Hash gear…Including this ball cap……a sweat towel……these kilt-like looking shorts……and of course, the traditional commemorative Hash shirt.
I’m all decked out for today’s Haggis…
The shorts are ridiculous, probably the only time I’ll ever wear them…And I’m wearing my Subic shirt to represent my team in the Haggis events this afternoon.
Last night we did the “Full Moon Hash” which in actuality is a male-only bar crawl. Of course, there ain’t many bars here, but we hit three of them. What was unusual was the “entertainment” provided–dancing girls dancing. Then dancing without their tops. And finally dancing naked! I’ve seen that in Thailand, but never the Philippines which tends to lean conservative when it comes to sexual mores. I know these shows were specifically put on for our benefit, but still, it seemed pretty risky. The doors weren’t locked and there were non-Hashers in the bars.
And I guess I really am turning into a grumpy old man. I like women just fine, even tattooed prostitutes. Their pussies right up in my face? Not so much. Some of the other guys seemed to really be into it though, at least their tongues were. Yuck! Anyway, I find women more attractive when something is left to the imagination. That’s just how I roll.
At the third bar, we did a Hash circle. I’d had a few beers by then and just wasn’t much in the mood for the usual chicanery. At the La Union Hash, they don’t use ice for punishment. Instead, you drink from this:
No idea what the concoction inside truly is, but obviously it looks like shit. Didn’t get the opportunity to taste any either. I bailed before the circle was completed.
I’m just too old for that crap. Hope it is more fun today. Stay tuned.
Quiet night here yesterday. Just hung out at the hotel bar and watched the sun go down.
Down she goes……see you in the morning!
Once the sun’s entertainment was completed, I took some time to observe my fellow patrons at the bar. Damn, I’m old but these guys looked ancient to me! Lots of old fucks in Barretto too of course but I think the oldsters stand out here because there is no infusion of young tourists. Having said that, it appeared they all were making the best of their golden years, enjoying camaraderie and laughs with each other. I was impressed that one guy with non-functioning legs rode into the bar on an electric scooter. Another guy looked like something out of The Walking Dead, barely able to stand, unsteady hands, and a gnarly and wrinkled body. Must have been well into his 80s and yet there he sat enjoying a beer and watching the ocean. You know, I want to live for as long as I can do the things I enjoy doing, There will come a time when maybe some good company and cold beer will be all I need. Hell, maybe that time has already come!
And I’m not blowing smoke!
That’s vapor, not smoke! I was making an impressive cloud though, wasn’t I?
Breakfast in the hotel as well this morning. I must say I was impressed with the enormity of the meal:
Not shown is a heaping helping of beans served up in a bowl right after I took this photo. One of the better breakfasts I’ve had in a while.
I guess I’m doing alright for an old guy. Think I’ll take a nap.
