If this email is to be believed, it appears my website has been cleansed of the malware infection.
Your SMART scanner has been hard at work! During a recent scan, it found some malware and automatically removed it from your website. We are happy to report that your site is now clean and malware-free.
Let me know if you see any signs to the contrary.
On to yesterday, then. There was the Friday group hike to attend to.
Swan, Gary, and George joined me as we traversed the streets of Matain and Calapacuan.
Shortly after we started, I decided to take a pee at a gas station we passed. I wound up on my knees on the sidewalk.
I didn’t see this protruding obstacle over the walkway until the last second. When I jerked my head and stopped suddenly, my feet slid out from under me. Fortunately, no damage was done to my body. A new samgyeopsal joint will be opening soon. I peeked inside, and it looked pretty nice, with fancy grills on each table. Alas, with only a couple of exceptions, I’ve found pork belly disappointing in the PI. Maybe Marz will be out of this world.Some new signage at one of our Hash On-Home venues. They got the name wrong, though; it should be Smokes and Bottles.This is one of the places that recruits Filipinos for overseas work. Most of the jobs they had posted on the window were for housekeepers/caregivers in the Middle East. I’ve heard many horror stories of what happens to the young Filipinas who take jobs in a Muslim country. The latest was a lass who was murdered in Qatar by the wife of her employer. Seems the wife was not happy about her husband impregnating the brown beauty. Swan dispensed some sweetness along the way.Boats on the bay.George asked about the abandoned resort he had once visited in the 1990s. When we went to check it out, we were greeted by this sign.
There were some workers clearing weeds and a woman who appeared to be in charge. We approached her and asked if we might have a look around. She consented to our trespassing.
A tree I liked.One of several dilapidated buildings that were once part of a resort named Paradise.And another.A nice view of Snake Island from here.From up on the rocks, there was a nice view of the Whiterock Resort next door.I’ve never visited the Whiterock, but it is enormous and looks very nice from above.Our narrow escape passage from the ghostly Paradise.The Whiterock signage on the National Highway.Our only climb for the day was up these seemingly endless stairs.Recovering from the ass-kicking stair climb.A view from up top.A nice-looking house for rent in the Santa Monica subdivision.The route of our 6K journey.
Back home and hungry, Swan made me lunch.
Her version of the eggaburger. It was masarap.
When it was time to head into town, we started with dinner at Jewel Cafe.
The tiny, but tasty, filet mignon. Only 599 pesos.
We crossed the highway for a drink or two at Red Bar, then did our nightcap at Jumpin’ Jacks. And that’s how we filled the hours on our Friday.
On to July 2015 in the LTG archives. It has been interesting (to me) to read about things I would have otherwise totally forgotten. Like this chance encounter with a crazy guy in my Itaewon hangout, Shenanigans. Sometimes the meaningless moments are part of the milestones on this journey we call life.
Nine years ago, I enjoyed a successful night of darts in Bangkok.
It’s been a while since we’ve checked in with Smart Girl Philippines. Well, here she is talking about why the Christmas season is the best time of the year for sex.
And you may enjoy these:
What a shitty circumstance.I’ve always thought about opening a topless bar… no hats allowed inside.That’s one solution, I suppose.
And with that, I’ll sign off for today.
This song takes me back to those long-haired hippy-freak days, the first time I lived through the 70s.
New York just dropped the soap when they elected Mamdani.
Speaking of taking it up the ass, my blog has been attacked with malware once again. I got an email from SiteLock saying they found malware during a recent scan of LTG. And this morning, a commenter told me: “You’ve got another malicious plug-in or another bit of malware in WordPress. I’m being redirected to a malicious website like several weeks ago with a scam 1-800 Windows support number.” Shit! Why bother with scamming a little-read site like mine? Sorry for any trouble you encountered.
So, this morning, I contacted SiteLock and was told I needed to upgrade my security protection. With the premium package, they would remove the malware. Okay, let’s do it. Nope, I had to do the upgrade through HostGator, where my blog resides. So, I got there and chatted with another customer service rep.
No website is completely safe, regardless of how long it’s been up and running without issues. Hackers are constantly developing new techniques, and what might have been a secure website a few years ago could be vulnerable today.
I highly recommend upgrading your security service to the *Sitelock Prevent Plus* for just $155.76.
They will thoroughly remove all malware from your website, fix any existing vulnerabilities, and implement safeguards to prevent future attacks.
Not having any other options, I spent the money. I’m supposed to be contacted before they implement the fix, but I haven’t heard anything yet. I’m told it can take six hours or more to do the work, during which time my blog won’t be accessible. So, heads up if you don’t hear from me.
There was a good time yesterday at The Rite Spot. Swan’s female friends gathered for some soju-fueled fun, something they do once a month or so. It was Swan’s turn to host, and the gals said they were looking forward to the rooftop views. Based on my observations, they were not disappointed.
I baked brownies and corn bread muffins.And made a crockpot full of chili con carne.Swan roasted a chicken and made a couple of other Filipino-style offerings.It had been quite some time since we hoisted The Rite Spot banner.Tables, chairs, and fans are ready and waiting.The food offerings are ready to be eaten.The womenfolk arrive.Scott and I were the only two males around.Party on!Posers.And then this happened.It was The Rite Spot to watch the sun go down.
When one of the girls had to leave, Scott and I caught a ride on her trike into town. The party had started before 3 pm, and it was nearly six now. Guys at a girls’ event just don’t fit in, sorta like a tranny in the women’s restroom, and we’d had enough. We popped into Alley Cats for a beer, and were joined by Troy, Simon, and Jim. It was trivia night at the bar, and even though I wasn’t participating, trying to think of the answers was making my brain hurt. So, when I was done with my beer, I said goodbye and wandered off up the highway. I got as far as It Doesn’t Matter before I needed to rehydrate.
You can see how excited Angelica, Luna, and Julie were to see me. And that was AFTER I bought them a lady drink. I punished them with some of my notoriously bad jokes.
A couple of beers later, I’d had enough and grabbed a trike for home. The party was still in full swing upstairs, so I made a brief appearance before saying goodnight and hitting the sack. Swan said the girls left around ten and were going to do a barhop. Damn, I miss the days when I had that kind of staying power.
Everyone seemed to have a good time, and Swan was happy with the event. It’s good to be alive.
I had to double-check to make sure Buddy was still breathing. They say a dog sleeping like that is a happy one.
It’s on to June 2015 in the LTG archives. Upon my re-employment after nearly five years of retirement, I wrote this post listing all the jobs I had held throughout my life. For anyone who says my blog is worthless, I’d beg to differ. I would never have remembered some of these if I hadn’t written them down while my brain was still mostly functional.
Gonna lighten things up with today’s YouTube video—three minutes of jokes. I can’t promise they are funny, but see how you react.
I can’t say these are any better:
Um, no.In the bars of Barretto?Well, someone wearing their hair like that today must be a dinosaur.
Here we go again. But before I get started about yesterday, I have some comments about comments. Amongst my handful of loyal readers, some actually share their thoughts in the comments section. Unsurprisingly, those comments often have more substance than the original post (admittedly, that’s a low bar). So, if you haven’t done so already, I invite you to read the exchange between me and commenter Brian in the post “Getting on with it.” Honestly, interactions like those are my favorite part of blogging.
As seen on the morning dog walk. Storm damage?Or vandalism? I report, you decide.
When it was time for the Wednesday Walkers to convene, we decided to keep it mostly on the street. So, we grabbed a Jeepney and rode it out to Waltermart on the far side of Subic town, then walked the backroads home.
This week’s iteration of the Wednesday Walkers.A river in Mangan-Vaca.Over the river.On the riverbank.First cookie delivery of the day.On the Govic Highway.The road to Naugsol.
Yeah, I’m at the back of the pack in most of these photos. I’m slow on a good day, but yesterday I had pain in my left ankle for some reason, and it hobbled my progress. I woke up in pain during the night as well and required some Tylenol to get back to sleep. I took a day off from walking this morning.
That mountain we call Easter.Out in the great wide open.Another storm casualty. This one must have fallen across the road and got amputated.The sister tree retained her dignity in death.“Downtown” Naugsol.Crossing Bridge #4.Over the Matain River.Heading for the valley.Navigating the Naugsol falls.The 1,238,798 wonder of the world.Give or take a billion.Heading back up into Alta Vista.A pleasant enough 7K trek, notwithstanding the pain in my ankle.
That ankle didn’t stop me from heading back out at beer o’clock either.
Beer and wine at Cheap Charlies with this woman.And dinner delivered from the restaurant downstairs, Foodies. First time I’ve tried their sweet-and-sour pork. It was yummy.The best view from the CR in town.That cat on a hot tin roof I read about in school.The view of the highway and suicide tower from Cheap Charlies.
