Damn, I might not be running dry but I’m at a low ebb. I think a big part of it is I’m just not feeling well of late. I’m hocking up crap from my lungs at a rate I haven’t done since before I was diagnosed with COPD. It’s worse when I’m laying down, and of course, it’s hard to sleep with a hacking cough/spitting out phlegm. Hopefully, this too shall pass soon.
At least my stye seems to have shrunk and is not as tender and painful now. So there’s that.
I guess my bad mood carried over into a “discussion” in one of the Facebook groups where I’m a member. Some dick posted this and it just rubbed me the wrong way for some reason:
One very simple truth about this country and all the people who retire here : the vast majority of you wouldn’t be here if the locals didn’t almost all speak your language.Lots of you where just being lazy eventually learning another language and thus live in another country. I honestly can’t see any other reason since for almost everything else, PH is a hell hole compared to most other options. I personally lived in other countries (Thailand, Argentina, Ukraine, etc.) and can find sooo many reasons why they were better experiences than PH.
If there was no English and almost no one spoke the language like in Cambodia (for example) the number of expats in Philippines would be divided by 10, minimum.
Prove me wrong? And if you can’t, then, although of course it’s a very important point, ask yourself : is it worth it to be in this country just because people can talk English? (Which implies easiness to find gfs, which is also a very very important point for most here) I guess some will think that yes, some won’t…
/ Discuss
I should have just ignored him and scrolled on down, which is my normal M.O. when I encounter an asshole. Instead, I responded thusly:
I don’t know you so I’ll overlook your arrogance and presumptuousness. And I don’t have to “prove” anything to you or anyone else.The common language was a factor but not the main reason for my choice. I lived in Korea for 12 years and overcame theĀ language barrier, at least well enough to get by. I chose the Philippines because I genuinely like the people and I’m comfortable here. I like the fact that my being here gives me a chance to make a difference in some of the lives I touch. I have a generous pension and could live pretty much anywhere. I considered Thailand but didn’t like the police state vibe. Cambodia is my Plan B or perhaps Vietnam. Bottom line, if I thought the Philippines was a “shithole” I wouldn’t be here.
It never ceases to amaze to encounter folks who hate their life, and yet here they are. Might I suggest a long look in the mirror to see what the real problem just might be?
I won’t be surprised if I get booted from the group. Not that I actually give a shit.
That’s how my day has gone so far. And really, if this is as bad as it gets I’m one lucky motherfucker.
Oh, please help me,
oh please help me,
I’m livin’ by myself.
I need someone to comfort me,
I need someone to tell.
I’m sorry for
the things I’ve done,
I’ve shamed myself with lies,
But soon these things
are overcome
And can’t be recognized.
I left my love
with ribbons on
And water in her eyes.
I took from her
the love I’d won
And turned it to the sky.
I’m sorry for
the things I’ve done,
I’ve shamed myself with lies,
My cruelty has punctured me
And now I’m running dry.
As a point of principle, I simply wouldn’t respond to someone weilding grammar that atrocious unless
A) They were demonstrably not a native English speaker or
B) It was part of an SOS message and lives were at stake.
Plus anyone who extends the number of ‘o’s in the word ‘so’ is usually out to mess with the adults.
Amusingly, of the countries the lying troll listed, one is a land of the coup where you’d better be polite in whatever you say about the king, one is still dealing with the social consequences of economic basketcasehood, and the other is kind of at war with Russia.
In conclusion, the Philippines is starting to look even better…
Soooooo, tell me how you REALLY feel, Dan. š
Yeah, his grammar makes mine look good, but I think you bottom line nailed it–he’s a troll.
Like you, I doubt he’s as well-traveled as he claims, but even if true, his choices make him lose credibility, not impress.
And the bottom line is always if you think it sucks here then leave. Don’t go around questioning the motives of others who have made better life decisions. And if the time ever comes when I’m not happy, I’ll move on without making a big deal over those who choose to stay.
Good succinct “back in your box” reply John, but as you allude, better to not engage with the disengaged!
Well, John, you already know my thoughts on learning the local language, so I won’t bother you with that nonsense. Let me register some concern, though, regarding your lungs. I hope you can get that problem looked at ASAP. Very little in life is scarier than suddenly being unable to breathe properly. Please get yourself checked out and let us know how that goes.
Kev, yeah I do understand your views on language acquisition in the place you choose to live. English is the “official” language here, and while not perfect, I’m trying to get better at it. Where I’m at in Central Luzon, the natives also speak Tagalog. Or more precisely, Taglish. It’s bizarre to be watching a Pinoy drama on TV and sometimes the dialog contains a few words in English. I have to check myself because I’m thinking “damn, I’m starting to understand Tagalog!” Anyway, I am picking up some words and phrases, but nowhere near the conversation level.
Yeah, I need to figure out what’s happening inside my lungs. My sinuses are clogged with snot and I’m coughing up some nasty looking shit. I checked online to see if I might have a mild case of pneumonia, but I don’t have a fever or anything like that. Luckily, I’m not having issues with lack of oxygen so far, just constant coughing which keeps me up half the night.
Hold on to your hat, but I’ve also decided to give up vaping. At least for now. I ran out of the juice I brought from the USA so I’ve been using some that I bought here. I’m not sure if I trust the ingredients. I’m going to give my lungs a break and see how they respond