Has it stopped raining yet? Nein!

Interesting development regarding my house situation. Yesterday I got a call from the landlord Pablo’s mother. She said she was at the house and wanted to meet with me. So, I took a trike over to find out what was on her mind.

We started out with some interesting small talk. She’s obviously very intelligent and apparently extremely well-connected. She mentioned being part of the “Manila 400” for example. She also said her daughter is a member of the Philippines House of Representatives. Mrs. Ocampo told me she was raised in China (and speaks Chinese), formerly had a business in the USA before returning to the PI, and she is in fact the owner and developer of Alta Vista. Her name is own my lease agreement, not Pablo’s, so I know this to be true.

Anyway, if was a fascinating conversation. And then she was ready to get down to business. She asked what was the agreement I had reached with Pablo. I explained that it was what is in the lease agreement, with the exception that I would initially be paying the rent 6 months in advance rather than annually. She nodded and then dropped the bombshell. She wanted to keep the house I was planning to move into and asked if I would consider taking the house next door instead. I was pretty much gobsmacked and couldn’t quite grasp the reason for the switch, something about feng shui and her plans to have her daughter run for national office next year. I responded that I had already made arrangements and purchases for this house. She said I know we have an agreement, but would you at least look at the other house. So I did.

It’s a nice enough house, similar in size but with a different type floor plan, sort of on three levels. The view is equally as good as the first house, and this one is fully furnished. Still, there is the pain in the ass factor to consider. I’d already bought the aircon units for the first house and also have two beds, a stove and refrigerator due to be delivered tomorrow. Mrs. Ocampo assured me she would make all the arrangements for a smooth transition and I could tell she really, really wanted me to make the switch.

Damn. Well, I decided she’d make a better friend than an enemy (and I actually did like her quite a bit, much easier to communicate with than Pablo). So I somewhat reluctantly agreed to take the second house. She was very happy with that decision and told me the best part of this deal is she now considers me “family” and I could let her know if there is anything I ever need. So I guess that’s a good thing. Jesus, I hope so!

I’ll try and get up there for some photos of the new place today. If this fucking rain ever stops.