We visited Green Room next, and enjoyed our nightcap at Wet Spot. Then we rolled on home. No complaints about my Wednesday. Keep ’em coming!
Moving on to May 2015 in the LTG archives, and in this rambling post, I talk about giving up cigarettes and being grumpy. Those two things may be related, but I haven’t smoked for ten years now, and I’m grumpier than ever. Go figure.
Today’s YouTube video is something a little different for me, talking about death and the spiritual being within our human body. I don’t buy it, but since it is only five minutes long, you may want to decide for yourself.
Let’s lighten our load with these:
It was worth a shot.Why make it so hard on her?Well, how old do you have to be to get this one? And why did I think of one of the best albums ever, Who’s Next?
Okay then, we are done for today. Swan is having a gathering of lady friends up at The Rite Spot on the Roof this afternoon. I made some chili, cornbread muffins, and brownies for the event. I’ve got plenty of beer on ice for me and any menfolk who may come along. Nothing wrong with sticking close to home for a change.
Well, it was a Tuesday, so I had low expectations, and I wasn’t disappointed. That won’t stop me from telling you all about it, though. You are welcome!
I’ll be traveling to Surigao Island with the neighbors (all four of them—Jeff, Davina, Martin, and Joss) the last week in November, so we’ll likely miss the traditional Thanksgiving feast. Not to worry, Jeff and Davina invited us to join them on the 20th for an early celebration. I volunteered to bring the turkey.
That’s the biggest bird (5kg) Royal had in the freezer, so it will have to suffice. And “only” 2300 pesos (forty bucks).
I’ll also be making a batch of my Aunt Pat’s Recipe World-Famous Fruit Salad to share at the early Thanksgiving gathering. I’ll contribute my brownies and an apple pie to the feast as well. It should be fun, looking forward to it.
Tuesday is our traditional toes in the sand day, so we headed to Baloy Beach so Swan could get her fix.
The after-storm sky.Bare feet in the sand always makes Swan smile.
To our surprise, Kokomo’s was actually open, so naturally we stopped in.
Wine was out of stock, but Swan was okay with that. They had Zero beer, but it wasn’t cold, so I drank it on ice.
Word from the waitresses is that the floating bar will be out by this weekend, weather permitting. The fact that they had waitresses was a good sign because they had been hired to work on the floater.
What we came to see.We got what we came for.We were the best customers last night.
We found out that the beer was warm because the power was out. And with the sundown, things were getting a little on the dark side. So, we paid our tab and departed. I was worried that Treasure Island would also be without light, but that was not the case. The outage appeared to be limited to Kokomo’s.
So, we grabbed a seat at the TI bar and ordered our dinner.
Salisbury steak for Swan.Beef enchiladas for me.
After our meal, we grabbed a trike and had it drop us off at Queen Victoria Bar for our nightcap.
A good enough ending to the day.
And as always, it’s good to be alive. Speaking of which, it was just one year ago that things were looking a little iffy:
A blood oxygen level of 89 is in the danger zone. I had days lower than that.Doing much better in that regard these days.
From the April 2015 LTG archives is a post recalling some memories from the years I spent living in Prescott, Arizona. Overall, that was my favorite place to have resided in the USA, but that chapter of my life ended in 1983. I’m glad to have lived it.
A beautiful mile-high city. You may have seen it if you watched some classic movies like Billy Jack and Junior Bonner.
For today’s YouTube video, I’m sharing this vlogger’s take on the reasons for the “tourism crisis” in the Philippines. Honestly, none of the issues he describes are new, and I experienced some of them back in my tourist days. Living here now for going on eight years, I’ve learned to take the good with the bad. My little town is not free from frustrations, but it is still a comfortable spot for retired expats like me. Now, I’d likely not feel that way if I had chosen Manila, so buyer beware.
Humor time:
I never heard of shaving an ass. Is that really a thing?No argument from me.Busted!
So, there you have it until we meet again.
Here’s Rod Hart with the opening credits song from Junior Bonner. I saw him perform at the Wagon Wheel bar in Prescott.
It rained off and on all night, but now at last the storm has passed, and life is returning to normal. The electricity that powers the essential tools that fill the hours has been restored, allowing me to check out of the crap Anbon Hotel and return to the luxury living of Alta Vista. It is good to be home!
The Hashers who braved the weather met up at the VFW. The Hare advised, “Trail? We don’t need no stinkin’ trail.”
Yesterday’s Hash was, as I expected, not much of a Hash. There was no marked trail to follow, so you could walk where you pleased or else follow the leader on a bar crawl. Decisions, decisions. I started out with the group that went with the Hare’s bar trek, but wound up on my own in the end. The first bar visited was Dynamite Dick’s, which is a nice enough place but a small venue. And yesterday it was pretty much full even before the Hashers arrived. I prefer sitting outside, but that option wasn’t available. I looked inside and didn’t see anywhere to sit at the bar either. I asked another Hasher where the next stop would be, and he told me it would be Dempsey’s. Okay, that’s down the highway by John’s place, but what’s a Hash without a hike? I was the first and only customer when I got there. I had two beers waiting in an empty bar (the bartender was friendly enough to laugh at my jokes) and decided to head out on my own. Yeah, I shortcut the bar crawl. At least I’m consistent!
Sloppy Joe’s was right up the street from the Hash On-Home venue at the Bella Monte Hotel. I plopped my ass down where I normally sit, ordered up a beer, and began my wait until 3:30, when the Hash beer at the On-Home becomes available. And since I was drinking earlier than I usually do, I decided prudence dictates that I should put some food in my belly (I’d skipped lunch after the big Arizona breakfast I’d consumed). So, I enjoyed a pulled pork sandwich with my beer, then made my way to Bella Monte, bringing my Hash trail to an end.
This guy at Bella Monte kept staring at me. No, I didn’t let him ride me.
Honestly speaking, the Hash Circle is my least favorite part of the Hash, but the beer is cold and good. When the circle was done, I made my way to IDM for the usual after-Hash revelry. My hotel room was waiting for me right across the street, but I was hoping that I wouldn’t be needing it last night. I sent messages to the folks I know living in Alta Vista asking if the power had been restored, but it hadn’t by the time I ran out of gas. I stayed at IDM until nine, hoping for good news, and I had to smile when several people commented, “What are you doing here so late?” Heh, I’m famous for being a lightweight.
Resigned to having to spend another night in a crappy hotel room, I went to the small grocery store on the corner to pick up something sweet for my bedtime treat.
The name of this ice cream gave me a laugh.
“Boom boom” is Filipino slang for sexual intercourse. You can look it up. Well, I’ll save you the trouble, here’s the definition from the Urban Dictionary:
The term “boom boom” is most often associated with south east asian countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, or Laos and is used to describe the act of intercourse, usually that which is purchased by males frequenting brothels and whorehouses in those locations. The term is thought to have been created by prostitutes possessing limited english language ability; ie- it is far easier for a non english speaking Thai prostitute to say “You go boom boom”? than it is for her to say “Would you like to go make completely unemotional and detached love with me”?
Swan thought the name was funny too, and suggested I buy some ice cream for the girls at IDM. So, as we walked back to our hotel room, I stopped in front of IDM and asked, “Does anyone here want Boom Boom? They gave me a funny look, especially because Swan was standing right next to me. Then I pulled an ice cream out of my bag, and they got the joke.
Look at those smiling faces. Filipinas sure do love some Boom Boom!
Woke up this morning to the news that the power was back on in Alta Vista, so we packed our shit and headed for home.
The room at the Anbon Hotel we hope never to need again.Let’s just say it needs a little work.
Anyway, the storm is gone and I’m still here, so I’d count that as a win.
Facebook and YouTube are full of this kind of AI bullshit about the typhoon. It’s both sad and scary to see this and think people are that gullible.The future of the human race doesn’t look bright.
Today is Veterans Day, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t take a moment to honor those who served in the military.
Thank you for your service!
It’s April 2015 in the LTG archives. In this post, I share the story of an afternoon spent with two distinguished authors in Itaewon. One of them still visits my blog, but I’ve lost touch with Young Chun. His book, The Accidental Citizen-Soldier, is a great story about an American citizen getting drafted into the Korean Army. And he lived to not only tell about it, but to sign my copy of the book!
Give it a read.
Today’s YouTube video touches on some of the things I discovered during my first visit to the Philippines that made me want to live here. Many Filipinos may be poor, but they are also happy, generous, and welcoming. I’m sorry for the AI renderings, but the message is brief and legitimate. I’m living rich in a poor country and don’t tend to spend quality time with the Filipinos I encounter, but that’s all on me. I’ve often thought on my walkabouts that if I were hiking through an American slum, I might not make it out alive. Here, I’m greeted with friendly smiles.
