Yesterday featured another fruitless quest for cash, a Hideaway feeding, and some quality time spent floating on the water. Yep, just another day in the life here in my version of paradise.
I don’t know if it is related to the enhanced breathing, but I’ve been feeling a tad more energetic of late. Hence, when contemplating my Sunday solo walk, I was willing to make the perilous journey on the National Highway to SBMA (the old Navy base) in an attempt to extract funds from the ATM at Harbor Point Mall. It had been quite some time since I’d walked this route because the heavy traffic and narrow shoulders made it less enjoyable than most of my hikes. Still, sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Coincidentally, Facebook memories reminded me of a walk I did three years ago where I took a photograph every one thousand steps. That may have been the last time I used that technique (nowadays, I use the 1.6K method), so I thought, why not give it a shot this time?
Ready? Here goes:
So, I get to the ATM at the BPI bank branch, insert my card, punch in the numbers, the machine makes the usual whirring sound as it counts the money, and then–nothing. A receipt comes out saying the cash could not be dispensed. I turned the machine over to the person waiting behind me and wished them good luck. I waited to see what would happen, and her transaction went through. Okay then, I’ll try again. She suggested I only withdraw 10,000 pesos, so I gave that a try. Nope, no dice. What’s up with that? So, I got home and checked my bank account, and it showed 30,000 pesos in ATM withdrawals. It seems BPI withdrew my funds and then didn’t dispense any money to me. Hopefully, they will self-correct the error; otherwise, I’ll visit the branch tomorrow.
Frustrating, to be sure, but nothing to be done but make the best of it. I did that by paying a visit to the Burger King inside the mall and having myself a meal.
I briefly considered walking back home, but I took a taxi instead. These are unmetered taxis, so I always ask the fare first, and when the driver said 500 pesos, I told him I usually only pay 400 and started to get out. He came back with 450, and I said okay. When I arrived home I gave him a 500 peso note and told him, Merry Christmas, keep the change.
Later in the afternoon, I baked a batch of brownies for the Hideaway girls and had their desired meals delivered from Jewel Cafe.
I left a little earlier than usual so I could enjoy the sunset from the Arizona floating bar.
The floating bar was very busy when I first arrived, and once again there was a large group of free spenders having a good time. I guess I was either remembered or putting out a vibe, because none of the unoccupied girls wasted anytime trying to extract lady drinks from me. Didn’t matter to me, I had company on the way.
We stayed until dark, then headed ashore. Had a nightcap at Oasis, then triked home for some smoothies and a little Netflix entertainment. I’ve been sleeping better, too–over seven hours a night the past few days.
And now it is Hash Monday. The trail is in Subic, and I’ve already been involved in the scouting, so I know what I’m in for. I’m going to take the easy route and avoid the jungle I encountered on Friday’s hike.
See you all tomorrow.
4000 steps: a rare moment of light traffic on the highway
That’s a narrow shoulder on the left. I’m sure that, like most Americans, you learned to always walk on the left side, facing traffic, but in this case, with the opposite shoulder being so much wider, wouldn’t it be safer on the right?
7000 steps: feeling grave
Look at all the litter. I’d be tempted to come back with a huge garbage bag and pick all of that up. Show the dead some respect. I know: the litter would just be back the next day.
It seems BPI withdrew my funds and then didn’t dispense any money to me. Hopefully, they will self-correct the error; otherwise, I’ll visit the branch tomorrow.
I’d call that a serious problem, but you don’t seem too stressed. Does this happen a lot?
Welcome aboard!
Nice sunset pic.
Great walk, all in all.
Glad to heat that the nose job seems to be quite the success.
Re: walking along the National Highway. I am an against the traffic walker, but seeing Kevin’s comment, I am guessing that the hassle/danger in trying to cross over to the other side is not worth the short distance with a wider shoulder.
Re: Hospital – how long has it been closed? If it was open when you arrived, how did it compare to the one you went to?
Brian, yes, I try to walk facing the traffic. The shoulders on the highway vary in width, so trying to stay on the broad side isn’t worth the effort. And the way people drive here, it is safer to see what is coming at you rather than be surprised from behind.
The old Lourdes Hospital closed about three years ago. It was nice to have a local facility, but other than some stitches once and some doctor appointments, I didn’t have a reason to use it. The new owner has totally refurbished the building, and hopefully, it will be staffed with quality healthcare providers and be at least as good as Baypointe.
Kev, the width of the shoulders varies constantly. And even when they are wide, the locals drive in them (especially the motorbikes). It is better to watch and be prepared to dodge if necessary.
It is a huge graveyard, and it is mainly kept moderately clean. I was shocked at that trashed area because it is not the norm.
The ATMs being out of money is not unusual; to have funds deducted from my account has only happened once before. The ATM did issue a receipt showing no cash had been dispensed, so I don’t expect I’ll have trouble getting reimbursed. It’s still a hassle, though.
McCrarey, I always enjoy your walk-along with me (steps) posts. I wish you would do more of them. I feel like I’m with you on the walk. In fact, I can actually hear the conversation we’re having as I tag along with you on the walk:
4,200 steps:
Soju:” McCrarey, did you fart again?”
McCrarey: “Soju, you know whoever smelt it dealt it.”
Soju:” McCrarey, you are wise beyond your years.”
McCrarey: “Tell me something I don’t already know Soju.”
4,800 steps:
Soju: “McCrarey, can you slow down, you know I’m a disabled vet.”
McCrarey:” STFU Soju, if i wanted to listen to bitching all day I would have stayed married.”
Soju:” McCrarey, you are wise beyond your years.”
McCrarey: “Soju, tell me something I don’t already know”
StarTrek, now we’re talkin!
Mr. Spock: What is the formula for pi?
Cherkov: Apple or blueberry, sir.
Peace Out!
Always glad to have you along, Soju. As I read this comment I couldn’t help but think, “thousands of comedians out of work, and HE’S trying to be funny!” That’s my kind of humor, though.