Wrapping up my first week of being retired. Where does the time go?

Well, last night I spent some time in the bars. Primarily Voodoo and Hot Zone. Voodoo was a big disappointment. The lineup of dancers was for the most part plus sized. That’s okay, I’m not there for the “take-out” anyway. But before I could even order up my first beer two gals came off the stage and hovered around my table giving me those big doe eyes which translates to “buy me a drink”. No thank you!

I moved on over to Hot Zone which is almost always a fun place to hangout. The dancers are actually talented and seem to enjoy putting on a show. I know I enjoyed watching them. Later some hashers came in and one of them actually remembered me. I mentioned I was now a named hasher and of course he asked what name? I proudly stated “Cum Together” but he didn’t seem too impressed and indicated that after my fifth hash with the Subic Bay kennel odds were good I’d be renamed. I honestly don’t care one way or the other.

So when it came time to take a piss I was surprised to encounter a rather unique urinal:

Hey, when you got to go you got to go! I actually found it quite funny and posted the photo to my Facebook. A couple of folks said in the comments that it was inappropriate and “not cool!” I responded fuck your PC bullshit. I moved to the Philippines to escape all that SJW melting snowflakes crap.

Of course, if I was still working that’s the kind of photo that could create some problems for me. But I ain’t working no more and I will post whatever I please thank you very much.

What else? Well, my balikbayan box has arrived in Manila. Now to figure out how to get the big ass and heavy thing up here in Olongapo. I’ll worry where to put all the contents of the box in this small apartment later.

It appears to have come through relatively unscathed.

I actually need to make a trip to Manila to initiate my retirement visa application so I’ll try and arrange to bring it back with me then. Maybe next week.

I’m interviewing a potential driver in the morning. I don’t need one more than once or twice a week for shopping and the occasional trip to Manila. I went to the grocery store yesterday and the taxi charged me 400 pesos, which is inclusive of the “foreigner tax”. I expect a Filipino would have paid 300-350 for the same ride. I’ll tell your what though, I’m not going to be one of those guys who get incensed over what amounts to 50 cents. Still, I’d like to have a reliable driver I can call on when needed with a prearranged pricing agreement.

Speaking of the supermarket, Royal Duty Free, I was a little bit disappointed. It’s a big store but the selection of things I would normally buy was limited (or maybe I just couldn’t find them). Prices were higher of course than what I’m used to paying in the commissary, no surprise there. But really, with the exception of meat, not really outrageous. For example, I like to snack on Planters Deluxe Mixed Nuts. I was paying about $5.35 a can on base, and at Royal I paid $6.60. Again, not too bad.

I was really unhappy with the fresh vegetables, especially the total lack of celery, one of my favorite snack options (sometimes with peanut butter). Oh well, next time I’ll try the other large supermarket, Puregold, and see what they stock. The store appears more upscale so perhaps I’ll find more of what delights me.

Really though, after seeing how much meat costs I might be better off eating out at the multitude of dining establishments right here in my neighborhood. Especially unless and until I purchase a grill. My crockpot is packed in that balikbayan box, so that will also give me more options once I have it here.

Life is good regardless. Happy to be here experiencing it.