Let me leave you with a smile or two:
I had a Scottish friend in Korea who was teaching English. I could only understand about half of what he said.What a crock!Welcome to my world, and I don’t even need to be on the toilet.
I’ll tell you what, I’d rather experience the same shit every day than no shit at all. And I’ve got enough variety to keep it interesting most of the time. At least for me.
That’s why I drink from a bottle. And can say “isa pa” (one more) in Tagalog.
Here I am riding out the storm at a cheap ass (900 peso per night) love motel with crap internet, so we shall see if this post makes it up or not. Anyway, here’s how my surviving Super Typhoon Uwan has gone so far.
Right after I left the house to feed the gals at Hideaway, the power went out in Alta Vista. And it has been out ever since. I was surprised because we went dark before the storm had hit with any real force. And knowing that, it didn’t bode well for it being restored anytime soon. I proved to be right about that. Anyway, the feeding at Hideaway went fine, then I met Swan at John’s place for dinner
Hmm, the internet isn’t working for uploading photos, even on my mobile hotspot. Must be storm-related. So, that takes a lot of the fun out of blogging. Oh well, Swan surprised me by ordering a pasta dish. I, in turn, surprised her by ordering birria tacos so she could satisfy her weekly addiction.
Okay, photo uploading is working again.That’s lemon alfredo pasta.And the lonely birria taco I saved for Swan.
After dinner, we stuck to our Sunday routines with a stop at Red Bar.
Cheers, baby!
We normally make Jumpin’ Jacks our venue for the Sunday nightcap, but they were closed because of the storm, so we moved on to Cheap Charlies. We had to sit at the bar because the wind was slamming the plastic curtains against the counter space. There was definitely an end-of-the-world vibe going on. So, knowing there was still no power at the house, we agreed that getting a room in Barretto was our best option for the night. I figured the lights might not stay on in Barretto either, so a hotel with a generator was the main requirement. The nicer places were a wet walk up the highway, while the Anbon Hotel was just across the highway near the It Doesn’t Matter Bar. I confirmed they had a working generator and booked my cheap room. I’m not saying it’s the worst room I’ve ever stayed in, but it is in the top ten of the bad ones.
Rules and electricity. We took a trike back to the house, grabbed some fresh clothes and toiletries, and triked back to our room. Seeing as how the It Doesn’t Matter Bar was steps away, we settled in for a drink before bedtime. And sure enough, the power went out in Barretto. I heard the generator kick on at Anbon, so I was happy with my choice. I was also surprised that IDM has a generator as well. The Barretto outage lasted only about 30 minutes.
What? Ten o’clock comes TWICE a day?
Wow! The old man stayed out late last night! One good thing about going to bed later than usual was that it meant less time dealing with the discomfort of a shit bed and crappy pillows. We heard the wind and rain through the night, but there doesn’t appear to be any flooding or other visible damage here in Barretto.
Woke up hungry, so we ventured out in the rain in search of breakfast. The wind rendered our umbrellas worthless. Jewel Cafe is only a block away, but alas, they were closed, likely due to the storm. So, we moved down the highway to the Arizona Resort to eat.
Filipino-style for Swan
And I ate like a hungry American:
A sausage and egg muffin with hash browns…And some French toast on the side…hey, for all I know, this could be my last meal.
I used to visit Arizona to eat frequently, but it’s on the wrong side of town with lots of other good options in between, so I just don’t make it here much nowadays. It was good to be back, though.
Livin’ large.I offered Swan some toes-in-the-sand time, but she deemed the beach too wet for walking.
Walked back to the Anbon in the rain and checked on the status of power restoration at the house. It’s still a no-go. Check-out time here is noon, so it was decision time: do I stay or do I go? Welp, I’m down for spending 900 pesos to keep my laptop going and phone charged. If the power gets restored before bedtime tonight, we’ll just mosey on home. If not, it will be an easy crawl to the Anbon after the Hash.
Speaking of the Hash, I have no idea what’s in store for today. I can’t imagine it will be anything more than a street walk, and it might be even less than that (a bar crawl). Either way, I’ll be there!
Back to March 2015 in the LTG archives, and the big news in this post is that my Uncle Sam rehired me! I had retired as a GS-15 Human Resources Director and returned as a GS-13 Labor Relations Specialist — the same job I had when I first came to Korea.
Coincidentally, on this date in my history on Facebook:
Nine years ago, I was re-promoted to the Director’s chair.Eight years ago, I was enjoying my final autumn in Korea on the streets of Pyeongtaek.
For today’s YouTube video, we’ll stick with the typhoon theme. Lots of places got hit a lot harder than we did. (I didn’t watch this, so can’t vouch for its accuracy.)
And now for these:
The truth will set you free!But what rhymes with orange?Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
Damn, this post was one of the hardest to write, logistically speaking—slow internet, no mouse, and some keyboard issues. Oh well, I did the best I could with what I had to work with. Still raining outside with a brisk breeze, but things aren’t as bad as I expected. We’ll see what happens next.
The big news in these parts is that another typhoon has arrived, and they are calling this one “super.”
Here in Zambales, we are in the red zone.It’s super-sized, that’s for sure.
Now it’s just a matter of waiting to see how hard we get hit. Some light rain so far this morning, but it was enough for us to abort our Decay Dance/Candy Walk. The On-Home for tomorrow’s Hash has been moved from Kim’s place on Baloy Beach to the Bella Monte Hotel. I imagine we’ll be confined to a street walk or a bar crawl. I’ll be surprised if we don’t lose power once the winds kick in. And no, I have not purchased a generator.
Super Typhoon Uwan arrived late in the season, but it’s the strongest storm of the year to hit us here on Luzon Island. Assuming I survive, I’ll be back tomorrow to report on the damage done.
We enjoyed our sunny day yesterday in Botolon at the Tumangan River. First time I’d been out this way, and it is always good to see some new scenery. The riverside was packed with locals (our group was the only foreigners in attendance), and it was nice to enjoy some Filipino-style recreation.
The way we got there. 63 kilometers and a one-hour and forty-five-minute drive.We had reserved this area for our group.That would be most of us.The river beside our picnic spot.In the river.The rope swing was very popular. Not for me, but Swan gave it a try.There was also diving off this platform.Martin’s inflatable beanbag chair was a flop.Me in my comfort zone.Everyone seemed to be having a good time.Thank you, Jesus or whoever it was looking down on us.
We started at nine and left at three. I waited until noon to pop the top on my first beer, but I’d had my fill by departure time. I had to ask Martin to stop twice on the way home for a pee stop; sorry about that!
We got back in time to watch the sunset from The Rite Spot on the Roof.
Once home, I wasn’t in the mood to go out again, so we just chillaxed until bedtime.
And now a new day has blown in. I expect it to be a wet and wild one.
Marching on to March 2015 in the LTG archives and the first entry for the month is one of the nothing posts y’all have come to know and love here on my humble blog: “Down in the mouth and knee deep in doo doo.” Enjoy!
For today’s YouTube video, we’ll check in with Reekay for his take on whether things like volcanoes, earthquakes, and typhoons should dissuade you from living in the Philippines. Nothing Mother Nature throws at me could possibly be worse than, oh, say living in Mandami’s NYC. Let’s see if I live to regret those words.
Humor me, please:
Or chopsticks.I’d better be careful…Stop! You’re killing me!
Yeah, I’ll stop. I’m going to venture out in the rain to feed the Hideaway gals, then we’ll see how things go from there.
Busy day ahead. Riding with the neighbors, Martin and Joss, for the two-hour drive to the Tumangan River in Botolon. We are departing in two hours, so here’s the lowdown on what yesterday was all about. I’m going to start with how it ended and work my way back to the start. Why? Because I can!
When the sun called it a day, we headed next door for dinner with the neighbors.That would be us.And that’s what we ate.
Sorry, I forgot to get a shot of the most important thing: the fondue cheese sauce we dipped those tasty bites in. I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed a fondue meal, but this one was the best ever. Hanging with the neighbors is always a good time, and we’ll have another full day of it today.
As mentioned in my previous post, we had the twice-yearly 7-Eleven Hash run yesterday. The concept of the event is that the group takes a predetermined walk, visiting convenience stores along the way. The other part of the deal is that participants buy and drink a beer at each stop. As much as I enjoy beer drinking, that is something I decline to do. As regular readers know, I’m a walkaholic by day and an alcoholic at night. I prefer not to mix those two passions. Others in our group filled that gap, and the walk concluded successfully.
Here are some photos I took along the way:
We caught the Jeepney to Olongapo from the familiar Baloy 7-Eleven here in Barretto.Out of the Jeepney and regrouping here at our first 7-Eleven in Olongapo.Some of the Gash raised a toast of soju in honor of the moment.Then we hit the streets of Olongapo City, headed for the next 7-Eleven store.A salvaged American fighter was on display at a park we passed.Crossing the road to 7-Eleven #2.Moving on.Third stop.It is good to know that our transgender friends can find a place to cater to their needs.Fourth stop.Hmm, what kind of entertainment might that be?On the road again.Arriving at number five.An Olongapo City street scene.Onward we tread.Our sixth stop……was across the street from the shopping mall I visit occasionally.And then it was time to leave the city behind, cross the river, and embark on the SBMA portion of our journey.Our 7th 7-Eleven.Walking the old American Navy base has a totally different vibe, much more to my liking.
Oops! I just now realized that I forgot to get a photo of stop #8 on our quest. Sorry about that. For the record, it was a 7-Eleven convenience store.
Arriving at our ninth store.I found this artistic rendering clever.On our way to the last stop on SBMA.Pausing for a group shot.And then there was ten.Since it was the last stop, I rewarded myself with my first beer of the day.I’m pleased to report that our route was precisely 7.11 kilometers. Also, I’m a liar.We took a taxi back to Barretto and had it drop us off at the other 7-Eleven in town. So yeah, that makes eleven 7-Elevens visited for the day.
The rest of the group arrived to join us, and then the ritual of connecting the empty beer cans consumed on our trek commenced.
Taking recycling to a new extreme!
Anyway, I’m glad the 7-Eleven runs only take place twice a year. Still, it was something different and I enjoyed myself. We did our after-Hash at IDM, and then it was time to head home and get ready for the dinner date next door I talked about at the beginning of this post.
Yikes! Look at the time! I’d better get my ass ready for today’s adventure.
But before I go, I’ll share this post from the February 2015 LTG archives about my glory days as a darter in Itaewon.
And today’s YouTube video is one of mine as well.
Some quick humor:
This I know, for the Bible tells miso…I can relate.If I have used this one before, consider it a refresher course.
Time for me to go. At least tomorrow I’ll have something different to write about. This is my first time going to Botolon.
Here’s the rare early morning post at LTG. The why for that is because I’m not sure what is in store come the afternoon, which is when I usually blog. The regular Friday group hike has been replaced today with the semi-annual 7-Eleven Hash run (which also takes place on July 11th).
Yeah, it’s a thing. I missed the July rendition this year because I was in Vietnam.
Anyway, we are leaving from the 7-Eleven in Barretto at 10:53 this morning (yeah, that’s seven till eleven), taking a Jeepney to Olongapo, and commencing our 7K journey, which will take us to seven 7-Elevens in the city and on SBMA (the old Navy base). We’ll travel back to Barretto when we are done and finish the Hash at Barretto’s other 7-Eleven market. I expect we will find a venue to celebrate this accomplishment, so it is unlikely that I’ll be in any condition to do my usual post about yesterday.
Which is the long way of saying, let’s get started with Thursday:
I woke up to this greeting from the full moon.
For our morning walk, I suggested to Swan that we pay a visit to the fishing village of Bantay Bayan and she agreed. After a 5K Jeepney ride, we began our exploration.
They’ve built a convenient new access road coming down from the highway since our last time walking here.The children of Bantay Bayan like cookies and lollipops, too.
I’ve always liked the vibe of this village and imagined what it might be like to live here. I was surprised yesterday when we encountered not one, but two, white guys living that dream.
A dead-end road led us to an angry bay. The high tide, coupled with the waves, dashed our hopes for a beach walk.Find your own place to pee, ladies!This abandoned beach resort always creeps me out in a Stephen King-like fashion.Our best (only) option was the highway walk back to Barretto.We haven’t been to Samba since the Kon-Tiki beach bar closed earlier this year.This pink house along the highway always catches my eye. Back in Barretto we are.It’s Fiesta time in Barretto! The big celebrations are on Saturday, but we’ll be out of town visiting a river resort in Botolon.The SOB is dead, but the Aftermath event has been reincarnated as the After Dark and debuts tonight at Wet Spot. The 8 pm start makes it pretty much a no-go for me.We finished our hike by grabbing some takeout food from Sit-n-Bull.The route we walked.
While we were at Sit-n-Bull, the manager told us that someone had died across the street earlier that morning.
At six floors, the Central Park Reef Hotel is the tallest building in town.It’s not the fall that kills you, it’s the sudden stop at the end.
Not many details have emerged as yet, but it was a 20-something young woman and likely a suicide. Sad to see a wasted life. I’m glad I changed my mind fifty years ago; I wouldn’t have missed this adventure since then for the world.
We started our evening out with dinner at Mango’s.
The bay was still in angry mode.I zoomed in on the village across the bay we’d visited during the morning, Bantay Bayan.My dinner date.The view from our table.The grilled pork chops on our table.That fireball in the sky.The end is nigh.
After dinner, we popped into the Outback Billabong bar. We usually frequent the pool bar when we are here, but since it was already dark, we sat inside with aircon and music. Met a friendly Aussie tourist and we had a nice chat. One of the topics we discussed was this:
A super typhoon is headed for Luzon. It looks like it will hit a bit north of where I am, but we will be feeling the impact of wind and rain regardless. Should make for a wild Sunday.
That’s the kind of excitement I don’t need or want in my life.
We did our nightcap at Queen Victoria bar last night and had an enjoyable time. It has a very unique vibe and the dancers are so energetic that they dance even when they are not on stage. The manager told me he has thirty dancers now, which is likely the most in town. Most of them are relatively attractive, especially when compared to the girls I’ve seen in other Barretto bars. I’d rate Queen Vic the best girly bar in these parts, if that’s your thing.
Still plowing through February 2015 in the LTG archives. Today’s share is a photo-laden post about a weekend in Busan, the ROK’s second city. I always enjoyed visiting there. One more place on my list of things I miss.
Today’s YouTube video is a walk through the streets of Bantay Bayan. My photos didn’t really capture the essence of the village like this does.
You know what comes next:
It’s funny even without the political implications. I mean, you could make the joke, “Trump wants a ballroom because he ain’t got any.”That really stinks.It’s good to expand your vocabulary…
Okay, it’s gonna be a busy weekend, it seems. The 7-Eleven walk this morning and whatever comes after, then an early morning departure for a day on the river in Botolon. And a blowjob from Uwan on Sunday. Good times!
I hear some people been talking me down Bring up my name, pass it 'round They don't mention the happy times They do their thing, I do mine
Ooh baby, that's hard to change I can't tell them how to feel Some get stoned, some get strange But sooner or later, it all gets real Walk on, walk on
Ain’t got much to say, so we’ll keep it short and sweet today. Fair enough?
The Wednesday Walkers, all three of us, took the longish Jeepney ride out to Castillejos and did a walkabout on the GOVIC bypass highway.
My fellow adventurers, George and Swan.On the road again.We don’t need no edukasyon, we don’t need no thought control. Teacher, leave them kids alone!Does Cass still lay hoes?A heavenly hike.Hell, Mary. Aren’t you worried that those three wise men will figure out what you and Joseph have been up to?A tree I fancied along the way.And then back on the National Highway for a bit.The route we took on our 6K journey.
Come evening, Swan and I kicked things off at Sloppy Joe’s and shared some quite good chicken wings with fries. Then we went next door to Green Room, where I put my “buy one, get one” coupon to good use. When I’d drunk my fill, we headed for home sweet home.
I told you it was a nothing day. But I liked it all the same.
From the February 2015 LTG archives comes a post about coffee shops on Itaewon’s main drag. I was never much of a coffee drinker, but curiosity got the best of me one day, so I counted how many steps there were between the multitude of coffee houses. And I took a photo of each and every one. Go have a look for yourself.
It’s been a while since we’ve checked in with Smart Girl Philippines. In today’s YouTube video, she provides the nine reasons a Filipina wants to fuck a foreigner.
And now for these:
Nothing like getting back to your roots.That’s a shortcut I’m not taking.Well, I’m a boomer, but I don’t like 3, 5, 16, 19, or 20.
I’ve mentioned before the struggles I’ve been undergoing as I continue my journey through the uncharted waters of my seventies. Usually, I can turn off my brain, or at least drown it out with copious amounts of San Miguel Zero. But then those nights I can’t sleep soundly come around.
Like last night.
Lying there in bed, my mind inevitably starts traveling back to the past, reminding me of what I had and what I lost. My preference is just to let it go, or sometimes fantasize about what I might do to change things should I be granted a “do-over life.” Yeah, that’s not going to happen. Anyway, last night the struggle with my brain revolved around how disconnected I’ve become. I rarely hear from my children, and it’s been years since I’ve had contact with my two brothers. Long-time friends have also disappeared. I guess this is one of the consequences for choosing to live out what remains of my life on the other side of the world, far away from friends and family.
But here’s the thing. I don’t miss the vanilla American lifestyle I left behind and can’t imagine living in the nation of my birth again. I miss the people I’ve loved, even if it feels like they no longer love me. They’ve chosen to go their own way, just as I have chosen to go mine. Life goes on until it doesn’t.
Somewhat coincidentally (I was checking to make sure I hadn’t used this post title before), I found something I had written in 2008 expressing sentiments similar to what I’ve been feeling now. Back then, I was reflecting on my life after three years in Korea, lamenting what that had cost me, yet I was still unwilling to change course. That’s where I’m at today as well. The mistake I want to avoid this time is getting trapped in regrets over what I’ve lost and forgetting to embrace the good in the life I have.
So, as unconnected as I might be, I have my routines to fill the hours. Yes, they are mostly mundane and meaningless, but I enjoy them and will do my best to continue living the best life an elderly man can hope for. Let’s see how that works out for me.
And there’s no going back, so I’m taking the future one day at a time.
Take yesterday, for example. My new driver, Bong, who is a friend of Swans, arrived promptly at eight in the morning for my weekly grocery shopping excursion. There was an additional stop at the immigration office to extend my visa, and that went without issue. Then it was on to the Filipino supermarket, YBC, to stock up on the week’s candies and treats. Checking out can be a very frustrating experience, as I was reminded once again. It seemed to take forever for the woman in front of me to get her groceries squared away and paid for (she had them in three piles to be rung up separately. And then it took a long time for her card payment to go through. I stood by patiently, reciting my mantra, “take a deep breath, relax, and accept the Filipino way.” It’s not vanilla here; sometimes it’s a rocky road.
Royal is a comparatively American shopping experience, so there is usually nothing much to get upset about. My only issue was at checkout, when the cashier tried to entice me to buy eco-bags for my groceries instead of the cardboard boxes that are the usual method. When I declined the bags, she said the boxes were unavailable. I responded by pointing to the customer who was ringing out several aisles away, using boxes. Then the cashier disappeared for several minutes, presumably in search of boxes. Meanwhile, one of the baggers came by with boxes sufficient for my grocery load. The cashier eventually returned and began ringing up my purchases. Maybe it was my imagination, or perhaps she is just incompetent, but damn, it seemed like she was moving in slow motion. Anyway, if that’s all I have to complain about, I’m living a charmed life indeed.
Back home, I was feeling lazy and skipped the usual afternoon neighborhood hike. At beer o’clock, Swan and I made our way to Barretto and paid our monthly visit to my old darts bar, Alley Cats. I was reminded of how disconnected I’ve become from my former darting life. It’s still nice to see the familiar faces occasionally, though.
After Alley Cats, we crossed the highway for some dinner at the Outback Fish and Chips diner. We’ve had takeout from there in the past, but this is the first time we’ve actually sat down to eat there.
It’s an open-air joint, which I like. This is the view from our table.I’d been craving fish and chips for some reason. This is the mahi-mahi version, which I prefer to the standard dory variety. I wasn’t disappointed.
I had a 500 peso voucher from the final SOB for Whiskey Girl, so that’s where we headed next. At first, they declined to accept the voucher, saying they were no longer a member of the SOB. I was livid, saying this prize was given to me at the last event, and their refusal to honor it was tantamount to fraud. I was ready to walk out without paying for the drinks I had ordered when manager Mick interceded, saying he would accept the coupon but still claimed it should not have been given. So, I had four beers for free (one glass of wine I paid for) and left.
Then, we once again crossed the highway and popped into the newest bar in town, Gold Bar. We were warmly greeted by the manager and took our seats. I was a little surprised to see that I knew our waitress, Lydell, whom I first met at Snackbar several years ago. A little later, neighbors Jeff and Davina joined us. I didn’t take any photos, but Gold Bar is a clean, well-lit place —the kind I appreciate when I’m drinking inside. There is a pool table in the back and a small stage where four dancers were performing their swaying routine last night. They were attractive (i.e., not fat) by Barretto standards. It was a pleasant enough nightcap venue, and on those occasions we are visiting this side of town, we’ll pay them another visit.
Not bad for a Tuesday, eh? Except for the part about not being able to get a good night’s sleep.
Oh, I’ve often wondered why Filipinos don’t speak Spanish, despite being under Spain’s rule for four hundred years. This article explains what happened.
Moving on to February 2015 in the LTG archives, and this post about one of my best days as a darter brought back some nice memories.
A fifteen dart out in 501, the best I’ve ever thrown. The pros can do it in twelve, but they don’t use aiming fluid (beer).
Three years ago, I was still enjoying my visit to Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
What’s not to like?
In today’s YouTube video, a white girl (or, more likely, an AI-generated image of one) shares her first experience in a Manila grocery store. She encounters the variety of snacks and flavors the locals enjoy. It is short, so bite your tongue and try to enjoy it.
And now let’s move on to the funny business:
Don’t ask me, I’m just a grammar spammer.IOU for this one.Puns can be killers.
That’s all I’ve got. Sorry for going a tad off the rails today, but that’s what happens sometimes.
Yesterday’s Hash trail was nothing special, but I’ve only got myself to blame for that. I opted not to follow the route the Hare prepared and set about on my course. Coincidentally, the Hare’s trail did intersect with mine for a kilometer or two, then headed back up into the hills. My path started with the My Bitch trail and then came down into San Isidro for a flat street walk to the On-Home at Smokes and Bottles in Calapacuan. I did manage to log 7K on my journey, and that ain’t bad for a fat old guy. Pubic Head (Scott) was going to a street walk to Smokes and Bottles from his house, but he decided to join me on my trail instead. It was good to be Hashing together again!
As we set out, I couldn’t help but notice that the new SBH3 shirt Swan was wearing had some ambiguity about it. I imagined encountering someone reading the Hare’s name (Anal Receptive) and taking it as an invitation to poke that ass.Into the tall thatch grass that is part of the Bitch experience.Swan posing for my Easter Mountain shot.Waiting at Mountain Mama Onelia’s place for Pubic Head and his contingent to arrive.The gang’s all here.That cabin in the woods I fancy.Making it just under the wire.The view from here.That really gets my goat.Well, lookee there, we are On-On the official Hash trail.The path was going our way, so we took it.Crossing Bridge #3. Not long thereafter, the Hare’s trail went one way and we took another.But our paths reconvened near the On-Home venue. The Hare (Almoranus) speaks German, and I *think* “saufn oida) roughly translates to “beer near.”On-Home at Smokes and Bottles, one of my favorite Hash venues.Some Hash Gash.That’s the Hare, Almoranus, on the right.The trail I mostly didn’t do……and the one I did.
After-Hash revelry at It Doesn’t Matter, then back to the house for a good night’s sleep before waking up thankful to still be amongst the living.
It’s still January 2015 in the LTG archives. Now, I personally have a very low tolerance for people who feel the need to act out and become a drama queen. Except when I are one. Live and learn.
Today’s YouTube video is also from the LTG archives. It was funny to see it again.
Let’s roll on into these:
Why not both?Man, you can say that again.What a stand-up guy.
Another day, another post. Let’s see what happens next.
Here’s the down and dirty on how I spent what the locals call All Souls’ Day.
As is our custom, we kicked off our Sunday with a Sweets Stroll.
Damn, dying at forty is sad. Filling the void with some sweet goodness.
Speaking of goodness, Swan made me a meat pie for lunch:
She’s a natural in the kitchen, and being with a Brit for many years expanded her repertoire.
But the feeding wasn’t over, I still had the Hideaway gals to tend to.
You are welcome!Down the hatch!
But wait, there’s more. At John’s place across the highway, I rendezvoused with Swan, who had just returned from family time at the cemetery in remembrance of her mother.
The dinnertime sky view from John’s.This should come as no surprise to regular readers.Bulgogi hit the spot for me.
After our meal, we ventured out to Red Bar and met up with the neighbors.
We usually sit outside, but Jeff was craving the aircon.
Swan said she saw on Facebook that there was live music at Jumpin’ Jacks starting at 7 pm. So, off we went. When the music didn’t start as scheduled, Davina graciously helped fill the void.
Thanks for that performance!It was almost eight before the scheduled act took the stage. That’s awfully close to my bedtime, so we didn’t stay for much of the show.
And that’s all there was to the day, but it was still blessed. I hope there are many more to come.
From the January 2015 LTG archives is a tribute to my mother on the fourth anniversary of her passing. Gone but never forgotten.
Mom’s life was not an easy one, but in the end, her thoughts were only about the power of love. She urged us to love and to be loved because that was all that really mattered.
And Facebook also flooded me with memories from this day in 2018, during my last visit to the USA. We rented a place for the weekend at Seven Devils, North Carolina, nestled in the Appalachian Mountains.
It was the last time I experienced snowfall.And the sunsets were amazing.It was also the last time I saw my children.Nothing lasts forever.
Life doesn’t always go the way we planned. You just live the life you have and make the best of it. Looking back still makes me sad sometimes.
Speaking of looking back, today’s YouTube video is about growing up in the baby boom generation. Those were some sweet memories. I’m glad I got to experience life the way it was. I’m also happy to be living life the way it is, but the clock is ticking for us boomers.
And now let me offer you these tidbits of wisdom that may be worthy of a smile or two:
What did she say?I’m fucking trying to get it write.Who gives a shit?
There you go. I hope you got what you came for. It’s Hash Monday and I’ll be hitting the trail again this afternoon. When I say “the trail,” I mean “my trail.” I’ve decided that making the effort to reach the official start at the end of Rizal Extension isn’t worth the hassle, especially since I’m not a fan of the previous trails by today’s Hare. Damn, the older I get, the more inclined I am to say, “Fuck it. I’ll do it my way.”
I heard this song as background music last night. It had been a long time since the last time it tickled my senses. In my old-man style, I sent myself a message with the song’s name so I’d remember it today.
This is the day Of the expanding man That shape is my shade There where I used to stand It seems like only yesterday I gazed through the glass At ramblers Wild gamblers That's all in the past
You call me a fool You say it's a crazy scheme This one's for real I already bought the dream So useless to ask me why Throw a kiss and say goodbye I'll make it this time I'm ready to cross that fine line
I’m glad I don’t live in NYC. They are fixin’ to find out what comes with being stupid.
Don’t worry, I’m not going there. Arguing politics online never changes any minds, mine included. Just glad I’m watching from a safe distance.
Here in my world, I had a mix of the same and something a bit different.
The dawning of another day as seen from my balcony.
Then it was time for the weekly Decay Dance.
How now brown cow?Litter here takes many forms. The locals don’t give a crap. What a pisser.There’s something you don’t see every day on the streets of San Isidro.Restocking the candy bag.I liked the juxtaposition of this dead tree and Easter Mountain.Doing her duty…those teeth ain’t gonna rot themselves, you know.5K of sweetness delivered.
Neighbors Jeff and Davina invited us to join them in the afternoon at Treasure Island on Baloy Beach. Sure, why not?
Kids enjoying the pool.Gals enjoying their card games.And at 4:30, the live music, featuring Engine Band, kicked off.Then the sun did its thing.
No Zero available, so I enjoyed a bucket of San Mig Light (six beers for the price of five). I guess you could say I kicked the bucket!
And as long as you are being bad, you might as well go all in. Damn, that banana split was delicious!
The combination of starting early and drinking beer with 5% alcohol content (versus the 3% I’m accustomed to) inevitably brought the evening to an early end.
Once home, Swan lit candles in remembrance of the dead, including two for my parents. They probably didn’t notice, but they weren’t forgotten.
This may well be a record for me:
Nine hours of sleep is a lot for me, but damn, I fell asleep at 7:24 p.m. I’ve got to build up some endurance for chrissakes.
It wasn’t a long day, but it was a good one.
Back to the January 2015 LTG archives, where I write about moving into a new high-rise apartment building and my commute to work in Seoul. Ah, to be young and in my sixties again.
Lots of Facebook memories from this day in my history:
Eleven years ago, I was darting with one of my best friends, Duke Gates. And now he’s disappeared himself from social media and doesn’t respond to emails. No one knows what happened or what is up with him.Seven years ago, I visited the USA for the last time. It was nice to see my mailman jacket still fit me. It wouldn’t now.Three years ago, I was in Cambodia and saw my good friend Dennis McPeters for the last time. I fear the worst in his case.I’d almost forgotten how cute those Cambodian gals are.A bar zone right across the street from my hotel. Phnom Penh had several streets lined with girly bars like these.The beer was good too!
Today’s YouTube video is from my pal Jambo. I promise this is the last time I’ll post a video from the SOB.
It’s a holiday weekend here in the Philippines. Yesterday was Halloween, today is All Saints Day, and tomorrow is All Souls Day. It’s a big deal here, and the cemeteries will be packed on Sunday with family gatherings and celebrations to remember those who have passed. Where I grew up, it was only about the trick-or-treating. Today’s YouTube from the Pea explains the Filipino traditions in more detail.
So, my Halloween this year consisted of an 8K street walk from the Subic marketplace back to Barretto. Then I attended the funeral for the SOB dance contest. It was a rather sad affair. I’ll get to that later in this post, but to keep things sequential, we’ll start with the walk.
My fellow Friday hikers, Swan and Gary.There’s no trick to handing out candy on Halloween.I ain’t afraid of that rickety bridge.Not exactly a walk in the park, but no complaints.Gary didn’t get board.There’s something haunting about this abandoned subdivision.
I walked through the gate for the first time yesterday. Big, wide streets, paved in concrete and tree-lined. Very nice despite the ghostly vibe. It felt a little like being in a Stephen King novel.
As we passed the graveyard, there were many people busy cleaning and painting in preparation for the coming All Souls Day.Spooky decorations at this beach resort.A brief interlude on the highway heading back towards Barretto.This loosely translates to: Fuck off! Don’t leave your trash here.Waterlines line our path.Oh look! You can see Alta Vista from here.That’s where I live.A nice Halloween stroll.
Next on the day’s agenda was attending the final SOB, held at Wet Spot.
Swan dressed up for the occasion. My costume was invisible.Neighbor and fellow WHS alumnus, Mike, was our tablemate at the SOB.The stage was nicely decorated for the event.And Wet Spot was jam-packed with attendees.I apologize for failing to get many good pictures from where I was sitting last night.
Only three bars competed last night, another reason the SOB has been on life support for quite some time now. All participating teams had nice costumes and put some effort into their performances. Creepy Halloween gear and sexy dancing seem to me to be incompatible, but I guess monsters need love, too.
Wet Spot finished first, followed by Queen Victoria and Green Room.That’s the scary manager from Queen Vic.I added all the teams I used to enjoy watching to my scorecard. Thanks for the memories!
And then it was all over and done with after more than twenty years of weekly competitions. Things change, and life goes on.
My final coupons from the SOB. I don’t like Whiskey Girl, but I might enjoy drinking 500 pesos worth at their expense. The Green Room coupon will be easy to use.
So, after making sure I had drunk enough to cover my 750 peso SOB entrance fee, I was ready to head home when the show ended at 8 pm. And that’s just what I did.
Back in January 2015, I linked to a post of mine written on New Year’s Day 2005 from Oklahoma, where I was visiting my parents as I looked towards an unknown future in Korea. Here’s what I had to say back then:
And that leads to my current insight on this New Year’s morning. I never really had a plan for life; I just reacted to it. Whenever I reached a crossroad, I chose a direction and followed the road without a clue as to where it might take me. I guess it is natural to wonder about the paths that would have led to a different life, but you only get to live the life you chose. No mulligans. But I have been extremely fortunate and blessed. Good people got hurt along the way, and for that I am truly sorry. But the roads I have taken have led to some great adventures and life-altering experiences. A fool’s luck, perhaps, but even though I could never have imagined what my life would turn out to be, it has been a very nice ride.
So it is time to look forward again. This year brings a new road in Seoul, Korea. And it will be an adventure with an uncertain outcome for sure. My point (if there is one) is just to say that I have discovered it is important to take the time to enjoy the life you are living, even as you chase rainbows. I think I missed the best part of Oklahoma, and it is only in looking back that I realize that I should have allowed myself to be happy there.
Reading the above this morning had me shaking my head, realizing I never truly learned that lesson. I spent a year in Pyeongtaek, missing the life I’d left behind in Seoul and looking ahead to my upcoming life in the Philippines. I was too foolish to appreciate all the good things that surrounded me back then, and it is only in looking back sadly at what should have been an enjoyable chapter in my life if I’d only allowed myself to live in the moment. So, for better or worse, I’m embracing this life of mine in the Philippines, warts and all.
Today’s post from the January 2015 LTG archives is a tribute I wrote to my friend and workmate, Dennis McPeters, upon his retirement from government service. I met him back in our Postal Service days, and he had become one of my best friends over the years. I last saw him three years ago in Cambodia, where he was living. He hasn’t responded to my emails for over a year now, and I fear the worst. I sent him another today, just in case they have Gmail in heaven.
Here’s the YouTube video from the Filipina Pea I mentioned earlier in this post:
Smile while you can in life:
What’s up, Doc?Bada boom.If you say so, but it didn’t take me long to fnid it.
That’s enough for today, don’t you think?
It is hard to believe that this song is fifty years old now. Where does the time go?
It being Halloween and all, I suppose getting haunted by the past is par for the course. Earlier today, I posted something I had written back in April 2017. Yesterday was the eighth anniversary of how that “Brand New Plan” worked out for me. I wrote about that failure in a post called “FUCK ME!” Of course, looking back, it is easy to see now that I was lucky to get screwed over before I wasted more time and money on someone of such low character. Life’s best lessons are the hard ones, which is not to say that I’ve been all that successful learning from them. But here I am, still in the game. It’s late in the game, but I’ve got a good woman to see me through to the end this time.
Even one of my normal nothing days is better than a stab in the heart. Boring doesn’t hurt nearly that bad. Swan and I took a beach walk, then crossed the river for a street walk in Matain.
At the top of Baloy Beach.And near the bottom of Baloy.Where the Matain River meets the bay.Our ride across the river.Not so easy for a big guy like me to crawl in and out of the little boat. I managed somehow.On the Matain side of the river.A tad over 7K start-to-finish.
Swan wanted some “me” time at home, so at beer o’clock, I ventured out into Barretto on my own. I made Cheap Charlie’s my first stop.
The view from my perch.
I was surprised to be the only customer in the bar for most of my visit. Cheap Charlies used to have an early crowd, but the girls say it’s been slow lately. Speaking of the girls, there were a couple back to work that I knew from those long-ago days when I was a regular here. A lot has changed since then, including Cheap Charlie’s raising the price of a single lady drink to 250 pesos. That’s one of the most expensive in town. I’m not a cheap Charlie by any means, but as I explained to the girls, I won’t pay more than 200 pesos for a lady drink as a matter of principle. While I’m sure they were disappointed, they seemed to understand. They cheered up when I handed out some cookies and lollipops, then I ordered the gals some chicken fingers and lumpia from the restaurant downstairs. Coincidentally, the price of the food was the equivalent of two lady drinks. So, win-win.
I’m not sure what this church procession was all about. Is All Hallows Eve-eve a religious holiday?
When I finished the last San Mig Zero in the Cheap Charlies fridge (yes, once again, bars all over town have run out, and the supplier says it is unavailable), I crossed the highway and found a seat at a rather busy Green Room. Then it was next door to Wet Spot for my nightcap, before grabbing a trike for home.
I guess that proves that I only drink when I’m alone or with someone.
It is now January 2015 in the LTG archives, and the new year began with a life-changing event: my wife told me she was unhappy in our marriage. I asked if she was willing to work on improving things, and she responded, “Not really.” I tried for a year to change her mind without success. It still hurts, and I still don’t understand it.
Today’s YouTube video features Reekay talking about the perils and joys of building relationships within the expat community. From my perspective, friendships come naturally, but as an introvert, making them can be difficult. I have lots more acquaintances than friends, but the friends are people I share common interests and socialize with, like my neighbors and fellow Hashers.
Let’s try to bury the sad days in the past with some humor:
Feedback is a gift, and I appreciate it. Not always a gift I can use, mind you, but it’s the thought that counts.I may not be good at punctuation, but I’m never late, so I’m punctual.Does that make Travis a dick or a butthole? Or both?
A journey through the past, like I’ve been doing over the past couple of days, can be exhausting. As I’ve always said, it only hurts until the pain goes away. Tonight is the final edition of the SOB dance competition, and I’ll be there to add it to my memory box. I’m sure it will be a bittersweet experience.
I wrote this as a reader’s submission on the StickmanBangkok website back in April 2017. Stickman is going away, so I wanted to preserve it here, even if it didn’t age well.
A little background. In November 2015, I made my first submission to Stickman entitled “Regarding Korean Women“. One month later, my Korean wife bailed on our marriage, saying only, “I no have happy life with you”. I was devastated, and went on a two-month drink binge. Then I changed my mind about drinking myself to death and went on a diet and exercise program, losing 60 pounds so far. I’m feeling and looking better than I have for years, but my heart remains a mass of scar tissue.
Prior to meeting the Korean woman who became my wife, I was well on my way to finalizing my plans to retire in the Subic Bay area in September 2010. After falling in love, I had to make a choice. And I chose love over the PI. I moved back to the USA, bought a house, a car, furniture, and lived the American dream. I was retired and we’d spend 6 months in the States, and 6 months in Korea. Three years into this routine, the wife declined to come back to America with me. So I found a job in Korea and came back to her. And it turned out she wasn’t happy about that. Never expected I’d be alone again at 60 years old.
Nothing to do but pick up the pieces and move forward. In an odd twist of fate, I wound up getting promoted back into the job I had retired from in 2010. The pay is great, but my heart really isn’t into it. And now I’m planning to re-retire in September and move to Subic. It’s like déjà vu all over again! Only I’ve lost seven fxxking years of my life in the interim.
I’ve sold the house and everything I own in the USA (at a significant loss) and have no intention of ever going back there. Korea is too full of painful memories, and I’m ready to move on to the next chapter (the final chapter?) of my life. I’ll start in the PI, and if that doesn’t work out, I’m inclined to give Cambodia a try.
But this post is about love. Or more precisely, how I’m done with love. After the split with the wife, I started cruising the dating websites. I was pretty good at ferreting out the scammers (having been scammed a time or two back in the day). Met a couple that I thought had potential and spent a lot of time chatting on Skype. The first was Maria, and she wound up scaring the hell out of me by professing her undying love before we had even met. I kept telling her to back up and slow down as I was nowhere ready to go to the being in love place. We met up in March in Cebu / Mactan and had a good time together. I promised to see her again for her birthday in June. This time we met in her hometown on Samal Island. Again, I enjoyed her company but was unwilling and unable to return the love she wanted to share. Finally, as an act of mercy, I ended it with her. Felt bad about her pain, but the truth is, it was self-inflicted. I warned her and warned her about the love thing. I just wasn’t willing to do that.
Then a friend introduced me to a Korean woman. Now, I had sworn off Korean women (pretty on the outside, cold as ice inside). But she got under my skin. I took her to visit the Angeles / Subic area in September. She enjoyed her visit but was put off by my plans to retire there. She asked me, “Who would want to live in a poor country?” She was also not happy with the old men parading their young Pinay beauties down the street. Suffice to say, things ended badly with her. And that’s when I finally knew I was truly and forever done with love. I’m just too old for that shit.
Meanwhile, I had continued to have irregular communication with one of the first gals I met on FilipinaCupid. I liked her because she was smart and could actually carry on an interesting conversation. I would have preferred meeting Loraine over Maria to begin with, but Loraine had confessed to having a guy in the States sending her support, so I backed away. After the Korean gal ended the relationship, I got in touch with Loraine again. Turns out she was in a long-distance, but unfulfilling relationship with some sad sack back in the States. Didn’t matter to me; I wasn’t looking for love anyway, and I still enjoyed our chats.
Loraine had been an OFW (overseas Filipino Worker) in Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. The Vietnam job had ended badly, and she was back in the PI, unemployed, and, because of her age, basically unemployable. So, I had made plans to visit Puerto Galera over the 2017 New Year holiday. Loraine had spent quite a bit of time there, and since I enjoyed her company online, I figured I might like her in person as well. I offered her a job as a tour guide, and she accepted.
We got on quite well during the trip, and I was glad I’d brought her along. Especially when I wound up sick and she was able to provide the TLC I needed. Which gave me an idea. Why not hire her full-time as my personal assistant/caregiver to take care of my needs when I move to the PI?
So, I made her a job offer. Monday-Friday, paid holidays and vacations, outstanding pay and benefits, including room and board. Her job would be to do all things a girlfriend/wife might do. I simply want companionship without all the bullshit that comes from a “loving” relationship. Loraine did not hesitate to accept my offer and appears excited about the opportunity.
Will it work? Who knows. I’ve already advised her that falling in love with me or any other overt indications of jealousy or similar behaviors would be grounds for termination. She’s been warned. And since she is an employee, I won’t be bothered with all those requests to support the family; that’s what her paycheck is for.
I think it’s a good concept that gives me what I want and need with relatively minimal risk. It will be interesting to see if the theory plays out in practice. We recently completed a successful ten-day test run during an exploratory house-hunting trip to Subic. I’ve put her on a retainer (1/2 salary) pending my move in September. She’s using this time to attend massage training and caregiver school.
I think I may have found the perfect alternative to love and all its baggage. Can I actually pull it off? Stay tuned!
As is my custom, yesterday I joined the Wednesday Walkers for a healthy adventure in the hills. Well, maybe it was more lucky than healthy, because none of us got hurt. I had the bright idea of doing the portion of Monday’s Hash trail I had elected to skip. So, we did a street walk to where the mystery trail I didn’t take began its ascent. It’s surprising this far into my Barretto hiking life to find a trail I haven’t traveled before, but that’s what happened yesterday. We hadn’t gone far before I realized two things: I made the right call on Monday by skipping this portion of the Hash trail, and I will never voluntarily take this route again. It was an ass-kicking bitch, at least for me. So, as much as I enjoy trying a new path, once was more than enough for this one.
Fellow sufferers: Swan, George, and Gary.The easy part.No paddle required.The path that led to hell.It’s hard to capture the steepness of the climb in a photograph, but when it takes hands and feet to claw your way up, it sucks big time.Another thing on our shitty trail to overcome was barbed-wire fences.This one required an underwire breach. Picture my fat body trying to squirm under that fucker. It wasn’t pretty, but I made it without a scratch this time.We’ll end the hike on a high note.The route of our 6K trail from hell.
I’m not going to say it was the worst Hash trail ever, but it was in the top ten.
Things got better as the day went on. Since we had skipped our Tuesday visit to Baloy Beach, we went yesterday. Started out at Champs Sports Bar at the Baywatch Resort.
A Champs view.Swan enjoying the Champs view.What’s going on? When we weren’t watching the beach, the music videos were entertaining.Good music at a reasonable volume is one thing Champs gets right.Sun, clouds, and mountains. What’s not to like?We always enjoy the show at sundown.
Then it was time to mosey on up the beach.
Toes in the sand time.Dusk descends.Dinner time at Treasure Island.Who’s the lucky one?
After our meal, we had the trike drop us off at the 7-Eleven, and we visited Snackbar for our nightcap.
Nice to see you again.
And so another day in the life came to an end.
From the December 2014 LTG archives comes the story of the consequences of an altercation my friend Jeremy engaged in that resulted in the death of a Korean man. Jeremy spent 5 years in a Korean prison for his crime. He’s back home in the USA these days, and we still engage occasionally on Facebook. He is suffering from a severe case of TDS, and sometimes my posts trigger a typical lefty reaction.
Facebook memories were full of women from the past today:
From six years ago, Ilene with her then boyfriend. I dated her briefly a couple of years later. And I just saw on Facebook the other day a post about her getting married. Congrats and good luck to you both!Six years ago, I was dating Marissa. She must have been feeling horny that day.Fourteen years ago, I was in South Carolina with the Korean woman who would become my wife.Eighteen years ago, in Itaewon, with that girl who moved to New York to make her dreams come true.
What a long, strange trip it’s been.
Today’s YouTube video says if you are still doing these things at 70, you are doing it right. I guess that’s half-right in my case. It has that crappy AI narration, so enter at your own risk.
At least I haven’t lost my sense of humor (if you can call it that):
I wouldn’t mind being a judge.Give credit where credit is due.Don’t swallow the P!
Sometimes it feels like I’m only forgetting the good parts.
One of those days yesterday where everything just felt a little bit off. I’ve struggled with bouts of depression throughout my life, and thankfully, my black thoughts have not reached that level yet. Still, another night of little sleep set the tone for the day. My f’n brain just won’t shut up and let me rest sometimes. The transition to my elderly seventies continues to be a struggle, the hardest part being acceptance that the end is coming, ready or not. That, coupled with the realization that dreams of the future are a thing of the past, enhances the reality that, like it or not, what I have is what it will be until it is gone. I do take some comfort in knowing it could be a hell of a lot worse.
My driver, Danny, who has been with me since I first moved to the Philippines, told me on the way to the grocery store that he was resigning. That was more than a little surprising. We stopped at the ATM, and when I got back in the car, Danny and Swan were arguing loudly in Tagalog. I told them I didn’t want to hear it. Later, I tried to get Danny to explain to me why he was quitting, but all he would say was that he didn’t get along with my girlfriend. Later, I got a message from Danny’s son, reiterating that the problem was his relationship with Swan. Yeah, Swan has been interjecting herself in the price negotiations over what Danny charges me. Danny asked for 20,000 pesos to drive us to La Union and back. Swan said that was too much, and she did the car rental route with driver, gas, and tolls, and it cost us 16,500 pesos. Apparently, that was the final straw for Danny. Oh, well. I don’t need the drama, and if he isn’t happy, by all means, he should find a new client to overcharge.
My legs were stiff in the lower calf area, which is unusual for me. Must have been stress from those ups and downs on Monday’s Hash. It made walking painful, but I forced myself to go out and hike the neighborhood after grocery shopping. It was good to ease my mind with music from my Spotify playlist filling my earbuds. My legs felt better when I was done, too.
An Alta Vista view.
Swan needed to go to the drugstore to refill my prescriptions, so we skipped Baloy Beach and did our evening out in Barretto. I took my usual perch at Sloppy Joe’s and watched the world pass by outside. Swan did her shopping and, when she returned, said she wasn’t hungry. I was, and ordered a pulled pork sandwich, which was pretty good for pub fare. Next, we paid a rare visit to the Alaska Club and enjoyed the music and company of our waitress, Alex. She got two lady drinks, and the five dancers each received a 50-peso tip in appreciation of their efforts. We did our nightcap at Cloud 69, and also had a nice time there.
The only occupied table at Cloud 69. I guess that makes us their best customers.
And the sands in the hourglass of life finished with another day.
The dollar continues to grow stronger against the peso. It’s actually over 59 pesos to the dollar this morning, about the highest I’ve seen it. Conversely, I noted in buying my imported foods at Royal yesterday that the prices have gone up considerably. For example, Betty Crocker brownie mix is $5.90 a box, up from $5.30. I guess it all evens out.
From the December 2014 LTG archives, this post commemorates the tenth anniversary of Long Time Gone. Time flies, and I enjoyed reading my reflections on my life since moving to Korea. More changes were on the horizon — painful ones — but I survived and here I am. I also quoted one of my favorite Sara Teasdale poems:
It was a night of early spring, The winter-sleep was scarcely broken; Around us shadows and the wind Listened for what was never spoken.
Though half a score of years are gone, Spring comes as sharply now as then— But if we had it all to do It would be done the same again.
It was a spring that never came; But we have lived enough to know That what we never have, remains; It is the things we have that go.
Truer words were never spoken.
Eight years ago, I was walking the straight and narrow path towards the future in the Pyeongtaek chapter of my life.
Today’s YouTube video says the science is settled on these twelve myths. I don’t believe it.
Smile for me:
T-t-to-too bad f-f-fo-for you.Better a Reaper than a Raper, I suppose.Any cock will do, Susan.
On and on it goes. Today’s hike with the Wednesday Walkers was an ass-kicker, I’ll tell you about that tomorrow. Now it’s time to find out what Wednesday evening has in mind for me.
As Hash runs go, yesterday was not really to my liking. The trail markings were inconsistent, resulting in some wrong turns. The trail itself was muddy and slippery in places, especially with the numerous ups and downs. When I’d had enough, I bailed and did a street walk back to the On-Home venue, the new Cyclone Bar.
The Hashers gathered at the Alta Vista clubhouse for the start of the trail.Ant then we were On-On!The stragglers.And now we have the obligatory Easter Mountain shot taken care of.Off the pavement.And up the first hill.The view from here.And one of that bay they call Subic.Country living.Swan going down.Steppin’ on down.Hanging out at the On-Home.Then, making our way to the after-Hash gathering at It Doesn’t Matter.The Hare’s trail in red and my black alteration.
You have to take the good with the bad, and I’m just glad that I can still participate, even when I do it my way.
It’s December 2014 in the LTG archives now. I’ve accepted a job offer in Korea, rented out my Carolina house, and made the long journey back to The Land of the Morning Calm. I didn’t know then that my American life had come to its conclusion.
Today’s YouTube video is from a vlogger named George, one of the few I’ve actually met in person, and I occasionally see around town. He doesn’t post as frequently as he used to, and truth be told, I was never a consistent viewer. I noticed this one today because he mentions that life in Subic has become a rut for him. I’ve had similar feelings, and like him, I try to alleviate the “same-old, same-old” routine with intermittent travel. He lives on SBMA, which I would find more boring than Barretto. It is what it is, and at this stage of my life, I’m just going to ride it out.
Humor time:
Who’s the lucky one?That’s spineless.Why make it so hard on him?
